When renting a vehicle, it may happen to encounter a minor issue, a breakdown, a flat tire or even an accident. In these situations, it is very important to know what to do and how to act, also depending on the terms of the insurance policy taken out with the rental agency.

Of course, everyone hopes never to face this kind of problem, but unexpected events can always occur. Does the insurance cover the damage? How should you behave? Today we want to answer the most frequently asked questions.

Vehicle breakdown

Among the most common questions we find: what should you do in the event of a breakdown? This could involve the car breaking down, a flat tire, or any other type of issue. In such cases, the first thing to do is to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers and the vehicle, and then contact roadside assistance according to the instructions provided when the vehicle was handed over.

The choice of insurance is crucial because, depending on its terms, the costs may be covered by the insurance or may be your responsibility. In most cases, you are asked to pay the expenses in advance, which are then reimbursed by the agency after opening a specific claim. In this situation, remember to keep all documents and invoices that may be required to obtain reimbursement or vehicle replacement.

Flat tire

In the event of a flat tire, depending on the insurance policy agreed with the agency, the costs may be borne either by the driver or by the rental company. If it is a minor puncture, you can handle the replacement yourself, considering that all rental cars are equipped with a spare tire. Remember to check this before departure.

Accident

In the event of an accident, it is necessary to follow some simple but essential recommendations. Once again, the first priority is to ensure the safety of the people involved and the vehicle, following standard safety procedures that should be adopted in these circumstances:

  • do not move injured people who complain of severe back or leg pain;
  • contact an ambulance and the fire brigade if necessary;
  • collect the other driver’s contact details, license plate number, and take photos of the scene if other vehicles or people are involved.

Remember that in the event of an accident, it is always advisable to contact the police, who can more accurately and thoroughly assess the circumstances and responsibilities.

What is included in the insurance?

Basic coverage varies depending on the insurance company, and at the time of booking it is often possible to extend the coverage to enjoy greater peace of mind throughout your trip. In this case, however, you will need to consider a higher daily rental cost compared to basic insurance.

Our advice is to carefully read the rental terms and conditions before proceeding with the booking and to contact the agency if you need further clarification. Being well informed before renting a car is also useful to understand how to behave in the various situations that may arise.

Can’t wait to start your journey? Rent your car in Olbia! Our rental agency is ready to welcome you with a wide vehicle fleet and the possibility to choose from different types of insurance coverage.