Renting a car in Japan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but knowing what to do in an emergency is just as important as knowing how to read a road sign. Whether you experience a minor fender-bender in a parking lot or a more serious collision on the highway, following the correct steps protects both your safety and your insurance coverage.<\/p>\n
The moment an accident occurs, move the vehicle to a safe position off the road if possible. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to warn other drivers. On an expressway, do not stay inside the car \u2014 exit from the side away from traffic and move behind the guardrail. Use the warning triangle or emergency reflectors provided in the vehicle if available.<\/p>\n
Before anything else, check whether anyone is injured. If there are any injuries \u2014 even minor-seeming ones \u2014 call 119<\/strong> immediately to request an ambulance. This number is free to call from any phone anywhere in Japan, including mobile phones without a SIM card. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger.<\/p>\n Under Japan's Road Traffic Act, all drivers involved in a traffic accident are legally required to report it to the police, regardless of how minor the damage appears. Call 110<\/strong> to report the accident. This step is critical: without an official police report, the Japan Safe Driving Center cannot issue a Traffic Accident Certificate (\u4ea4\u901a\u4e8b\u6545\u8a3c\u660e\u66f8)<\/strong>, and without that certificate, most rental car insurance and travel insurance claims will be denied outright. Do not leave the scene without a police report reference number.<\/p>\n After calling the police, contact your rental car company as soon as possible using the emergency number printed on your rental agreement or on the sticker inside the vehicle. Failing to notify the rental company promptly can also void your insurance coverage. The company will guide you on next steps, including whether the car needs to be towed and whether a replacement vehicle can be arranged.<\/p>\n If another vehicle is involved, exchange the following information before leaving the scene:<\/p>\n Do not admit fault or sign any documents at the scene. Fault determination in Japan is handled by the police and insurance companies, not by the drivers themselves.<\/p>\n Take photos and short videos of the accident scene, including the positions of all vehicles, any visible damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks. This visual record can be invaluable when filing an insurance claim or if there is a dispute about what happened.<\/p>\n Most Japanese rental car contracts include a Non-Operation Charge (NOC)<\/strong>, which is a fixed fee charged by the rental company to cover lost business while the car is being repaired or cleaned after an accident. This fee is separate from repair costs and is typically around \u00a520,000 for a drivable car<\/strong> and \u00a550,000 for a car that requires towing<\/strong>, though exact amounts vary by company. Some optional insurance add-ons or premium credit card travel insurance plans cover or waive the NOC, so it is worth checking your coverage before you pick up the car.<\/p>\n If your rental car breaks down but there is no accident involved \u2014 for example, a flat tire, dead battery, or engine trouble \u2014 do not call the police. Instead, contact your rental company's road service line first. In many cases, rental companies have partnerships with JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)<\/strong>, Japan's national roadside assistance organization. JAF can be reached 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 0570-00-8139<\/strong> or dialing the short code #8139<\/strong>. Non-members can still receive service, though fees apply.<\/p>\n The best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared before it happens. Before starting your journey, take a photo of your rental agreement, note the emergency contact number, and make sure you understand your insurance coverage. Keeping a pen and notepad in the car for exchanging information is also a practical habit. With the right preparation, even an unexpected situation can be managed calmly and efficiently.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What to Do If You Have a Rental Car Accident in Japan R … <\/p>\nStep 3: Call the Police at 110<\/h2>\n
Step 4: Contact Your Rental Car Company<\/h2>\n
Step 5: Exchange Information with the Other Party<\/h2>\n
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Step 6: Document the Scene<\/h2>\n
Understanding NOC: The Non-Operation Charge<\/h2>\n
Breakdown Assistance: What to Do If the Car Won't Start<\/h2>\n
Prepare Before You Drive<\/h2>\n