Whether you’re renting a car during a family vacation or as a temporary replacement while your vehicle is in the shop, it’s important to be aware of what to do if you’re involved in a collision. From towing responsibilities to informing another party, the protocol for dealing with a rental car accident differs slightly from one in your own vehicle. Here are four steps to take if you wreck a rental car.

What to Do if You’re Driving a Rental Car During an Accident

1. Check for Injuries

The most crucial step to take after any accident is to make sure everyone’s okay. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries first, then verify that others on the scene are safe. If anyone’s seriously hurt, call an emergency service before proceeding.

2. Exchange Information

For insurance purposes, it’s essential to know who the other driver was and how to contact them. Collect their name, phone number or email, insurance policy number, license plate number, and vehicle model. It may be helpful to document the accident with photos during this time as well.

3. Call the Rental Company

Cleanup and towing might not be your responsibility, so call the company you rented from to ask what to do moving forward. If you’re not sure how to reach them, look in the car’s glove box for a sticker or paperwork that lists an emergency contact number. Ask them to suggest a local towing service if their policy requires you to move the vehicle to a new location.

4. Contact Your Insurance Agency

If you have an insurance plan with collision and comprehensive coverage, the rental car was likely protected. Either way, it’s essential to inform your insurance provider about the damage and decide who will file an accident report with the police. While you’re on the phone, ask about your deductible so you can prepare for the unexpected bill.

If you need a tow truck, contact Discount Towing and Recovery in Mountain Home, AR. They’re available to help around the clock, and they pride themselves on being punctual and professional. In addition to towing, they offer jump-starts, used auto parts, and roadside assistance, including fuel delivery and tire changes within a 60-mile radius of their business. Call (870) 425-1775 to request a truck, or visit them online to learn more about their services.