Accidents abroad

Good to know - accident abroad

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident abroad, it is important to collect the necessary information at the scene. The rules may differ from those in Denmark, and missing documentation can make it more difficult to obtain compensation.

Make sure you have valid documentation

When you report the claim, at least one of the following must be provided:

• A completed and signed European Accident Statement (signed by both parties)

• A police report or police receipt with case reference number

• A witness with full contact details (photo ID with signature, as well as phone number, address and email). The witness must be able to confirm both registration numbers

Photos of the other party’s vehicle alone, a business card from the police or only a name of a witness are not sufficient.

Take photographic documentation at the scene

Take photos of:

• Both vehicles before they are moved

• The extent of the damage

• The Green Card (if relevant in the country concerned)

• The other party’s registration number

In some countries – for example France – it is particularly important to be able to document that the vehicle was present.

Report the claim to your insurance company

The completed claim form or the information you have collected must be sent to your own insurance company when you report the claim.

If you are missing information about the other party

If you cannot obtain all the necessary insurance details, DFIM can help.

At a minimum, you must provide the registration number, the country of registration, the date of the accident and the vehicle category (e.g. passenger car, lorry, etc.). You can then submit an insurance enquiry to DFIM.

Most insurance companies in the EU/EEA have a Danish claims representative who can assist you with handling your claim. The Danish representative will forward your claim to the foreign insurance company.

If you already know the foreign insurance company, you can find the Danish claims representative here. If the company is not listed, please contact DFIM.

Compensation and liability rules in the country of the accident

When you are involved in an accident abroad as a driver, you should be aware that different rules may apply regarding what evidence must be available before the other party is considered liable for the accident.

Compensation is determined according to the rules in the country where the accident occurred.

If you are at fault

You must provide the other party with details of your insurance company and complete the European Accident Statement. Remember that both parties must sign.