Guide to Handling a Rental Car Accident in Belgium
An Unexpected Detour: A Guide to Handling a Rental Car Accident in Belgium
An accident in a foreign country is one of a traveler's biggest fears. The unfamiliar roads, language barriers, and different procedures can turn a stressful situation into a nightmare. However, if you find yourself in a car accident in your rental car in Belgium, being prepared can make all the difference. This guide is designed to walk you through the process calmly and methodically, ensuring you handle the situation correctly and protect yourself from unnecessary complications.
Your Step-by-Step Guide at the Accident Scene
1. Prioritize Safety
Your first action is to prevent any further incidents. Turn on your vehicle's hazard lights immediately.
- If it is safe to do so and your car is movable, pull over to the side of the road
- If the car cannot be moved, or if you are on a busy motorway, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on until it is safe to exit
2. Assess for Injuries and Call for Emergency Help
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Then, if it is safe to exit the vehicle, check on the occupants of the other vehicle(s).
If anyone is injured, call 112 immediately!This number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services and can be dialed from any phone, free of charge.
3. Secure the Scene
Belgian law requires you to wear a high-visibility safety vest whenever you exit your vehicle on a motorway or a road where you cannot stop on the shoulder.
- Put on the high-visibility safety vest before you get out
- Place the red warning triangle on the road to warn oncoming traffic
- Regular road: 30 meters behind your vehicle
- Motorway: 100 meters behind your vehicle
4. Contact the Police (When Necessary)
You are legally required to call the police in Belgium under the following circumstances:
- There are injuries
- There is a significant dispute about who is at fault
- The other driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- The other driver attempts to leave the scene
- The accident is blocking traffic significantly
Emergency Numbers: 101 (local police) or 112
5. Exchange Information (Do Not Admit Fault)
Calmly exchange essential details with the other driver(s). You will need:
- Full name, address, and phone number
- Driver's license information
- The name of their insurance company and their policy number
- The vehicle's make, model, and license plate number
CRUCIAL: Describe the facts of the accident but do not apologize or admit fault, either verbally or in writing. Let the insurance companies determine liability.6. Document Everything
Gather as much evidence as you can. This will be invaluable for the insurance claim.
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos
This documentation process is a critical step before moving any vehicles (unless they are causing a major obstruction and there are no injuries).
Minor Scrape or Major Collision? Tailoring Your Response
| Feature | Minor Accident fender bender, no injuries | Major Accident injuries, significant damage, or dispute |
|---|---|---|
| Police Involvement | Generally not required if all parties are cooperative and agree on the facts. Focus on filling out the accident statement together. | Mandatory Call 112 immediately. The police will create an official report which is crucial for insurance and legal purposes. |
| Filling out the Accident Statement | This is your primary document. Fill out the European Accident Statement form jointly with the other driver. Ensure all facts are correct before signing. | Fill out your section of the form for your own records, but do not feel pressured to sign a joint statement if you are shaken or there is a dispute. The police report will be the primary source of information. |
| Contacting the Rental Company | Report the incident as soon as you are in a safe location after leaving the scene. Follow their specific instructions for reporting minor damage. | Call your rental company's emergency/roadside assistance number immediately from the scene. They need to know the vehicle's status and will guide you on towing and replacement. |
| Vehicle Condition | Assess if the car is safe to drive (check lights, tires, mirrors). If it is, you may be able to continue your journey after reporting the incident. | The vehicle will likely be undrivable. Do not attempt to drive it. Wait for instructions from the police and your rental company regarding towing services. |
Crucial Details to Master
Inside the glove box or document folder of your rental car, you will find a European Accident Statement form. This standardized form is used across Europe to record the facts of an accident.
What it is:
It is a factual record, not an admission of guilt. It has two sides (Vehicle A and Vehicle B) with identical fields for each driver to complete.
How to fill it out:
- Each driver fills out their own column with their details, insurance information, and vehicle data
- The central section has checkboxes to indicate the circumstances of the accident
- There is a space to draw a simple sketch of the accident scene, showing the position of the vehicles, road signs, and direction of travel
The Signature:
Once both parties agree that the facts recorded are accurate, both drivers sign the single form. You then separate the two carbon-copy pages; each driver keeps one to send to their insurance provider.
Your smartphone is your best tool for evidence gathering. Take clear photos of:
- Damage: Close-up photos of the damage to all vehicles involved
- The Scene: Wider shots showing the final positions of the cars, traffic signs, road markings, and any debris
- Identification: Photos of the other vehicle's license plate and the European Accident Statement form after it has been filled out
- Conditions: Capture the general weather and road conditions at the time
Your rental agreement is a contract, and it requires you to report any and all incidents.
When:
- Major accidents: Call their 24/7 roadside assistance line immediately from the scene
- Minor scrapes: Call as soon as you are safely off the road. Do not wait until you return the car
What:
Have your rental agreement number, location, and a brief, factual description of the incident ready. They will provide you with a case number and instruct you on the next steps, which may include where to take the car for assessment or how to arrange a replacement.
This is a legal principle that means your statements cannot be used as an admission of guilt. While you should always be cooperative and truthful, stick to the facts.
Avoid speculative language or apologies like:
"I'm so sorry, it was my fault."
Simply state what happened:
"The other car pulled out from the side street, and my vehicle impacted its side."
This protects you during the insurance investigation.
Driving Forward: Final Steps and Preparedness
Handling a car accident in Belgium comes down to three things: staying calm, documenting everything thoroughly, and using the European Accident Statement form correctly. By following these procedures, you provide your rental company and their insurance provider with everything they need to manage the claim efficiently.
The best way to handle an accident is to be prepared for one before it ever happens. Before you even drive away from the rental car lot, take these proactive steps:
Get Back on Track
With this knowledge and preparation, you can confidently face an unexpected detour, knowing you have the tools to navigate it and get your journey back on track.