What to do after an accident in a rental car

An accident is stressful, especially in an unfamiliar country. Knowing the steps in advance helps you stay calm and handle it properly. Here is what to do.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Your first priority is safety, not the car. Check that you and your passengers are unhurt. If it is safe to do so, move the vehicle out of the flow of traffic, or move yourself and your passengers to a safe place away from the road. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Do not stand in a dangerous position on a busy road while dealing with the situation.

Step 2: Call Emergency Services If Anyone Is Hurt

If anyone is injured, call the emergency services immediately. In Malaysia, the emergency number is 999 for police, ambulance, and fire. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger, wait for trained help. If the accident is minor and no one is hurt, you can move on to documenting the scene and contacting us.

Step 3: Contact Agtran as Soon as Possible

Contact Agtran as soon as it is safe to do so, using the details in your booking confirmation. Tell us what has happened, where you are, and whether anyone is hurt. We can guide you on the next steps for the vehicle. This is important: do not arrange your own repairs, towing, or a replacement without speaking to us first, because doing so can affect your protection and the handling of any claim. Let us help coordinate what happens to the car.

Step 4: Document the Scene

If it is safe and you are able to, gather a clear record of what happened. This protects you and helps with any claim:

Photos and notes taken at the scene are far more useful than trying to remember details later.

Step 5: Get a Police Report If Required

In Malaysia, a police report is often required after a road accident, and it is usually needed for any insurance claim. Report the accident at the nearest police station within the required time. Keep a copy of the police report, as we and any insurer may need it. If you are unsure whether a report is needed for your situation, contact us and we can advise.

Step 6: Do Not Admit Fault or Agree Private Settlements

At the scene, stay calm and factual. Do not admit fault, sign anything you do not understand, or agree to a private cash settlement with another party. Fault is determined through the proper process, and agreeing to settle privately at the scene can cause problems later. Exchange the necessary details, document everything, and let the proper process and your contact with Agtran handle the rest.

What About Insurance and Costs?

Every Agtran rental includes full insurance, with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) included at no extra cost. CDW reduces your liability for accidental damage to the vehicle body up to the excess amount. If you added Super CDW as an optional extra, your excess may be lower. Note that some items are the renter's responsibility, for example damage to tyres and wheels, and that exclusions in the rental agreement still apply. For a fuller explanation, see our guides on what rental car insurance covers and the difference between CDW and SCDW.

What If the Car Breaks Down Rather Than Crashes?

If the car breaks down rather than being in an accident, the same first principle applies: get to a safe place, then contact Agtran before arranging anything yourself. Do not call your own tow truck or workshop without speaking to us, as we can coordinate assistance and advise on what to do. Move safely off the road, turn on your hazard lights, and get in touch using your booking details.

The most important things are to stay safe and to contact us before arranging anything yourself. To understand your cover, read our guide on what rental car insurance covers. If you have any questions before your trip, contact us, or book your car online when you are ready.

This article answers common questions about accidents, including: