What to do if you have an accident abroad
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It can take some time to be confident in driving abroad, so it's no surprise that people are involved in accidents whether abroad on holiday or for business purposes.
There are certain steps you need to make sure you have taken, and to make sure you are following the correct procedure.
The Green Card Scheme
The Green Card Scheme operates throughout Europe. It's a document that is officially recognized in over 40 countries including all those in Europe apart from Russia. It allows for free movement of vehicles across boundary lines and borders and aims to protect drivers who have been involved in a collision with a foreign vehicle.
The Green Card itself doesn't provide an individual with any kind of insurance, but it does show that you have the minimum requirements for third party liability from your own Motor Insurance Policy.
At the scene of an accident
Stay calm.
Don't leave the scene until you are fully aware as to what has occurred and until you have spoken to the driver and police. In most cases where an individual is involved in an accident abroad, the police must be called.
Always not to admit liability and only sign a European Accident Statement when you are sure that you understand the context.
The European Accident Statement is the way to ensure the correct information is exchanged between the parties in involved in the accident and you must be given a copy of this before you leave the scene.
Always carry your Driving License, Insurance Certificate, Registration Documents and Green Card. These documents will show that you are legally entitled to be on the road and the European Accident Statement will give you the information from the other party.
Don't panic. If you do not understand what is happening at the collision area due to a language barrier issue, it is within your legal rights to ask for an interpreter. You must ask for an interpreter if you are not sure what is happening.
If your vehicle was still roadworthy and you are able to drive it, you do not need to contact your insurance company until you have returned to the UK, assuming it isn't more than two weeks from the time of the accident. To err on the side of caution, however, we would always recommend you contact your insurance company immediately.
If your car is not mobile contact your insurers immediately and they may be able to help you get back on the move again. They may well have a local representative in the country you are in to contact for further advice.
If you have an accident within the European Economic Area you may have a chance of pursuing a compensation claim against agents in the UK. You should seek legal advice should that be the case.
If you are driving outside of the EEC or driving outside of the Green Card Scheme, please make sure your insurance specifically covers you. You should follow all of the above advice, making sure the police and your insurance company is immediately notified.
If you or your passenger are injured you must seek medical attention immediately, as in some countries this can be a pre-requisite to claiming road traffic accident compensation.
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