Accidents happen when we least expect them to – especially on the road. As the accident rate in Singapore increases, it is crucial to know the “know hows” of getting yourself out of one. Here’s what you need to do if you get into a car rental accident.
Stay Calm
Always stay calm. We make rash decisions when we panic, so take a deep breath and assess the situation. Make sure there are no major injuries to you or your passengers and be quick to call for help if there are.
If you and your passengers are fine, assess the damages to your vehicle. If the damages are minor, move your vehicle to the side of the road. If the vehicle is not movable, leave it as it is and move yourself to a safe location.
In some situations, it may be safer to stay in the car, especially if you’re on a busy road. Remember to turn your hazard lights on and wait for help.
Call For Help
Call for help once you’ve got your thoughts under control. Whether it’s the police, ambulance or roadside assistance, make sure you contact the right party. With KINTO, you’ll have the assurance of 24/7 roadside assistance.
Just give us a call at +65 9732 1685 and our response team will guide you accordingly. We provide assistance for accidents that happen in Malaysia too! We’ll even notify the police to ensure proper handling of the situation.
Take Pictures
Get your phone out and start taking pictures of the accident scene. Photo proofs can help get you out of liability claims. So remember to take photos of every car involved, the area of collision, street names and sustained injuries.
Consider sharing the photos with your car rental company. We can help back your claims and prevent any finger pointing from other parties.
Exchange Details
Exchange details with all the parties involved. It’s important to get their names, NRIC, vehicle number and contact details. You should exchange information with any witnesses too.
A witness can provide neutral accounts of the incident, making them invaluable third party observers. If you hit a stationary vehicle, leave your details on their windscreen.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Deny any liability claims. Avoid discussing fault or admitting guilt at the accident scene. Leave that to the authorities and insurance companies. Stick to factual information when recounting the incident.
Don’t use pocket statements like “I didn’t see that car coming” or “I should’ve been more careful”. These statements can be used against you and interpreted as admission of guilt.
The best solution is to simply describe the events as they happened without pinning blames. This is called a neutral statement and it could be your ticket to ensuring a fair exchange.
Check Your Insurance
Our leasing package comes with comprehensive insurance so you don’t have to worry about a lack of coverage. Any personal insurance will kick in as secondary coverage, providing an extra layer of protection.
Our comprehensive insurance typically covers a wide range of potential damages and losses including:
Damage to the Rental Vehicle: Covers repairs if the car is damaged in an accident.
Third-Party Liability: Covers damages or injuries caused to other people or their property while driving the rental car.
Fire Damage: Covers damages to the rental car caused by fire.
Nonetheless, the lessee may be responsible for paying an excess in the event of an insurance claim. Particularly if the accident or damage was not caused by a third party.
This coverage is designed to protect lessees from significant financial loss but they are still liable for the excess amount. So remember to review the terms and conditions of our insurance policy to understand the full extent of the coverage.
Substitute Car
There’s a potential that your car might be unsuitable to drive after an accident. As part of KINTO One’s Comprehensive Leasing Package, it’s against company policy to leave customers car-less so we’ll do our best to provide you with a temporary ride.
All you have to do is contact our roadside assistance for help and we’ll arrange for a substitute car to be delivered. A replacement will also be provided in the event of repairs or even during routine servicing!
Nobody wants to be in a car rental accident but they do happen unfortunately. So always be prepared and whatever it is, stay calm. KINTO is readily available 24/7 and we’ll do our best to get you out of any difficult situation.
Lease a ride with KINTO One! Get in touch to find out more.
