What happens if my rental car is damaged, stolen or involved in an accident?
First of all, take a deep breath! We know accidents and vehicle damage can be incredibly stressful, but we're right here to help you navigate the process smoothly. Your safety is always our number one priority.
Step-by-Step Guide:
If anyone is injured or there is any danger to others, please call local emergency services right away (like 112 in Europe or 911 in the US).
It's a great idea to get a formal police report if another person was involved in the incident, or if your rental agreement asks for one (even for small, solo scratches). When in doubt, giving the police a quick call to document the scene is the best way to protect yourself!
Give the number on your rental agreement or voucher a call. They’ll gladly guide you on towing, replacement vehicles, and where to drop off the car.
It's always best to let their team handle any repairs to keep your rental contract in good standing!
Snap plenty of clear photos and videos of the damage, the surrounding area, and details from anyone else involved. Holding onto physical copies of police reports and any documents the supplier gives you is also super helpful.
The supplier will take a look at the damage when you return the car. If there are repair costs, they'll usually deduct that amount (up to your deductible limit) directly from your security deposit.
If you purchased our Full Coverage, you'll simply pay the supplier at the desk first, and then file a claim with us so we can assist you further.
"I have Full Coverage, so I shouldn't have to pay anything at the rental desk."
Full Coverage works as a reimbursement policy. You'll just need to pay the supplier for the damages first (which usually comes out of your security deposit), and then we'll happily step in once you submit a claim.
💡Did you know?
There is a big difference between standard waivers and Full Coverage!
Most standard Collision Damage Waivers (CDW) included in basic rental prices don't cover tires, windows, mirrors, or the undercarriage.
The great news is that our Full Coverage generally does protect these vulnerable items!
What To Do Next:
Active Emergency
Give the Roadside Assistance number on your physical rental contract a call as soon as you're safe.
File a Claim
If you've already paid for damages and have DiscoverCars Full Coverage, just log in to the "My Booking" section on our website and select "Submit a Claim." We recommend doing this as soon as you can, and ideally within 90 days of dropping off the car.
A quick note:
If your booking specifically included "Full Protection from RentalCover," you'll file your claim directly at their website.
If it included "Sincera Full Coverage," you'll file directly on their website, also within 90 days of dropping off your car.
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