Vehicle Breakdowns & Accidents

During Your Trip

All of the major Australian rental car companies will offer or provide you will some form of roadside assistance or roadside support 24/7 helpline. On most occasions they may be able to send someone to your location or arrange for the vehicle to be towed.

With any vehicles concerns or issues, it is important you contact your rental car provider immediately so they can log the matter.  In your paperwork or on your rental agreement you will find an emergency roadside assistance helplines, simply call them when help is needed.

In some instances if your vehicle cannot be repaired by roadside assistance, your rental car company may provide you with a replacement vehicle (pending the details or the repair and location).

If you are involved in an accident in your rental car

Safety

If possible, more the car to a safe location or to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers.
Check yourself and others for injuries.
Call emergency services if anymore is hurt.

Call the Police

It is essential to report any accident to Police, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. The Police report may be helpful for insurance claims or legal purposes.

Document the Accident:

Note the time, date, location and weather conditions.
Collect names, licence information, contact information, vehicle registration number and insurance details from all parties involved in the accident.
Take pictures of the scene and of any vehicle that was involved, along with any visible injuries.
If there are witnesses to the accident, collect their contact details.

Contact your Rental Car Company:

Notify the rental car company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will advise you of the procedure and what is needed when dealing with an accident.
Provide your rental car company with the details of the accident, including the Police report number.

Wildlife

Throughout Australia when travelling on highways, there is always a possibility you will come across wildlife.  Many of Australia’s animals are most active at night, travelling at dawn or dusk increases the risk of hitting an animal. If you see an animal on the side of the road, slow down and reduce your speed until you have passed.

If you are in an accident involving wildlife and there is damage to your rental vehicle, you must notify the rental car company to inform them of the matter.

Read our Wildlife Guide