Even if you can’t speak the language… Even if you are angry with the other party and yourself… Panicking doesn’t help. Stay calm and think clearly. Immediately start noting down the contact details of the other party and any witnesses. Even if you think they hadn’t seen much, their opinion could be useful later (for instance in the case of a dispute). Always take down the address, telephone number with country code and email address so that you can also contact them easily from Belgium. .

A claim form is obligatory everywhere. Notifying the police is only necessary if there are injured parties. Did you know that the claim form – obtained from your insurer or online – is identical in all European countries? That is the great strength of the form. You can simply fill it out in your native language. It is the same in all languages and the structure is easy to recognise. Go over it with the other party, if necessary, with a version in his/her language beside it.

Evidence is important for insurance companies. So take enough photos of:

- The claim form, both your part and the other party’s.
- The damage to your car and/or to the other party’s vehicle, from different angles.
- The place and situation of the accident. Also think about obstacles, signposting, skid marks, etc.

Is this a private car? You can find the number for the emergency centre for your insurance company on your green card. Notify them as quickly as possible. Go through the steps to be taken with them so you don’t miss anything. Your insurer must receive all your documentation about the accident as quickly as possible – and within a week in any event. If you have insurance with legal assistance, your insurer will also contact the other party’s insurer. If not, you will have to do that yourself. You can do that in your native language because every insurance company in the EU has a representative in every country, including in Belgium. You can find the representative in our country easily from the website of the Belgian Common Guarantee Fund (website in Dutch and French). Is this a leased car? In the first instance contact your leasing company, you can often do this online. They will follow up the claim for you.

Back home? The claim procedure for an accident abroad takes some time. So wait a little until the institutions involved have determined the compensation. Has the procedure been completed? Then it is time to have your car repaired.

At Carr&Repair, we are always happy to help. Carr&Repair is a network of professional and brand independent bodywork companies who will repair your car efficiently with the utmost care, sustainably and with a customer focus.

Would you like a detailed overview of what to do in an accident?
https://www.schadenet.be/en/article/an-accident-now-what