What should I do at the scene of the accident?
You should stop immediately it is safe to do so, and place your accident warning triangle at a distance sufficient to allow oncoming traffic to take avoiding action.

Call the Police. Generally speaking it is the law in most countries that the Police must attend any accident involving a foreign vehicle. However, if you have insufficient command of the local language to do so, you will normally find that the other party will call them, if only to overcome the language problem.

Keep any documentation provided by the police in case you need them to pursue a claim.

What should I say and what documents must I produce?
Say as little as possible and remain calm. This is especially important in any dealings with the local Police.

Do not admit liability and do not sign any documents, other than the European Accident Statement or "Constat Amiable".

You may be asked for and should be prepared to produce:

a. Your driving licence.
b. The registration document for the   vehicle, to prove ownership. Other evidence may be acceptable.
c. Your insurance certificate or Green Card. In many countries, even those within the European Union, where your UK insurance certificate is acceptable in law, you may be expected to produce a Green Card as this has for many years been the only acceptable/ understandable evidence of insurance for foreign registered vehicles.

What should I do if confronted with a European Accident Statement or "Constat Amiable"?
It is perfectly safe for you to complete and sign this document. It is simply a method of ensuring that the parties to an accident exchange the relevant information and if possible agree how the accident happened.

Make sure that you are given a copy and that you understand the information written by the other party before you sign it.

What if I do not understand the Police?
You should try and explain that you need an interpreter. However, most Police are very helpful in dealing with visitors and may be able to make themselves understood. However, in countries outside the European Union, you should be aware that the Police can be responsible for deciding fault at the scene of the accident.

In some countries drivers may be arrested and their vehicles impounded, when the accident is serious, to allow time for fault to be determined.

What do I do if I am arrested?
You should ask to contact the British Consul or equivalent as soon as possible.

How soon should I tell my insurers about any accident?
Immediately in the event of an accident that immobilises your vehicle.

If your vehicle is drivable it is acceptable to wait until you return to the UK so long as that is not more than two weeks ahead.

NB. In the case of emergency you should contact your insurer's local representative. His name and address should have been provided to you when you advised your insurer of your intention to go abroad. If you do not have the details or the representative cannot be contacted, you should phone your insurers in the UK.

Do not contact the local Green Card Bureau. They are not able to provide assistance in respect of your damage.