Rental Company Guide: What to Do After a Car Accident in BC

This article is written from the perspective of a British Columbia rental car company. We regularly assist customers with ICBC claims, rental vehicle accidents, and real-world disputes. Many costly problems we see are not caused by the accident itself—but by what was done (or not done) in the first few hours afterward.

If you are currently driving a rental car in BC, or plan to rent one, this guide can save you time, stress, and potentially thousands of dollars.

1. What to Do Immediately After a Rental Car Accident in BC

1️⃣ Safety Comes First — Always

Whether you are driving your own car or a rental:

• Turn on your hazard lights immediately

• Move the vehicle to a safe location if it is drivable

• Call 911 right away if anyone is injured or feels unwell

From our experience, some drivers rush to deal with the vehicle or insurance paperwork and ignore physical symptoms. Your health is always the priority.

2️⃣ When Should You Call the Police?

In British Columbia, we strongly recommend calling the police and obtaining a police file number if:

• There are any injuries

• The vehicle is not drivable

• A hit-and-run is involved

• Impaired driving is suspected

• The other party refuses to cooperate or provide information

A police report is not about assigning blame on the spot—it helps protect everyone involved.

3️⃣ Document Everything at the Scene

This step is often underestimated, but it is critical.

Make sure you collect and photograph:

• Driver’s license and contact details of all parties

• License plate numbers

• ICBC insurance policy numbers

• Close-up and wide-angle photos of vehicle damage

• Road conditions, traffic signals, and surroundings

From a rental company’s perspective, missing documentation is one of the most common reasons ICBC claims become delayed or disputed.

4️⃣ Look for Independent Witnesses

If anyone witnessed the accident:

• Ask politely for their name and contact information

We have seen many cases where one neutral witness made a decisive difference in ICBC fault determination.

5️⃣ Do Not Admit Fault at the Scene

Even if you feel the accident may have been your mistake:

• Do not say “It was my fault”

• Do not offer private compensation

In BC, fault is determined by ICBC, not by statements made at the roadside.

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2. If You Are Driving a Rental Car, This Step Is Essential

✅ Notify the Rental Company Immediately

This is where rental car accidents differ from personal vehicles.

• Do not arrange repairs on your own

• Do not make private settlements with the other party

• Do not wait until the vehicle is repaired to report the incident

  
  

Rental vehicles involve ownership, insurance policies, and contractual obligations. One incorrect step can shift financial responsibility to the driver.

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3. ICBC Claims: What Rental Car Drivers Often Misunderstand

🔹 BC Uses a No-Fault Insurance System

This means:

• Medical and rehabilitation benefits are generally covered regardless of fault

• However, fault still affects vehicle repairs, deductibles, insurance records, and cost responsibility

  
  

🔹 Why You Should Not Authorize Repairs Yourself

In real cases we handle:

• Unauthorized repairs were not accepted by ICBC

• Claims were delayed due to incorrect repair procedures

  
  

Always confirm the process with both ICBC and the rental company before any repairs begin.

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4. Common Mistakes We See After Rental Car Accidents

❌ Leaving the scene without photos

❌ Settling privately and reporting later

❌ Delaying ICBC reporting

❌ Failing to notify the rental company

❌ Assuming the security deposit is insurance

In most cases, these mistakes lead to out-of-pocket expenses that could have been avoided.

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5. When Should You Speak With a BC Car Accident Lawyer?

You should consider legal advice if:

• There are serious injuries

• ICBC fault determination is disputed

• The other party denies responsibility

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6. Final Advice From a Rental Company

We never expect our customers to be involved in an accident. But if it happens:

✔ Stay calm ✔ Follow the correct process ✔ Don’t guess or assume responsibility

Many financial losses after accidents are preventable with the right first steps.

📌 For Anyone Renting a Car in British Columbia

When an accident happens, having a rental company that:

• Understands ICBC procedures

• Can guide you step by step

• Communicates clearly during stressful situations

makes a real difference.

We hope you never need this guide—but if you do, we hope it helps you avoid unnecessary trouble and cost.