Breakdowns and Accidents

Tips for When Your Vehicle Breaks Down

The first consideration should be for the safety of yourself and your passengers
Determine your location by noticing landmarks, signs, road markers, etc.
Pull off the road as far as possible to the right and on level ground
If you cannot get your vehicle to a location away from traffic or if you are uncertain about your safety and think your vehicle may be struck from behind, do not stay in the vehicle
If you smell gas extinguish any lit cigarettes and exit the vehicle immediately
Do not stand behind or directly in front of your vehicle
Do not risk injury by attempting to push your vehicle to a safe location
If you cannot pull off the road turn on the vehicle safety flashers, place flares or warning triangles directing traffic away from you
Raise your vehicle's hood and tie a brightly colored cloth, etc. to the antenna or door handle
If you have a cell phone call for roadside assistance or help immediately. Make the call from your vehicle if you are safely out of traffic. Otherwise, call from a safe distance from the vehicle and the roadside
In most circumstances if you are able to pull away from traffic, it is safest to remain in your vehicle until help arrives
If you have no cell phone and must rely on the assistance of a stranger, have them notify the authorities for you
Remain calm and cooperative when assistance reaches your location

If you are involved in an accident while driving, you must stop.
If anyone is hurt, you must get help.
Pull over to the side of the road if possible and turn on your hazard lights
Contact the appropriate law enforcement agency and request immediate assistance (dial 911)
Trade information with everyone involved in the accident:
- Name, address, phone number of all drivers
- Name, address, phone number of all passengers and/or witnesses
- Driver's license numbers and license plate numbers
- Insurance companies of all drivers involved
- Registered owners of all cars
- Year, model, make, etc. of all cars involved
Do not discuss what happened with anyone but the police. Do not say it was your fault, and do not make accusations. Take your own notes of what happened if conditions allow and photos of the scene and vehicles if possible
Immediately report the accident to your insurance company
If you have or suspect an injury, visit the doctor right away

Follow steps listed above in "Tips in Case of an Accident", and add the following steps
Call the police, even with very minor accidents where negligible damage occurs
If the police do not show up (in minor accidents) then file a state vehicle accident report through a local police station or on the state's department of motor vehicles website
Notify the rental agency about the accident, immediately if possible, if not then within 24 hours
Check your rental contract to see if there's a number to call for the office where the car was rented...if not then call the company's emergency roadside assistance number instead to report the accident
Follow directions of the rental company concerning the drivability of the rental car or securing a replacement vehicle to continue your trip
Be aware of the insurance coverage available through rental agencies. If no rental insurance was purchased your personal insurance will be the primary insurance