Car accident while abroad: what should you do?
If you are involved in a road traffic accident abroad, the law of the country where the accident occurred determines liability and compensation. Before travelling, check that your motor insurance certificate (Green Card) is valid and take a European Accident Statement form with you. At the scene, make sure everyone is safe, call 112 if necessary, and complete the accident report carefully. Your insurer in Luxembourg will liaise with the other party’s insurer to arrange compensation for material damage. If anyone is injured, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) makes it easier to access healthcare in the country you are visiting.
Your motor insurance policy will generally provide third-party liability cover throughout the European Economic Area (EEA). However, if you are responsible for an accident, damage to your own vehicle will only be covered if you have guarantees that covers damages. Before travelling, it is worth contacting your insurer to check whether your cover should be temporarily adapted for your destination. If you are travelling outside Europe, you may also need an International Driving Permit, which can be obtained from the ACL in Luxembourg.
Before setting off, make sure you have the following essential documents:
- Your driving licence (or an International Driving Permit if travelling outside the EEA).
- Your motor insurance certificate (green card).
- Your vehicle registration certificate.
- A European accident report form (standardised across Europe).
- A warning triangle and any other mandatory safety equipment required by your destination country.
Driving regulations vary from country to country, including speed limits, drink-driving limits and compulsory vehicle equipment. It is always worth checking the local rules before you travel to avoid unexpected issues.
If you are involved in a road traffic accident abroad, the law of the country where the accident took place applies. This determines both liabilities, based on the local highway code, and the rules governing compensation. Immediately after the collision, switch on your hazard warning lights and call 112 if emergency assistance is required. Never leave the scene before an accident report has been completed.
The accident report form is standardised across 48 countries. Although the language may differ, the layout and sections are identical, making it easy to complete even when the other driver is from another country. See "The golden rules of the amicable accident report" for full details. Keep these key points in mind:
- Tick the appropriate boxes and indicate the total number of boxes selected.
- Draw a clear and accurate sketch of the accident.
- Take photographs of the registration plates, Green Cards, driving licences, vehicle damage and the accident scene.
- Collect the full contact details of any witnesses (full name and postal address).
- Complete the "Observations" section in your own language.
In some countries, the police automatically prepare an official accident report. Even if the authorities attend the scene, you should still complete a European Accident Statement. If you are unsure about any of the information recorded, you are entitled to refuse to sign the form. Keep your copy and send it to your insurer within eight days (except in cases of unforeseeable circumstances).
If the situation requires emergency assistance, particularly in the case of a serious accident, call the local emergency services by dialling 112, which operates throughout Europe.
If the other driver leaves the scene or the circumstances are unclear, contact the local police so that an official report can be prepared. You should also report the incident at the nearest police station. This documentation may later be required if you need to make a claim through the guarantee fund via your insurer.
If your vehicle cannot be driven, contact the assistance number shown on your green card. Your roadside assistance provider can arrange recovery, towing and, where included in your policy, a replacement vehicle. If you travel only occasionally, you may also wish to add travel assistance cover to your Travel insurance policy.
Remember to send your completed accident report form to your insurer within eight days of the accident.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible. They will explain the next steps for repairing your vehicle and arrange a replacement vehicle if this is included in your policy.
If the damage is minor and your vehicle remains roadworthy, it is usually advisable to continue your trip and arrange repairs once you have returned to Luxembourg. In most cases, having your vehicle repaired in Luxembourg is the preferred option.
Compensation for victims is governed by the law of the country where the accident occurred. Once your insurer has received the completed accident report, they will contact the Luxembourg claims representative of the other driver's insurer. Every insurer is required to appoint claims representatives in other countries to handle international claims, particularly within Europe. However, some countries or insurers may not have a representative based in Luxembourg.
Where personal injury is involved, reimbursement of medical expenses is also subject to local legislation. The other driver's insurer, or its claims representative, has up to three months to provide a response, which may initially be nothing more than an acknowledgement of receipt. As a result, the claims process can take at least three months before compensation is settled.
Every day, a large number of foreign cars travel through the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, whether they are cross-border commuters coming to work or vehicles simply passing through the country. Consequently, collisions with foreign vehicles in Luxembourg are frequent.
You must follow the advice set out above. It is essential for you to complete an amicable insurance report with the other driver, as clearly and legibly as possible, and to send it to your insurer within 5 days. Your insurer will then contact you to arrange any repairs or settle the claim with the representative office of the other driver's insurer.
As a reminder, if you are involved in a collision and your vehicle is damaged at the front and rear, you cannot complete a single accident report. You must complete 2 reports: one for the vehicle in front of you and another for the vehicle behind you.
If the driver of the other vehicle involved has fled the scene, you should first file a report with the police.
You must also make a declaration to your insurer.
There are insurers' guarantee funds in Europe and Luxembourg, so it is your insurer who will take all the necessary steps to obtain compensation. You should be aware, however, that the outcome of procedures involving guarantee funds are never certain, and without formal proof of a vehicle's involvement, there will be no compensation.
If you are injured during a trip abroad, your medical expenses will be handled in accordance with the legislation of the country where you receive treatment.
Within the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access medically necessary healthcare under the same conditions as residents.
Before travelling, check that your EHIC is still valid. If you need a new card, allow approximately three weeks for it to arrive.
The rental company's insurance generally includes third-party liability cover, but there is often a substantial excess for damage to the rental vehicle.
Before declining any additional cover offered by the rental company, check the benefits included with your bank card. Some premium payment cards provide rental vehicle insurance, although specific conditions and exclusions usually apply.
Depending on your destination and the nature of your trip, additional cover may provide valuable peace of mind.
Yes. The EHIC is essential for any temporary stay within the EU, the EEA and Switzerland.
Issued free of charge by the CNS in Luxembourg, the card provides access to medically necessary healthcare should an unexpected illness or injury occur during your trip.
You can apply for your EHIC through the CNS website.
This article was originally published in August 2023 and updated in August 2026.