Accident abroad: What to do if there's a crash on vacation?
Created: 06/26/2022, 06:07
By: Simon Mones
An accident abroad is annoying.
But how do you behave properly when things get rough on vacation?
What documents should you have ready?
Munich – In a few weeks, some federal states will already be saying: finally summer holidays.
Accordingly, the large tourist traffic starts again.
While some travelers just want to get to the nearest airport, others drive their own car on their summer vacation abroad - where different rules often apply.
Most of them should plan for traffic jams, but not so much an accident abroad.
However, if the worst comes to the worst, you should be prepared and know what to do.
In principle, you should always have a European accident report to hand when you are abroad.
This is available, for example, from the ADAC, where there are also accident leaflets for the respective travel destination.
Also not missing, because it is mandatory: warning triangle, high-visibility vests, first-aid kit.
Sometimes other, sometimes strange objects have to be carried in the car abroad.
If you are involved in an accident abroad, there are a few things that drivers need to be aware of.
(Iconic image) © Elmar Gubisch/Imago
Accident abroad: What to do if there's a crash on vacation?
However, the green card – which is issued free of charge by your own car insurance company – is no longer that important when traveling abroad in the EU.
It can also safely stay at home in Switzerland, Serbia, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Great Britain and Montenegro.
"In other countries such as Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkey, Russia and North Macedonia, the green card is mandatory," emphasizes the ADAC.
The reason: The green card serves as proof of liability insurance abroad and contains all the relevant data about the car and insurance.
The ADAC also advises asking the car insurance company if you are unsure whether the document is required in the country you are traveling to.
In addition, it makes sense to save important numbers before you travel, for example those of the automobile club, the claims service of your own insurance company and local emergency numbers or the telephone number of the German emergency call agency in the holiday country.
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Accident abroad: record the data of the other party involved in the accident
As in Germany, it is also important abroad to have the data of the other party involved in the accident.
In addition to the name and address of the driver or owner, you should also note the license plate number, insurance company and insurance policy number, and the number of the green card, if applicable.
All of this data is requested in the European Accident Report, which you should fill out together with the other party involved in the accident.
In some countries there is information on liability on a sticker on the windscreen.
Accident abroad: the police don't always have to come
A question that inevitably arises when there is an accident abroad is: When should I call the police?
Basically whenever someone is injured.
"In addition, if the damage to property is high, if you cannot come to an agreement with the other party involved in the accident, if he has no proof of insurance or if he escapes from the accident," advises the ADAC.
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However, the police do not always have to come: in France, for example, bagatelle do not have to be recorded.
In other countries, however, the police must be called in the event of any property damage.
Drivers should therefore obtain detailed information in advance.
If there is a police operation, you should definitely ask for an accident report!
Accident abroad: Some claims can be asserted in Germany
There are also differences when it comes to asserting one's own claims.
If there is a dispute in an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Great Britain, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you can claim it in Germany.
The central call of German car insurers (telephone number: 08002502600) tells you who is responsible as the regulatory officer.
The compensation law of the country of the accident applies.
In the event of an accident outside the EU, drivers in most countries must contact the relevant insurance company directly.
Accident abroad: Lawyer can help
It is also advisable to find out in advance which costs will be covered in the event of an accident abroad.
"So expenses for lawyers and experts are often not reimbursed, and other rules also apply to rental cars and loss of use," explains the ADAC.
It may therefore make sense to hire a lawyer.
A lawyer can also be helpful in the event of an accident involving personal injury, which is assessed very differently depending on the country.
In addition, anyone who wants to claim compensation for pain and suffering after an accident should visit a doctor on site, since German certificates are generally not recognized by foreign insurance companies.
In addition, injuries should be recorded by the police.
