Hire car accident or breakdown on Mallorca: what to do

Anyone injured? Call 112 first.

Call 112

Last checked: September 2026

Quick answers

What should you do after a hire car accident on Mallorca?

Secure the scene, check for injuries, document everything, fill in the accident report and inform the rental company via the assistance number. Repairs or towing are always arranged through the rental company – jobs you commission yourself are typically not reimbursed.

Procedure

Step by step after the damage

  • 1. Secure the vehicle and people

    Switch on the hazard lights, get off the carriageway if possible, put on a hi-vis vest, set up the warning triangle and wait behind the crash barrier.

  • 2. Check for injuries

    As soon as someone is or might be injured: call 112 and do not make your own judgement about how serious it is.

  • 3. Take photos

    Document the overall scene, number plates, damage to all vehicles, the layout of the road, signs and road markings.

  • 4. Fill in the accident report

    The European accident report is filled in and signed by both parties; note down details, insurance and number plates.

  • 5. Inform the rental company

    Call the emergency or assistance number given in the rental agreement and report the damage immediately.

  • 6. No repairs without approval

    Have repairs, towing or a replacement vehicle arranged only through the rental company or its assistance service.

Breakdown without an accident

With a flat tyre, battery or engine problem, the same first step applies: secure the vehicle, put on a hi-vis vest and wait off the carriageway. Then request breakdown assistance via the number given in the rental agreement. Have your rental agreement number, number plate and location ready – on country roads a kilometre marker or a landmark helps.

Insurance and excess

Who ultimately pays which share depends on the cover you booked. We do not explain the basics again here; you will find them in detail on Hire car insurance & excess.

Third-party fault and disputes

If accounts of the accident differ, someone leaves the scene or a criminal offence is suspected, call the police and have the incident recorded. Which authority is responsible for what is explained on Police, theft & lost documents.

Do this before you drive

  • Save the assistance number from the rental agreement in your phone
  • Photograph the vehicle all round when you collect it
  • Check the hi-vis vest and warning triangle are in the vehicle
  • Have existing damage recorded in the handover report

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Do the police have to attend after a hire car accident?

The police should be called if anyone is injured, if there is a dispute about what happened or if a criminal offence is suspected. For damage to vehicles only, settled by mutual agreement, the European accident report is usually sufficient – the rental agreement may contain different requirements.

What happens if you break down without an accident?

Secure the vehicle and request breakdown assistance via the number given in the rental agreement. Rental companies typically do not reimburse towing services you commission yourself.

Who pays for damage to the hire car?

That depends on the insurance cover you booked and the agreed excess. We explain the basics in detail on our page about hire car insurance and excess.

What should be in the vehicle?

Rental agreement with assistance number, driving licence, ID, hi-vis vest and warning triangle. The hire car is usually equipped accordingly – check this when you collect it.