What to do if your self-drive rental car breaks down in Hyderabad?

When you are behind the wheel, safe driving should always be your top priority. Whether it’s your own vehicle or a car on rent in Hyderabad, the responsibility remains the same. Often, after navigating through a crowded city road, drivers tend to speed up once they hit the highway. Such behaviour can easily lead to serious accidents. If you happen to be driving a rented vehicle, the situation becomes more complicated, involving the rental company, insurance providers, and other formalities. Now, if the rental car your are driving gets into accident, here are some essential steps you should follow:

Seek immediate Assistance after an Accident

The first step you must take is to call for assistance. Dial the ambulance helpline immediately. If possible, raise your voice and ask for help. In case the accident occurs in a crowded area, bystanders may step in to help you and your family get out of the vehicle. They can also direct you to the closest hospital. This applies if you couldn't connect with the ambulance service or received adequate support from the people nearby.

Car Rental Accident Insurance: Inform the Rental Insurance Provider

Most rental cars usually come insured by the rental company. It's always wise to request the insurance documents beforehand. If the car lacks insurance, you may face higher penalty fees for any damages caused. Even with coverage, not all damage types fall under the policy terms. Therefore while booking carefully examine the insurance paper to understand the coverage scope and the claim limit offered. Many travelers who rent a car in Hyderabad often overlook this step, but it is crucial for avoiding disputes later. This helps in damage assessment after an accident. In some instances, a renter may already own a private vehicle with accident insurance.

If so, it's advisable to check whether that policy can extend to a rental car. If linked successfully, the insurance provider may cover the damages entirely, sparing the renter from unexpected costs.

File a Police Report

Before returning the damaged rental car, you should file a police report. This becomes necessary whenever a rented vehicle is involved in an accident. Always keep a duplicate of the police report with you, as the car rental company will ask for it. The police might also check your driving license during the report filing. Always collect it back, because this license will again be necessary when you proceed with the insurance claim for the damaged rental car.

Interaction With The Other Affected Party

So far, we considered accidents to be simple cases where a car strikes roadside objects such as stones, trees, or barriers. But real accidents sometimes involve other people, making the case bilateral and slightly more difficult. If someone is harmed, you may be responsible for compensating them financially. Many travelers who rent a car in Hyderabad often face such situations unexpectedly, so handling them carefully is essential. Make sure you exchange contact details like phone numbers with other parties. If the situation requires, take them to a hospital and bear the necessary treatment costs. While filing the police report, both sides should be physically present, ensuring the complaint is drafted correctly and without prejudice.

If your personal car happens to have accident insurance, you can even provide your insurance details to the affected party. This might help them claim assistance for medical needs. Such steps are important, as they reduce conflicts, establish fairness, and show accountability after an accident occurs on the road.

Contact The Car Company

Once all the required actions are taken, reach out to the rental company and inform them about the incident and what you have completed so far. Evaluate the extent of damage with their representatives and agree upon the payable cost right away. A smart move is to handle minor repairs yourself before presenting the car back. In urban areas, it is easy to find locals who can point you to a skilled mechanic or workshop. Performing quick fixes in advance helps reduce your liability for heavy charges. Many customers complain that rental agencies bill excessively high for small issues. By repairing parts such as a broken tail light at a mechanic's shop, you save money compared to official charges. However, some companies enforce strict terms that require payment for a mandatory damage fee regardless of your prior repairs. Therefore, you should carefully go through the rental agreement to avoid paying double for the same issue.

Keep the Documents Related to The Car

Sometimes, the rental car you choose might already have scratches or dents. In such cases, it is unfair for you to bear the cost of those damages. To avoid disputes, take clear pictures. This ensures they cannot wrongly blame you for pre-existing dents. Additionally, confirm that any visible dents are recorded in the car check-out form you sign at the company. If those details are missing, ask them to update the form, so that you are not held liable for damages you did not cause.

Above all, practice safe driving habits and keep the fuel tank filled to prevent unnecessary issues or unpleasant experiences. For hassle-free rentals and reliable service, many travelers prefer booking with Long Drive Cars.

For Self-Drive car rentals download  Playstore Appstore  and website : https://www.longdrivecars.com