Damage to a rental car: what to do? DES characters

Damage to a rental car it’s a situation that no one wants and can cause a lot of stress. Whether it’s a small scratch, a small collision or a more serious accident, it’s important to know what steps to take to get through the entire process efficiently and without unnecessary costs. What should be done immediately after damage to a rental car? What is the renter’s responsibility and what types of insurance can be used? You will read all this later in the article.

What are the first steps after damaging a rental car?

The first step is to ensure safety: stop the vehicle, secure the scene and check for injuries. The rental company should therefore be contacted immediately and their instructions followed. In the event of a collision or accident it is often necessary to call the police and file a report. It is also recommended to take photos of the accident and collect witness data, which will facilitate the subsequent resolution of the case.

It is worth mentioning that, according to the legislation in force in Romania, in certain situations it is mandatory to call the police to the scene of the accident. This is always necessary if one person was injured in the accident or if at least three vehicles were involved in the accident. In other cases, drivers can fill out a friendly accident report. The notification must be sent to the insurer within a maximum of 24 hours after the collision occurred.

Does any damage have to be reported to the car rental company?

Yes, any damage must be reported to the car rental company, even if it appears minor. The regulations of most companies include the obligation to inform immediately of any damage to the vehicle. Failure to report may be considered a breach of contract and may result in additional costs or even the loss of the protection provided by the insurance purchased.

At DEX CAR we always carry out a detailed check of the vehicle upon delivery. We draw up a report and take photos of the car. There is therefore no risk of being burdened with additional costs. Remember to report even the smallest damage or any road accident to us.

The role of insurance in case of damage to the car

Insurance plays a key role in the event of damage to a rental car, as it determines who covers repair costs and to what extent. The standard insurance provided by rental companies usually covers damage resulting from collisions, theft or unexpected events, but usually includes an excess paid by the driver.

With DEX CAR you get full insurance, including CASCO – FREE. We offer not only financial protection, but also peace of mind and comfort while traveling, even in unexpected situations on the road.

Who pays for the repair costs of a rental car: the customer or the rental company?
If the damage is covered by the policy and the driver has respected the terms of the contract, the costs are covered by the insurance – possibly with the participation of the customer. On the contrary, if the damage was caused by the driver’s fault and the insurance does not cover that type of damage or the rental conditions were not respected, the costs could be charged in full to the customer.

By renting a car from DEX CAR, you will receive the full CASCO for free, so you will not have to bear the costs of damages, unless you break the rules set out in the rental contract.

What happens if you don’t report the damage to the rental company?

Failure to report the damage to the car rental company can have serious consequences. Firstly, this is a breach of contract, which may result in you being charged the full cost of the repair, even if the damage would normally have been covered by insurance. The company may also charge additional administration fees or, in extreme cases, refuse future rentals. Therefore any damage, even minor, must be reported immediately.

How to document damage to a rental vehicle?

It’s best to take clear photos and video footage from multiple angles that show both the damage and your surroundings. It is useful to note the date, place and circumstances of the accident and, if other people were involved, record the details. Don’t forget to take photographs of the other vehicles involved and the damage they sustained. This documentation facilitates reporting the damage to the rental company and speeds up the compensation process.

We invite you to consult our long-term car rental offer lung OR short. You can find the list of available models here.

Also see our related articles: “Which car to rent in winter?”, “What you need to pay attention to when renting a car” and “The 5 most common mistakes when renting a car.”

Dacia Logan

(2024-2026, Manual)

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Dacia Logan

(2025, Automatic)

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The new Duster

(2025-2026, Manual)

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The new Duster

(2025-2026, Automata)

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Skoda Kamiq

(2026, Automatic)

Petrol, 5 passengers

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Dacia Jogger

(2025, Textbook)

Petrol + LPG, 7 passengers

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Renault Arkana

(2026, Automata)

Hybrid, 5 passengers

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Skoda Octavia

(2025-2026, Automata)

Diesel, 5 passengers

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Renault Austral-E

(2025, Automatic)

Hybrid, 5 passengers

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Ford Transit

(2023, Textbook)

Diesel, 3 passengers

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MAZDA CX60

(2025, Automatic)

Diesel Mild Hybrid, 5 passengers

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Range Rover

(2024, Automatic)

Hybrid diesel, 5 passengers

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BMW M4 Competition

(2024, Automatic)

Petrol, 4 passengers

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