What to Do After an Accident in a Rental Car

What to Do After an Accident in a Rental Car in Phuket

If you are involved in an accident while driving a rental car, remain calm, make sure everyone is safe and contact Thailand Rent-a-Car immediately.

Contact Details

Thailand Rent-a-Car: +66 94-978-3102
Email for documents: rent@thailandrentacar.com

Royal Thai Police: 191
Tourist Police: 1155
Emergency Medical Services: 1669
Fire Department: 199

Email is not a substitute for an urgent phone call. In the event of an accident, call the company manager first.

Immediate Steps After an Accident

  1. Stop immediately and switch on the hazard warning lights.

  2. Check the condition of the driver, passengers and other people involved. If anyone is injured, call 1669. If there is an immediate danger, call the police on 191.

  3. Do not leave the accident scene.

  4. Do not move the vehicle until you have taken photos and videos. Move it only to prevent an immediate danger or when instructed by the police, Thailand Rent-a-Car or the insurance company’s representative.

  5. Call the Thailand Rent-a-Car manager immediately:

+66 94-978-3102

Provide the following information:

  • driver’s name and telephone number;

  • vehicle registration number and model;

  • exact location or GPS coordinates;

  • time of the accident;

  • whether anyone is injured;

  • number of vehicles or people involved;

  • a brief description of what happened;

  • whether the vehicle can still be driven.

  1. Take detailed photos and videos of the accident scene.

  2. Do not admit liability, promise compensation or pay another party without approval from Thailand Rent-a-Car and the insurance company.

  3. Do not sign documents in Thai or another language if you do not understand them. Ask for a translation or contact the Tourist Police on 1155.

  4. Wait for instructions from the manager and the insurance company’s representative. Do not arrange towing or repairs yourself.

  5. If the police attend the scene, obtain the accident documents or information about when and where they can be collected.

When to Call the Police

Call 191 if:

  • anyone is injured or killed;

  • another party leaves the scene;

  • the parties disagree about what happened;

  • public or third-party property is damaged;

  • alcohol or drug impairment is suspected;

  • a vehicle is seriously damaged;

  • the road is blocked;

  • a pedestrian is involved;

  • the vehicle or any of its parts is stolen;

  • the damage involves fire, vandalism or another unlawful act.

Foreign visitors may also contact the Tourist Police on 1155.

Photos and Videos

Before moving any vehicle, record:

  • wide views of the accident scene from all directions;

  • the position of each vehicle on the road;

  • road markings, signs and traffic lights;

  • registration plates of all vehicles;

  • damage to the rental vehicle;

  • damage to other vehicles or property;

  • skid marks, debris and relevant objects;

  • weather and road conditions;

  • the other party’s details and insurance information;

  • witness contact details, if available.

Take both wide and close-up images. We recommend at least 10 photos and several short videos.

If the vehicle has a dashboard camera, preserve the recording and do not delete it.

Send the materials to the manager. Documents may also be emailed to: rent@thailandrentacar.com

Communicating With the Other Party

Record or photograph, with their consent:

  • their name and telephone number;

  • vehicle registration number;

  • vehicle make and model;

  • insurance company details;

  • insurance policy number, if available.

Do not give your original passport or driving licence to another party. Original documents should only be presented to authorised police officers, the insurance company’s representative or the Thailand Rent-a-Car manager.

Do not argue or attempt to determine liability yourself.

Dealing With the Insurance Company

The Thailand Rent-a-Car manager will notify the insurance company and explain the next steps.

If an on-site inspection is required, wait for the insurance representative and follow their instructions. Obtain:

  • the insurance claim reference number;

  • confirmation that the claim has been registered;

  • the representative’s contact details;

  • instructions about the next steps.

Do not agree to repairs, towing or a cash settlement without approval from Thailand Rent-a-Car.

Police Documents

If the police handle the accident:

  • provide a complete and truthful account;

  • state the exact location, time and direction of travel;

  • check the vehicle registration number and personal details;

  • request a translation if you do not understand a document;

  • do not sign incomplete or unclear documents;

  • obtain a copy of the police report or instructions on where and when it can be collected.

Photograph every document and send the images to the manager.

Original documents or certified copies must be provided to Thailand Rent-a-Car within the period specified in the rental agreement and the manager’s instructions.

Medical and Alcohol Testing

If the police lawfully require a medical examination or alcohol or drug test, cooperate with their instructions.

Keep all medical reports, certificates and receipts. Refusing a lawful test, driving under the influence or leaving the accident scene may violate Thai law, the rental agreement and the insurance policy.

Minor Accidents

Even if the damage appears minor and no one is injured:

  • do not arrange a private cash settlement;

  • do not leave without approval;

  • contact the manager;

  • take photos and videos;

  • wait for the insurance company’s instructions.

A private settlement may make an insurance claim more difficult or invalid.

If the Other Party Leaves the Scene

Try to record:

  • the registration number;

  • vehicle make, model and colour;

  • direction of travel;

  • a description of the driver;

  • dashboard camera footage;

  • witness contact details.

Call the manager and the police on 191 immediately. Do not attempt to chase the other vehicle.

Damage Not Caused by a Traffic Collision

Theft or Unlawful Damage

If the vehicle, its parts or equipment are stolen or damaged by another person:

  1. Do not move the vehicle or touch possible evidence.

  2. Call the police on 191.

  3. Call the manager on +66 94-978-3102.

  4. Take photos and videos.

  5. File a report at the local police station.

  6. Obtain a copy of the police report or confirmation that the report was accepted.

  7. Provide the documents to the manager.

Fire

In the event of a fire:

  1. Move away from the vehicle to a safe location.

  2. Call the Fire Department on 199.

  3. If anyone is injured, call 1669.

  4. Notify the Thailand Rent-a-Car manager.

  5. Do not attempt to fight a serious fire yourself.

  6. Take photos and videos once it is safe.

  7. Obtain documents from the police or fire service if a report is issued.

Natural Events and Falling Objects

If the vehicle is damaged by flooding, a storm, a fallen tree, building materials or another external event:

  1. Do not use the vehicle if it may be unsafe.

  2. Photograph the vehicle and surrounding area.

  3. Record the exact location and time.

  4. Contact the manager.

  5. Follow the insurance company’s instructions.

  6. Do not arrange repairs or towing yourself.

Breakdown Without an Accident

If the vehicle breaks down without a collision or external damage:

  1. Stop in a safe location if possible.

  2. Switch on the hazard warning lights.

  3. Call the Thailand Rent-a-Car manager.

  4. Do not attempt repairs yourself.

  5. Do not arrange third-party towing without approval.

Important Information

Failure to follow the required procedure, delayed notification, leaving the scene, unauthorised repairs or a private settlement may affect insurance coverage and the renter’s liability under the rental agreement and insurance policy.

Always follow the instructions of the police, Thailand Rent-a-Car and the authorised insurance representative.