When you hire a car to explore this beautiful island, the last thing on your mind is an accident. However, in the event of a problem, it’s best to know how to react. Whether it’s a simple fender-bender, or a more serious accident, here’s a step-by-step guide to dealing with a rental car accident on Irish soil.
First and foremost, make sure that both you and the other people involved are safe. Your health is our priority!
If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or to a safe area to avoid further incidents, and make sure that everyone involved in the accident does not require emergency treatment.
If this is the case, or if in doubt, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call for help. If you notice even minor injuries, or if the impact was particularly violent, contact the emergency services immediately by dialing 112 or 999 for the Republic of Ireland, or 999 for Northern Ireland.
If the damage is significant or if there are any injuries, it is advisable to contact the local police. In Ireland, it’s the Gardaí you have to warn. They will draw up a report that can be crucial when making a declaration to the insurance company.
Be sure to provide detailed information: this is crucial if you are to be properly compensated later on.
Then collect the contact details of the other parties involved: name, address, telephone number and insurance details. Also take photos of the vehicles, the damage and the scene of the accident. This information will make it easier for you to get started later.
Feel free to draw the scene that led to the incident.
Once the first steps have been taken, inform the rental company of the accident as soon as possible. They will provide you with the specific steps to follow according to your rental contract.
Depending on the severity of the accident, you may be required to complete an accident declaration form. This document details the circumstances of the accident, and may be required for insurance purposes.
Most rental contracts include insurance. However, it is essential to know the details of your coverage. In the event of an accident, check the terms of your insurance policy to find out to what extent you are covered.
When you rent a car in Ireland, you invariably pay a deposit. In the event of an accident, the rental company will automatically debit your card.
The basic idea is always the same: you pay first, then the rental company discusses the matter with you.
The company will then investigate your accident. The vehicle’s condition, the conditions in which the accident occurred, the intervention of experts and estimates for repairs…
These procedures are time-consuming, and will help you to know what sauce you’re going to be eaten with. Allow a few weeks before contacting the agency again.
At the end of this period, you will potentially be reimbursed… unless the accident was too serious.
In this case, you’ll need to call on your personal insurance. The Gold card can be a valuable asset in this type of dispute. Most of these payment cards include car rental insurance. This means that in the event of damage to the rented vehicle, the insurance associated with the card used to pay the deposit may intervene to cover all or part of the costs, depending on the terms of the contract.
If a charge is made against your deposit as a result of an incident with the rented car, your Gold card may entitle you to reimbursement of the excess, subject to the terms and limits of the guarantee.
In the event of a problem, rather than negotiating directly with the rental agency, you can contact your Gold card’s customer service department, which will guide you through the steps you need to take to activate your insurance and obtain a refund.
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