If you have an accident in a rental car in Prague, damage to other people is covered by third-party liability insurance, damage to the vehicle itself by collision insurance, and you pay an excess depending on the type of insurance. All vehicles at JJ Rent Car have both types of insurance, so you need not worry about paying for the full cost of damage out of your own pocket. What exactly this means for you depends on the type of accident.
Three terms you will encounter after an accident
- Third-party liability insurance covers damage you cause to others: a damaged third-party car, fence or railing, or injuries to other people. It does not cover damage to the vehicle you are driving.
- Collision insurance covers damage to the rented vehicle. This is where the excess applies.
- The excess is the part of the damage that the client pays in the event of an insured incident. Its amount depends on the type of insurance; we will gladly explain the specific terms to you before you collect the vehicle.
You can also find a general explanation of these terms in the article Car Rental Insurance Explained. Here we focus on practice: what happens when a collision really occurs.
Four typical situations and who pays
1. You are at fault in a collision with another car
The other party's damage is paid by third-party liability insurance. Damage to the rental car is handled by collision insurance, and you pay the excess. Deal with the police or the accident report as you would with your own car, and then contact us immediately.
2. Someone else caused the accident
Damage to our vehicle should be paid by the at-fault driver's insurer. It is therefore essential to obtain the other driver's details and take photographs. Please do not argue about any uncertainty regarding the excess at the scene; discuss it with us instead.
3. You hit something on your own, for example while parking
No third party was injured or suffered damage, so third-party liability insurance does not apply. Damage to the vehicle is a matter for collision insurance and the excess. Minor scrapes while reversing in a garage are therefore not "free", even if nobody else was involved.
4. You discover damage only after returning the car
A parking scratch whose origin is unknown is always hard to prove. That is why it is worth inspecting the vehicle together at handover and having any existing damage recorded. We describe what to check in the article How Car Handover at a Rental Company Works.
What to do immediately after an accident
- Stop, secure the scene and call the emergency services if anyone is injured.
- Always call the police when the situation requires it or the other party wishes it.
- Photograph both vehicles, their positions, the number plates and the surroundings.
- Complete the accident report together with the other driver, and do not sign anything you do not understand.
- Call +420 703 149 146 or email [email protected] as soon as possible.
- Do not have the car repaired on your own.
Another perspective on the situation is offered in our text on damage to a rental car.
What to check before signing the contract
Before you collect the vehicle, it is worth clarifying a few things:
- which type of insurance is in the contract and what excess applies to it,
- what to do in the event of an accident and whom to contact,
- how an accident abroad is handled: travel abroad is possible only by agreement and only to EU countries, and in that case the assistance service is mandatory,
- what deposit the chosen vehicle requires (you will find the amount in the vehicle details),
- whether you are at least 21 years old and hold a valid driving licence and proof of identity.
We summarise the terms on the rental terms page. Further options are also described in the article on additional insurance and in the overview of our services.
Which vehicle to choose if you are thinking about risk
Less experienced drivers who park on narrow streets in central Prague often opt for a smaller car. The Škoda Fabia is easier to park and handles well on the streets of Prague 14 as well as in the centre. For family trips or business journeys requiring more luggage space, the Škoda Octavia Combi is more suitable; we describe its advantages in the article Octavia Combi for Hire. Insurance is the same for all vehicles of this type: third-party liability and collision insurance, with an excess depending on the type of insurance.
Companies that need vehicles for a longer period may consider long-term rental. You then deal with the insurance terms and accident procedure once, rather than with every individual booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own insurance to rent a car?
No. All JJ Rent Car vehicles have both third-party liability and collision insurance. You need a valid driving licence, proof of identity and to be at least 21 years old.
Do I pay an excess for every accident?
The excess applies to an insured incident involving the rental vehicle and depends on the type of insurance. We will tell you the specific terms before you collect the vehicle, or by phone.
What if someone else caused the accident?
The at-fault driver's insurer should pay for the damage. Obtain their details, photographs and the accident report, and contact us. We will agree on the next steps together.
Does the insurance apply abroad too?
Travel abroad is possible only by prior agreement and only to EU countries. The assistance service is mandatory for such a trip. Please check the details before departure via our contact page.
Book with clear terms
Choose a vehicle, review the details including the deposit and mileage limit, and book online at /rezervace. If you have any questions about insurance, call us on +420 703 149 146 and we will clarify everything before you collect the car.
