What to do if you are in a car crash abroad: Expert advice on how to handle road accidents in Europe

British drivers are being warned to take extra care if heading overseas on holiday as new figures reveal a dramatic spike in accidents during the summer months. 

Data from insurer Admiral shows that claims for accidents in Europe rocket every August, with claims in August 2022 almost three times higher than the monthly average for the year. It is now offering drivers advice on what to do if they are involved in a crash while abroad. 

Claims rose 57% in 2022 compared with 2021 as more holidaymakers took advantage of the relaxation of travel rules post-pandemic and Admiral is predicting a similar picture this year as more families once again head overseas. 

The insurer analysed claims from its customers to identify the most common types of incidents and the most common locations. By far the largest proportion of incidents occurred in France, with 42% of all claims generated by crashes just across the channel. Spain accounted for 10%  of claims, just ahead of the Republic of Ireland and Italy (both 8%).

The insured vehicle being damaged while parked was the joint most common claim, along with the insured driver hitting another vehicle (8% each). Some sort of collision with other vehicles was by far the most common factor in claims from last year, although storm damage and the insured driver colliding with a crash barrier were also among the 10 most common claims. 

Adam Gavin, head of motor claims at Admiral Insurance, said: “This summer, we’re seeing a surge in travel as holidaymaking Brits make up for lost time post pandemic. With mainland Europe easily accessible for British travellers hoping for reliably warm weather, it’s no surprise so many of us opt to head off in our cars on holiday every year. 

“There’s no reason driving abroad can’t be straightforward and uneventful, but just as accidents can happen on the roads at home, they can happen abroad too. Without some prior planning, it’s easy to become confused by different driving laws, unfamiliar road layouts and signs in foreign languages which could leave drivers in hot water.

 “To make sure your holiday isn’t disrupted by an accident, drivers should make sure they are well prepared before setting off. But accidents do happen, so if you are in an accident we’ve shared our advice on what you need to do.”

What to do if you are involved in a car accident abroad

• Take a copy of the Agreed Statement of Facts on Motor Vehicle Accident with you (a European accident form which goes by different names in different countries). You can find a copy of this in English here.
• Take your documentation including your certificate of motor insurance, driving licence (including the paper part) and the vehicle registration document abroad with you.
• Ensure you save the contact details for your insurance company into your phone. 
• Make sure you have sufficient travel insurance for you and your family as most motor insurance policies will only cover the car and not onward travel for you and your luggage. 
• Don’t sign anything unless you understand what it is you are signing. In European countries you will be presented with the Agreed Statement of Facts on Motor Vehicle Accident. If you are involved in an incident with another driver they will present you with the form, it is split into two sections and each driver involved is expected to complete it with their version of events. The English language version you take with you is for translation purposes only, it will help you understand each section of the form the other driver will give you. 
• Make a note of where the accident happened, including the date and time. Use your smartphone to see the exact location and take a screenshot. 
• Take pictures of the accident at a safe distance. Also take photos of the vehicles involved; make sure you have a good photo of the registration number on the front and back of all vehicles. 
• Take all witness details, names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. 
• Ask the local authority to recover the car if you can. Make sure you have their address and contact details and make sure you know where they are taking your car. 
• Most importantly, remain calm, stay safe and phone your car insurer, and your travel insurer if you need onward travel.