It's every driver's nightmare: you're suddenly stuck at the roadside with a rental car that won't start. But stay calm – with the right information, you'll solve the situation quickly. Here we go through exactly what you should do.
📖 Contents
1. First step – secure yourself
Regardless of what happened to the car, your safety is most important. Follow these steps:
Do this immediately so other drivers see you.
Roll off the road to a safe place – shoulder, parking lot, or exit.
At least 50 meters behind the car (100-200 meters on highway). Triangle is in the trunk.
Mandatory in many countries. Usually in glove box or under seat.
⚠️ On the highway
Never stop in the driving lane! Roll as far right as possible. Exit on the right side and stand behind the barrier. Then call for help.
2. Who should you call?
With a rental car, you should always call the rental company first – not your own insurance or a random towing company.
📞 Why the rental company?
They have agreements with local towing companies and assistance services. If you hire someone else on your own, you risk having to pay yourself.
All major rental companies have 24/7 assistance lines:
| Company | Assistance Number |
|---|---|
| Hertz | Found in contract/app |
| Avis | Found in contract/app |
| Europcar | Found in contract/app |
| Sixt | Found in contract/app |
| Budget | Found in contract/app |
| Enterprise | Found in contract/app |
Numbers vary by country – see next section for how to find the right number.
3. How to find the right number
The assistance number can be found in several places:
💡 Tip: Take a photo before you drive
Take a picture of the assistance number with your phone right when you pick up the car. Then you have it available even without internet connection.
4. Replacement car – what applies?
If the car can't be repaired on site, you usually have the right to a replacement car. But terms vary:
When do you get a replacement car?
- Mechanical failure – Yes, always (not your fault)
- Flat tire – Usually yes, if there's no spare wheel
- Dead battery – Depends on cause (see below)
- Out of fuel – No, your responsibility
- Accident – Yes, if you have the right insurance
Where do you pick it up?
The rental company usually arranges one of the following:
- Delivery to your location (in cities)
- Pickup at nearest rental station
- Taxi voucher to rental station
5. Flat tire
Many modern rental cars don't have spare wheels – only tire repair kits or "run-flat" tires.
What to do:
- Check trunk for spare wheel or repair kit
- If repair kit: follow instructions (temporary fix)
- If no spare: call assistance
- Don't drive on a flat tire – it damages the wheel
💡 Good to know
With Full Coverage insurance, tire damage is usually covered. Without insurance, you may have to pay for a new tire yourself.
6. Dead battery
Common causes of dead battery:
- Left lights on
- Old battery (rental company's fault)
- Extreme cold
- Faulty alternator
What to do:
- Call assistance – they usually come with jump start cables
- If you have cables and help: positive to positive, negative to ground
- Let the car run for at least 15 minutes
- Don't turn off the engine until you reach your destination
⚠️ If it happens again
If the battery dies again, the car needs to be replaced. Contact the rental company for a new car.
7. Out of fuel
Running out of fuel is your responsibility – not covered by roadside assistance.
What to do:
- Call assistance anyway – some companies help (for a fee)
- Otherwise: walk to nearest gas station or call a taxi
- Bring a canister with 5-10 liters
- Don't push the car on the highway!
💡 Prevention
Fill up when the tank is half empty. In remote areas, fill up at every opportunity.
8. Accident or collision
If you've been in an accident:
- Check for injuries – call ambulance if needed (112 in EU, 911 in USA)
- Secure the scene – hazard lights, warning triangle
- Document – photos of all cars, damage, license plates
- Exchange information – name, address, insurance
- Police report – required in many countries for insurance
- Call rental company – as soon as possible
⚠️ Never admit fault!
Even if you think the accident was your fault – never admit it on site. Let insurance companies determine fault.
9. Prevent problems
Most breakdowns can be prevented with simple checks:
- 🔍 Walk around – check tires and lights before driving
- ⛽ Keep tank full – don't risk running out
- 📱 Save numbers – photo of assistance number in phone
- 🔦 Check equipment – warning triangle, vest, first aid kit
- 📋 Read contract – know what's covered
- 💳 Full Coverage – best protection against unexpected costs
💡 More reading
Check our guides on pickup checklist, insurance guide, and common mistakes abroad.
