What to Do After a Car Accident in Germany

After a car accident in Germany, the most important thing is to ensure the safety of everyone involved and secure the accident scene, call for medical assistance if anyone is injured, exchange contact information with the other parties involved, and report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if the damage is minor, do not leave the scene without reporting it: leaving the scene of an accident can lead to serious legal consequences.

First Steps at the Scene of a Traffic Accident

1. Stop and turn on your hazard lights. Do not continue driving, even if the damage seems minor.
2. Put on a reflective vest. Only get out of the car when it is safe to do so.
3. Set up your hazard lights. On city streets, place them closer to the vehicle; on rural roads and highways, place them much farther away so that other drivers have time to react.
4. Check to see if anyone is injured. In case of injuries, a life-threatening situation, a fire, or any other dangerous situation, call 112.
5. Provide first aid if you can do so safely. In Germany, drivers are required to provide assistance to the best of their ability.
6. Do not move the vehicles unless necessary. If the vehicles are obstructing traffic and the damage is minor, take photos first, then clear the road.

When to Call 112 and 110

112 is the number for emergency medical services and the fire department. Call this number if there are injured people, a fire, smoke, a fuel leak, people trapped, or any other danger.

110 – police. You should usually call the police if:

• there are injured people;
• the other party has left or refuses to provide their information;
• there is suspicion of alcohol, drugs, or driving without a license;
• Property belonging to others, traffic signs, guardrails, or a parked car with no owner nearby has been damaged;
• the parties involved disagree on the circumstances of the accident;
• The accident involves a foreign vehicle, a company car, a rental car, a leased vehicle, or an Auto-Abo;
• The damage appears to be significant.

In the case of a minor accident with no injuries and no dispute, the police may not file a detailed report. But if you’re unsure, it’s best to call and describe the situation to the dispatcher.

What Information to Gather

Write down or take a photo of:

• the other driver’s name, address, and contact information;
• the vehicle’s license plate number;
• Insurance company details and policy number, if available;
• the make, model, and color of the vehicle;
• the location, date, and approximate time of the accident;
• names and contact information of witnesses;
• weather conditions, traffic signs, road markings, and traffic lights;
• Damage to all vehicles and a general view of the accident scene.

It’s helpful to fill out the European Unfallbericht if you have one in your car. Sign it only as a statement of facts, not as an admission of fault. Do not write phrases like “I’m at fault” or “I take full responsibility” if the circumstances have not yet been clarified.

Photos and Evidence

Take several sets of photos:

• a general view of the road and the positions of the vehicles;
• skid marks, debris, road signs, and traffic lights;
• license plate numbers;
• close-up shots of the damage;
• the other party’s documents, if they agree to show them for the purpose of recording the details.

If the vehicles need to be moved, photos taken before moving them are especially important. On the autobahn and busy roads, safety takes priority over getting the perfect shot: first, get people out of the danger zone.

What to Report to Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you believe the other driver is at fault. Many policies have notification deadlines, and leased, rented, or subscription-based vehicles often require a separate notification to the owner or provider.

Provide the following information to your insurance company:

• policy number;
• the date, time, and location of the accident;
• a brief description of the circumstances;
• the other party’s contact information;
• photos and contact information for witnesses;
• the police case number, if the police were called.

Do not begin costly repairs without prior approval if your vehicle is covered by comprehensive insurance (Kasko), is leased, rented, or part of an Auto-Abo plan. The contract may specify a particular service provider or the procedure for assessing the damage.

If a parked car is damaged

You cannot simply leave a note under the windshield wiper and drive away. If the owner is not nearby, it is wiser to wait a while and then contact the police. This way, you’ll document your attempt to locate the owner and reduce the risk of being accused of leaving the scene of an accident.

If you’re driving a rental, leased, or subscription car

In addition to the usual steps, check your insurance policy. You’ll often need to:

• Notify your provider or rental company immediately;
• Call the police for any traffic accident, even a minor one;
• Do not admit fault without prior agreement;
• Do not repair the vehicle yourself;
• Use only the designated partner repair shop;
• Submit photos, the accident report (Unfallbericht), and the police case number.

Violating these rules may affect your deductible and damage coverage.

Common Mistakes After a Car Accident

• leaving the scene of the accident without exchanging information;
• failing to call for medical assistance if anyone is injured;
• arguing on the road instead of documenting the facts;
• admit fault in writing or in a message;
• Do not take photos of the scene before the vehicles have been moved;
• forget about witnesses;
• reporting the incident to your insurance company too late;
• repairing the car without consulting the insurance company or the owner.

Quick Checklist

• Stop, turn on your hazard lights, and put on a safety vest.
• Secure the accident scene and set up a warning sign.
• Check on anyone who is injured; call 112 if necessary.
• In the event of a dispute, injuries, significant damage, or a hit-and-run driver, call 110.
• Collect information from those involved and any witnesses.
• Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and the damage.
• Fill out the Unfallbericht without admitting fault.
• Notify your insurance company and the car’s owner if the vehicle isn’t yours.

FAQ

Do you always need to call the police?

Not always. In minor accidents without injuries, disputes, or suspicious circumstances, the parties often handle the paperwork themselves. But if there are any doubts, injuries, a hit-and-run driver, alcohol involved, a dispute, or if the vehicle is a company car, rental car, or leased vehicle, it’s best to call the police.

Can you move your car after an accident?

If there is a risk to traffic or people, take photos first, then move your vehicle to a safe location. In the event of a serious accident with injured parties, do not alter the scene unnecessarily and follow the instructions of emergency services.

What should you do if the other driver doesn’t speak German?

Gather objective evidence: photos, license plate numbers, documents, contact information, and witnesses. If you cannot agree on how to document the facts, call the police.

What should you do if the other driver has left?

Write down the license plate number, make, color, direction of travel, and witness information. Then notify the police and your insurance company. Do not try to catch up with the other vehicle if doing so creates a hazard.