Damage and loss
Car accident abroad: what you need to know
Traffic accidents abroad are particularly difficult. Comparis highlights what you need to know about proper insurance and claims management.
23.09.2022
iStock.com/Chris Ryan
1. How to prepare yourself for the event of a car accident abroad
What should I take with me when driving abroad?
Different regulations for breakdown equipment in cars apply abroad. In most countries, you’ll need a breakdown triangle and a reflective vest. The reflective vest must be worn at the scene of the accident. This ensures you are clearly visible to other road users. You should also carry a European accident statement form with you.
Find out more about the regulations and required equipment when driving in your destination before you travel.
Why do I need a European accident statement form?
In the case of property damage with no injuries or dispute regarding the cause of the accident, the European accident statement form will normally suffice instead of a police report. This must be completed and signed by all parties involved in the accident. The advantage of this form is that it is available in different languages, has the same layout wherever you are and can therefore be filled out even if there is a language barrier.
Obtain this form in case of emergency before you travel. It is available free of charge from your insurance company or the police.
Enter your personal details in the form before you travel and keep it in the glove box. This way, you are prepared in the event of an emergency.
Check the details of your insurance cover
Check your car insurance, in particular your roadside assistance cover, before you set off. Not all insurance policies cover accidents abroad. The amount covered for accidents abroad can also vary. At most, it makes sense to take out insurance with legal protection cover.
2. What to do at the scene of an accident
Keep calm
The first thing to do at the scene of the accident is keep calm. First, assess the situation. You should also immediately switch on the hazard warning lights, put on your reflective vest, secure the accident site and administer first aid if necessary.
Should I call the local police in the event of an accident?
If you have an accident abroad, you are advised to call the police. If people are injured, this is obligatory. It is also a good idea if the other person involved in the accident does not behave cooperatively.
What facts should I record?
At the scene of the accident, you should always record the most important details of the accident immediately and as precisely as possible. Create a sketch of the accident as well.
The following details are essential:
Name and address of the other party to the accident and anyone else involved
Name and address of witnesses
Name and address of the insurer of the other party to the accident
Number of the International Insurance Card (formerly: Green Card) and insurance policy of the other party involved in the accident Ideally, take a photo of both with your smartphone.
All registration plate numbers of the vehicles involved. A smartphone also helps you here.
Other information from the vehicle registration document of the other party to the accident such as vehicle keeper and chassis number
Accurate description of the location of the accident and how it occurred
If the police are called, you should also note the address of the relevant police station and the name of the officer.
You should never accept liability at the scene of an accident. Never sign documents in a foreign language, with the exception of the European accident statement – but only if you also have it in English.
3. Organize the next steps
Inform your insurance company of the car accident as soon as possible
Call your own car insurance company as soon as possible – even directly from the scene of the accident, depending on the situation. The insurance company usually organizes the next steps for you. If you have separate roadside assistance cover or travel insurance, you should also notify the insurer. If necessary, the insurance company can then regulate the transport of vehicles or persons. Depending on the circumstances, you’ll then have to make an official claim.
Click here for the international hotlines of the various insurance companies (some links not available in English):
Allianz-Suisse: +41 43 311 99 11
AXA: +41 58 218 11 00
Baloisedirect.ch: +41 58 285 28 28
Simpego: +41 58 521 11 11
ELVIA: +41 43 311 99 90
Generali: +41 58 472 00 00
Helvetia: +41 58 280 3000
Mobiliar: 00800 16 16 16 16
Postfinance: +41 58 667 14 00
Smile.direct: +41 800 848 488
TCS vehicle insurance: +41 58 285 28 28 (state that you are insured with TCS)
Vaudoise: +41 21 618 88 88
Zurich: +41 44 628 98 98
Wefox: +41 43 588 13 77
Notify other insurance companies
If you are injured, you should inform the accident or health insurance company. Do you have legal expenses insurance? If so, you should also inform your insurance provider.
Good to know: the legal assessment of the accident is carried out in accordance with the laws of the country where the accident occurred. In the event of a dispute, claims must be filed on the spot. It is therefore advisable to buy motor legal protection insurance. It will protect your rights even when you’re abroad.
If you have any questions, contact the National Bureau of Insurance
The Swiss National Bureau of Insurance (NBI) is your point of contact in case of ambiguity about responsibilities.
The NBI can be reached by telephone and email:
from Switzerland on 0800 831 831
from abroad on +41 44 628 89 30
by email via info@nbi-ngf.ch.
There, claimants can find out who the claims representative of the foreign insurance company in Switzerland is. You can contact this person directly. It must make you an offer of compensation for the European visitor protection agreement within three months or justify this in the event of a delay.
4. Disappointed with how your claim was handled?
Are you not satisfied with how your claim was handled? Remember that after making a claim, you are allowed to cancel your policy and take out a new one.
This article was first published on 12.02.2021
