Immediate steps
- Stop, switch on hazard lights and check whether anyone is injured.
- Call the emergency services if there are injuries — in most of Europe and the UAE that is 112.
- Do not move the vehicles until you know whether local rules require it.
- Photograph the scene before anything is moved: positions, damage, plates and road markings.
Why the police report matters
Many rental agreements make cover conditional on a police record, even for minor damage with no third party involved. Without it, a supplier can decline the claim and charge the full repair.
Rules differ on whether police attend minor incidents, but where a report is available, obtain it. It costs nothing and protects the claim.
Notify the rental company immediately
Call the number on the agreement from the scene if you can. Suppliers set a notification deadline, and a late report can void the claim regardless of fault.
Follow the instructions given — they may want the car recovered rather than driven, and driving a damaged car against instruction can shift liability to you.
What to collect
From the other party
Name, contact details, registration, insurer and policy number. Photograph their documents rather than transcribing them.
From the scene
Wide shots showing the layout, close shots of every point of contact, and any visible skid marks or debris.
From the authorities
The report reference and the station handling it, so the supplier can follow it up.
Afterwards
Keep every document until the deposit has been released and any claim closed. The deposit will normally be held while the claim is assessed, which can take considerably longer than a routine rental.