Car Rental in Istanbul and Traffic Accidents: The First Steps You Should Take

1. Stay Calm and Ensure Your Safety

Getting into an accident in Istanbul's heavy traffic can cause panic. However, the first thing to do is to stay calm and ensure your safety. After the accident:

• Move away from the vehicles and find a safe area.
• If the accident is minor, pull the vehicles to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic.
• If there are any injuries, wait for the nearest medical team to arrive and administer first aid if possible.

2. Report the Accident to Authorities

If you're involved in a traffic accident in Istanbul, you must report it to the authorities before leaving the scene. If there is only material damage, wait for the police to arrive at the scene.

• Call the police at 155 to report the accident.
• Even in minor accidents, the police might need to write a report. Having a police report is important for your insurance claims.

3. Take Photos of the Accident and Document the Details

It’s crucial to document the accident after it happens. Take clear photos of all the damages, the vehicles, and the surroundings. These photos will be useful for your insurance company and legal procedures.

• Photograph the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle, and the surrounding area.
• If the accident involved another driver, make sure to collect their details (name, phone number, license plate, insurance information).

4. Check Your Insurance Information and Notify the Rental Company

When renting a car, it's important to review the insurance options provided. Car rental companies usually offer basic insurance, but this may not cover all costs in case of an accident. Therefore, understanding your insurance policy is crucial before an accident occurs.

• After the accident, immediately contact the rental company to report the situation.
• Check the coverage of your insurance policy. If you purchased additional insurance, find out how much protection it offers in case of an accident.
• Follow the instructions provided by the insurance company and complete any necessary paperwork.

5. Fill Out an Accident Report

Both parties involved in the accident must complete a report. This document outlines how the accident occurred, who is at fault, and the extent of the damage.

• If the accident involved another vehicle, create an accident report with the other driver.
• The report should include the details of both drivers, the accident, and any witnesses to the incident.
• An accident report is necessary for insurance claims and legal procedures.

6. Assess the Vehicle and Notify the Rental Company

After the accident, you should inform the rental company about the condition of the car. If the damage is significant, the rental company may provide a replacement vehicle or direct you to repair services.

• The rental company may give you a replacement car or arrange for the vehicle to be repaired.
• Depending on the insurance coverage, the rental company may ask for a payment to cover the damages.

7. Seek Legal Help (If Necessary)

If the accident resulted in significant injury or substantial damage, you may need legal assistance. In Istanbul, it can be helpful to contact a lawyer to protect your legal rights in traffic accident cases.

• Legal consultation can help ensure that your insurance claims are handled properly.
• If there is a dispute or if the other party is at fault, seeking legal assistance is crucial.

8. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

It’s typically mandatory to report the accident to your insurance company. The rental vehicle’s insurance may cover the repair costs following the accident. Contact the insurance company after the incident and follow their instructions.

• Notify the insurance company about the accident date, details, and the extent of the damages.
• Provide the documents and photos requested by the insurance company.

9. Gather the Necessary Documents

After the accident, it’s important to collect the necessary documents for insurance and legal purposes.

• Accident report
• Photos of the scene
• Accident report form
• Driver details
• Insurance policy details
• Other vehicle's insurance details (if applicable)