I still remember the day I was driving a self-drive car rental in Bangalore when, out of nowhere, I found myself in a fender bender. The traffic in Bangalore can be quite chaotic, and this unfortunate accident left me feeling rattled. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here’s what you should do to stay safe and handle things smoothly.
1. Stay Calm and Ensure Everyone’s Safety
The first step is to remain calm. It’s easier said than done, but panicking won’t help. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and make sure everyone is safe. If there are any serious injuries, immediately call for medical help. Bangalore traffic can make getting to hospitals slow, so don’t hesitate to ask bystanders for assistance.
2. Move to a Safe Location
If the accident is minor and the vehicle can still be driven, move it to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Bangalore’s busy roads don’t make it easy to stay in one place for too long. Moving the vehicle will prevent further accidents and ease traffic congestion.
3. Inform the Car Rental Company
As soon as I got my bearings, I called the self-drive car company I rented from. This is a crucial step because the rental company needs to be informed about the accident immediately. Most rental companies have clear procedures in place for such situations. In my case, they guided me through the process, including what documents I needed to submit and how they would handle the insurance claim.
4. Gather Evidence
Next, I took pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to the self-driving car and the other vehicle involved. Be sure to also capture any visible injuries or property damage. It’s important to have this evidence for both the rental company and insurance purposes. Having photos or videos will come in handy if there’s any dispute later on.
5. File a Police Report
In Bangalore, filing a police report is mandatory if the damage is significant or if there are injuries. Head to the nearest police station and report the accident. While it may feel intimidating, it’s an important part of the process, and the police will guide you through filing a First Information Report (FIR). The rental company will likely require a copy of this report.
6. Contact the Insurance Company
When you rent a self-drive car in Bangalore, it often comes with basic insurance coverage. But not all types of damage are covered. The rental company informed me about the insurance details when I picked up the vehicle, so I knew what to expect. In case of an accident, make sure to get in touch with the insurance provider as soon as possible. They will ask for details like the police report and pictures of the accident.
7. Follow Up With the Car Rental Company
After completing the necessary steps, I followed up with the car rental company to ensure everything was being processed smoothly. Some companies handle repairs and insurance claims directly, while others might expect you to take certain actions. Either way, it’s important to stay in touch until the matter is resolved.
8. Be Aware of Additional Charges
Depending on the extent of the damage and the insurance coverage, you may be responsible for additional charges. These could include repair costs or fees that exceed the insurance coverage. In my case, the damage was minor, and the rental company handled most of the repair, but it’s good to be prepared for any unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
Getting into an accident while driving a self-drive car in Bangalore is a stressful experience, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Staying calm, contacting the car rental company, and following the proper procedures will ensure that everything is handled correctly. I learned that being proactive in such situations not only helps resolve issues faster but also keeps you safe and informed throughout the process.
Hopefully, you won’t need these tips, but if you do, remember that handling the situation promptly and carefully is key!