Traveling in your own car gives freedom and comfort, but it also carries certain risks. Ukrainians traveling outside the country should be prepared for any situations on the road, including traffic accidents. Getting into an accident in a foreign country is always stressful, and not knowing the local rules only makes the situation worse. It is important not to panic and to follow clear actions in order to protect your rights, prove an insurance case and receive compensation.
What you need to know in case of an accident
Before going on a trip, it is worth issuing a “Green Card” – an international insurance certificate that confirms the driver’s civil liability. Its presence is checked at the border, and in the event of an accident, this document will be the key to receiving compensation.
In the event of an accident, the main thing is to keep calm and act clearly. The accident must be reported to the insurance company with which the “Green Card” contract was concluded. The contact details of the insurer are indicated in the certificate. If you are at fault in an accident, the other party must get a copy of the policy from you, but never the original.
If there are casualties in the accident, the first priority will be to call an ambulance and the police. In European countries, it is enough to dial 112 – this is the universal number for emergency services. After that, it is important to record the place of the event: take photos, shoot a video, record contact details of witnesses. The more evidence you collect, the easier it will be to resolve the situation with the insurance company.
Rules for the application of the Europrotocol in 2025
If the damage to cars is minor, you can issue a Europrotocol – a standard form that allows drivers to record an accident without calling the police. At the same time, it is necessary to know that in most countries the electronic Europrotocol is not used in the event of a road accident abroad, it can be used only on the territory of Ukraine. In some countries, specific rules for the execution of the Europrotocol may apply, therefore, before traveling, you should familiarize yourself with the legislative requirements of the selected country.
Important thing to remember: when signing any documents, make sure you understand their content. If the text is written in a language that you do not speak, it is better to indicate this in the document or ask for help from a translator.
You must have the Europrotocol form with you, it can be issued if the following conditions are met:
- The accident occurred as a result of contact between two vehicles.
- No one was injured or life-threatening as a result of the accident.
- Only vehicles were damaged, without damage to other objects.
- Both drivers have valid OSCPV policies.
- None of the participants was in a state of alcohol or drug intoxication or under the influence of drugs that can affect attention and reaction.
- The drivers agreed on the circumstances and details of the accident.
The paper Europrotocol is a traditional option, which involves filling out a special form issued by an insurance company when issuing an OSCPV policy. In the case of using this method, drivers must manually enter all the necessary information, take a photo or video recording of the accident scene and damage, and also submit the documents to the insurance companies of both participants in the accident no later than three days after the event.
How to act if there are difficulties with the execution of the Europrotocol
If difficulties arise during the execution of the Europrotocol, the following recommendations should be followed:
- Contact the police. If you cannot come to an agreement with the other participants in the accident or have doubts about filling out the documents, call the law enforcement officers to officially register the incident.
- Use the services of a translator. In case of a language barrier, ask for the help of a translator to avoid misunderstandings when filling out the documents.
- Contact your insurance company. Your insurer will help with consultations and provide the necessary support in solving all issues related to road accidents abroad.
- Keep all documents related to the road accident: the completed Europrotocol, photos of the scene, receipts for payment of services, etc. This may be necessary to settle an insurance claim.
The worst situation is if the other driver who caused the accident does not have an insurance policy. In this case, you should contact the National Motor Bureau of the country where the accident occurred. This is an independent organization that deals with payments to victims in the event that the perpetrator does not have insurance.
Regarding the amount of compensation, it is worth knowing: it is determined in accordance with the legislation of the country where the accident occurred. If you have a CASCO policy, contact the insurer that covers your losses and follow their instructions for reimbursement.
A road traffic accident abroad is an ordeal that can be a significant challenge. However, knowledge of the basic rules and the correct algorithm of actions will help to avoid unnecessary stress and financial losses. Drivers should familiarize themselves in advance with the specifics of the traffic legislation of the country they are going to, and always have the necessary documents with them. Safety is not only the technical condition of the car, but also your awareness and readiness for any situations.
