Accident, Breakdown or Damage in Bosnia: What to Do in a Rental Car
A calm, step-by-step guide to accidents, breakdowns, flat tyres, warning lights, wrong fuel, theft and traffic fines in a rental car in Bosnia, and how damage is handled fairly.
Photo: @ab_rent_car
Nobody plans for an accident or a breakdown on holiday, but knowing what to do makes it much less stressful. Most problems with a rental car in Bosnia are small: a flat tyre, a warning light or a scratch in a car park. Even after a real accident, the steps are simple if you follow them in order.
This guide explains what to do in each situation, which numbers to call and how we handle damage after you return the car. It's written by the AB Rent a Car team in Sarajevo.
In this guide
- Emergency numbers in Bosnia
- After an accident: step by step
- Breakdowns and warning lights
- Flat tyres and broken windows
- Wrong fuel
- If the car is stolen
- Traffic fines
- How damage is handled after you return the car
- Frequently asked questions
Emergency numbers in Bosnia
Save these in your phone before you start driving:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 122 |
| Fire brigade | 123 |
| Ambulance | 124 |
| BIHAMK roadside assistance | 1282 |
| AB Rent a Car, 24/7 | The emergency number in your rental agreement |
Call us first for anything to do with the car. We are available 24/7 and will tell you exactly what to do next.
After an accident: step by step
- Make sure everyone is safe. Switch on the hazard lights, put on the reflective vest and place the warning triangle behind the car. Both are in every car.
- Call an ambulance if anyone is hurt (124), then the police (122).
- Always call the police, even for a small accident. A police report is required for the insurance. Without it, the damage cannot be covered.
- Call us. We will guide you through the process and help if you need a replacement car.
- Take photos of both cars, the number plates, the road and the other driver's documents.
- Don't sign anything you don't understand. Wait for the police and ask us if you're unsure.
For the road rules and police checks, see Driving in Sarajevo: parking, road rules and local tips.
Breakdowns and warning lights
If the car stops working or a warning light comes on, stop somewhere safe and contact us as soon as possible. Many lights only need a quick check, but some mean you should not keep driving. We will tell you which, and arrange help if needed.
- Red warning light (oil, temperature, brakes): stop safely and turn off the engine, then call us.
- Yellow warning light (for example tyre pressure): drive carefully to a safe place and call us.
- The car won't start: don't keep trying. Call us and we'll tell you what to do.
Flat tyres and broken windows
Full insurance is included in every rental, but it does not cover tyres and windows. There is one exception that matters: if a tyre goes flat by itself, we cover all the costs of a new tyre.
- Flat tyre: stop safely, switch on the hazard lights and call us. We will help you change it or arrange assistance.
- Cracked or broken window: take a photo and let us know. Avoid driving on the motorway if the windscreen is badly damaged.
- Potholes and gravel: keep to paved roads. Driving off-road is not allowed, and rough roads are the most common cause of tyre damage.
Wrong fuel
If you put the wrong fuel in the car, don't start the engine. Leave the car where it is and call us immediately. If the engine is not started, the problem is usually easy to fix. The correct fuel type is shown on the fuel cap and in the rental documents.
If the car is stolen
Theft of rental cars in Bosnia is rare, but if it happens, report it to the police immediately and then call us. The situation is handled according to the insurance policy. Keep the car keys and documents with you, never inside the car.
Traffic fines
The driver is responsible for any traffic violations or fines during the rental period. Police in Bosnia often check speed, and fines are usually paid on the spot or at a bank. Read more in Driving in Bosnia as a tourist: licence and documents.
How damage is handled after you return the car
We keep the process simple and transparent:
- At pickup and at return we fill in a check-out and check-in form together with you: mileage, fuel, damage and photos. Both sides sign it.
- If you notice damage before driving, tell our staff straight away so it is recorded.
- If new damage is found at return, we will discuss about needed compensation, depending on the damage.
- Nothing is charged to your card without your consent.
The full rules are in our damage policy. For what insurance includes, see Renting a car in Sarajevo: the complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to call the police after a small accident?
Yes. A police report is required for the insurance, even for minor damage.
Is a flat tyre covered?
Full insurance does not cover tyres and windows. But if a tyre goes flat by itself, we cover the full cost of a new tyre.
What should I do if I put in the wrong fuel?
Don't start the engine. Call us immediately and we will arrange help.
Will you charge my card for damage without asking?
No. We send you two assessment proposals and act only on the option you choose.
Who pays traffic fines?
The driver is responsible for any fines received during the rental.
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