Car Accident Abroad – What to Do?

The basic rules after an accident apply across Europe: 1. Turn on hazard lights and secure the scene 2. Check for injuries – call 112 (Europe-wide emergency number) 3. Put on safety vest (mandatory in many countries) 4. Set up warning triangle 5. Photograph and document the scene 6. Exchange information with the other driver 7. Fill out the accident report Stay calm. The procedure is the same as at home.

The European Accident Report (Constat Amiable) is standardized and recognized in over 40 countries – all EU member states plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Turkey and several Balkan states. The form has the same structure in every country. Fields are numbered and match across all language versions. The digital report on unfallbericht.at generates a PDF in this standard format.

The language barrier is the biggest challenge with accidents abroad. The digital accident report on unfallbericht.at supports 13 languages. Each party sees the form in their own language. The other driver can optionally be invited to follow along live. The generated PDF is understandable for both parties and both insurance companies. Particularly valuable in popular holiday destinations like Croatia, Italy, Spain and France.

The Green Card is an international proof of car insurance. Key facts: - In most EU countries, the Green Card is no longer mandatory since 2020 - Still strongly recommended for easier claims processing - Outside the EU (Turkey, Serbia, Bosnia) it remains mandatory - Your insurance issues it for free The Green Card does not replace the accident report. Both are needed for accidents abroad.

Each country has its own rules: Italy: Police mandatory on highways. Safety vest required. France: Safety vest must be within reach in the vehicle (not in the trunk). Croatia: Police report recommended for accidents involving foreigners. Spain: Police mandatory for personal injuries. Hungary: Police must be called for every accident. Check the rules of your destination country before traveling.

Report the accident to your insurance as soon as possible: - Within one week (comprehensive claims may have shorter deadlines) - Send completed accident report as PDF - Attach photos of all damage - Include police report if available - Photograph the other driver's Green Card Tip: Create the accident report at the scene while details are fresh.

Yes. The digital accident report on unfallbericht.at works anywhere with an internet connection – across all of Europe. The generated PDF follows the CEA standard accepted by insurers in 40+ countries. The 13 available languages cover most European travel destinations. EU roaming has been free since 2017, so you can fill out the report at the scene without extra data charges.