No one wants to think about an accident, but if you rent a car and drive in mainland China, you should know exactly what to do before anything happens. In a panic, people make mistakes. Today I will walk through the correct steps after an accident, how the insurance works, and what to say and not say, based on real cases I have handled.

Step one: check whether anyone is hurt

The moment after a collision, first check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and then check the people in the other car. If anyone is injured, call 120 for an ambulance immediately. A human injury always comes before the cars or the paperwork.

Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger, such as from oncoming traffic or fire. Wait for professional help.

Step two: move the car and turn on hazard lights

If it is a minor accident with no injuries and the cars can still move, pull over to a safe spot at the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Set out a warning triangle if you have one, especially on a highway, to prevent a second collision.

Leaving the cars blocking the road creates danger for everyone and can cause a pile-up. On a highway in particular, everyone should get behind the guardrail rather than standing between the cars.

Step three: take photos before moving anything

Before you move the cars, take photos of the whole scene: the position of both vehicles, the road markings, the license plates, the damage close-up, skid marks, and any traffic signs. Photograph from several angles so the layout is clear.

These photos are evidence for the police and the insurance company. Without them, it becomes your word against the other driver's.

Step four: call us before doing anything else

Then call or WeChat us. Our number is +86 13759155671. We will tell you the next steps based on the situation and help communicate with the police and the other party in Chinese. You do not need to speak Chinese; we handle that side.

Do not privately settle with the other driver, and do not sign any Chinese document you cannot read. Even if the other party pressures you or offers a quick cash deal, wait and follow the proper process. A private settlement often backfires later.

Step five: call the police and get an accident report

For anything beyond a trivial scrape, call the police (122) and wait for an officer. The police will examine the scene, talk to both sides, and issue an accident determination report stating who is responsible. This report is required for an insurance claim.

When the officer asks you to sign, check that the responsibility described matches what happened. If you believe it is wrong, you can raise it rather than signing without question.

How the insurance works

Every car we rent carries both compulsory traffic insurance and commercial third-party insurance, which covers the other party when you are at fault. For damage to our own car, the terms are as follows.

For damage under 1500 RMB, you pay the repair cost directly. For damage above 1500 RMB, we file an insurance claim and you bear 30% of the insured repair amount. Light scratches that do not break the clear coat are buffed out for free. For bodywork and parts replacement, we do not charge downtime or depreciation fees; for major damage, downtime is waived for the first five days.

Here is an example. A Tank 300 hit a guardrail on a mountain road, with front bumper, headlight, and hood damage totaling 8000 RMB. You pay the first 1500, the remaining 6500 goes through insurance, and you pay 30% of 6500, which is 1950. Your total is 3450 RMB, and we cover the rest.

Handling different accident types

Rear-ending someone: this is usually your responsibility for following too closely. Do not argue; call the police and use insurance. The other car's repair goes through our insurance and you bear your 30%.

Being rear-ended: the other party is responsible and pays for the repair. You do not pay. Have the car repaired and tell us when you return it.

A scrape in a parking lot: if you can find the other owner, call the police and use insurance. If you cannot find them, use our insurance and bear your 30%.

A single-car accident, such as hitting a rock or guardrail with no other party: still call the police for an accident report, then use our insurance and bear your 30%.

What not to do

Do not flee the scene. Leaving after an accident is a serious offense and makes everything worse. Do not argue or fight with the other driver; it solves nothing and can escalate. Do not admit fault verbally before the facts are clear; let the police determine responsibility. Do not drive the car away if it is unsafe, such as with leaking fluid or damaged wheels.

My advice

First, drive carefully; many accidents come from speeding, distraction, or unfamiliar roads, especially in mountain areas. Second, remember the order: check people, move the car, take photos, call us, then the police. Third, never privately settle or sign what you cannot read. Fourth, keep our number saved in your phone. Fifth, stay calm and let the process run; we have handled many accidents and know how to deal with the police, repair shops, and insurers.

An accident is unlikely, but you should still know the process. Hopefully you never need this, but if it happens, you will know what to do. Message me ahead of time with any questions.

Zara
Yunnan Province International Travel Agency (Group) Co., Ltd.
WeChat/WhatsApp: +86 13759155671
WeChat ID: qxzj7557
Email: [email protected]