Renting a car for your holidays is the best solution to explore a destination at your own pace. However, it is important to consider several aspects of car rental beyond just choosing the vehicle. For example, you need to know what to do in case of an accident, as well as what the CDW insurance covers and which situations are included in the deposit required at the time of rental.
What happens in case of a breakdown? How should you act?
Procedure to Follow in Case of a Breakdown
Knowing what to do in case of a rental car breakdown is useful to enjoy your trip with peace of mind, understanding how to act in different situations. First of all, it’s important to contact the rental agency you chose. This way, you can confirm the procedures to follow if your car breaks down.
In case of a breakdown during a rental, costs may be charged to either the rental company or the renter, depending on the circumstances that caused the problem. Generally, costs that are not directly related to the use of the car are the responsibility of the renter. For example, if the driver notices a malfunction or warning light, it should be reported immediately to avoid worsening the issue. If the rental agency is unreachable and immediate repairs are necessary, costs must be advanced and then reimbursed later.
Rules of Conduct
If the vehicle suffers damage while traveling, it’s always important to first protect passengers and the car. Therefore, in case of a problem, it is recommended to stop as soon as possible to assess whether to contact the rental agency or roadside assistance.
If the situation requires it, stop immediately in a safe place, such as a parking area or emergency lane. Turn on the hazard lights, have all passengers move away from the car, wear a safety vest, and place the warning triangle at a safe distance if the vehicle is obstructing traffic.
At this point, all you need to do is contact the rental agency and follow the procedure they have indicated.
Who Pays?
As mentioned, any breakdown not directly caused by the driver will be covered by the rental company. For this reason, it is very important not to continue the trip if you notice something is wrong or if warning lights indicate a problem. If the vehicle shows damage due to the driver’s negligence, the costs will be the driver’s responsibility.
If the agency is unreachable and it is not possible to follow the standard procedure, roadside assistance must be called. In this case, however, you must prove that the agency was genuinely unreachable, cover the costs upfront, and then submit a reimbursement request.
Want to know how renting a vehicle with Ellepi works? Check out our service guide!
