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

Damage to a rental car is a scenario that nobody wants and can create a lot of anxiety. Whether it is a minor scratch, a small bump, or a more serious crash, it is essential to know what actions to take to handle the whole situation effectively and without extra expenses. What should be done right after damaging a rental car? What is the renter’s duty and what kinds of insurance can help? You will find all this information later in the article.

What are the initial actions after harming a rental car?

The first action is to prioritize safety: stop the car, secure the area, and check for any injuries. The rental company should be contacted right away and their guidance should be followed. In the case of a crash or accident, it is usually necessary to call the police and make a report. It is also wise to take pictures of the incident and gather witness information, which will help in resolving the situation later on.

It is important to note that, based on the current laws in Romania, in certain cases it is required to call the police to the accident scene. This is always needed if someone was hurt in the accident or if at least three vehicles were part of the accident. In other situations, drivers can complete a friendly accident report. The notification must be sent to the insurance company within a maximum of 24 hours after the crash happened.

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.