Being in a car accident is stressful, especially in a foreign country. This step-by-step guide will help you handle the situation calmly, protect yourself legally, and ensure the proper procedures are followed in El Salvador.
⚠️ Most important rule: Stay calm and prioritize safety. People first, paperwork second. Check for injuries before anything else.
Step 1: Check for Injuries
Your first priority is always human safety:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
- Check occupants of other vehicles if you can do so safely
- If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately
- Do not attempt to move injured people unless they're in immediate danger (e.g., fire)
- If trained in first aid, provide basic assistance while waiting for paramedics
Step 2: Move to Safety
- If the vehicles can be moved and are blocking traffic, move them to the side of the road
- If vehicles cannot be moved, turn on hazard lights on all vehicles involved
- Set up warning triangles or flares if available
- Move yourself and passengers to a safe area away from traffic
- Be aware of traffic around you — secondary accidents are a real danger
Step 3: Call the Police
In El Salvador, you should always report an accident to the police:
- Call 911 — this reaches the PNC (Policia Nacional Civil)
- Provide your location as precisely as possible (use Google Maps to share coordinates)
- Describe the situation: number of vehicles, injuries, road blockage
- Wait for the police to arrive — do not leave the scene
⚠️ Critical: Never leave the scene of an accident. In El Salvador, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, especially if there are injuries.
Step 4: Document Everything
While waiting for the police, document the accident thoroughly. Photos are essential for insurance claims and any legal proceedings:
Photograph
- All vehicles involved: Multiple angles, showing positions and damage
- Close-up damage photos: Every dent, scratch, broken part on all vehicles
- License plates: Clear photos of all vehicles' plates
- The accident scene: Wide shots showing the road, surroundings, traffic signs, and road markings
- Skid marks or debris: Any evidence on the road
- Traffic signals and signs: Nearby signs that may be relevant
- Road conditions: Wet road, potholes, poor visibility, etc.
- Your injuries: If any, photograph them
Record Details
- Date, time, and exact location of the accident
- Weather and road conditions
- Speed you were traveling (approximate)
- What happened in your own words — write it down while fresh
Step 5: Exchange Information
Collect the following from all other parties involved:
- Full name and contact information
- DUI number (Documento Unico de Identidad — El Salvador's national ID)
- Driver's license number
- Vehicle license plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Insurance company and policy number
- Witness names and contacts — if bystanders saw the accident, get their information
💡 Tip: Take photos of the other driver's license, DUI, and insurance card. This is faster and more accurate than writing details down.
Step 6: Contact Sicarro Support
As soon as the immediate situation is handled, contact Sicarro:
- Email: support@sicarro.com
- WhatsApp: Send a message with "ACCIDENT" and your booking reference
- Provide your booking reference number
- Describe what happened briefly
- Share photos of the accident
- Mention if there are injuries
Sicarro support will guide you through the next steps regarding your booking and insurance claim.
Step 7: Contact the Vehicle Supplier
Notify the vehicle supplier as soon as possible:
- Call them directly using the phone number in your booking details
- Also send a message through Sicarro's platform for documentation
- Describe the damage to their vehicle
- Ask if they want to come to the scene
- Follow any specific instructions they provide
Step 8: File a Police Report
When the police arrive, they will create an official report (denuncia or acta de accidente):
- Cooperate fully with the officers
- Provide your driver's license, passport, and the vehicle's registration (tarjeta de circulacion)
- Give your account of what happened clearly and factually
- Ask for a copy of the police report or the report number — you'll need this for insurance claims
- If you don't speak Spanish well, ask if an English-speaking officer is available or use a translation app
Step 9: Do Not Admit Fault
This is extremely important:
- Do not apologize or say "it was my fault" — even if you think it might have been
- Stick to the facts when describing what happened
- Do not sign any documents you don't fully understand
- Do not agree to settle privately on the spot — always go through proper channels
- Let the police report and insurance process determine fault
⚠️ Legal advice: Be cooperative and polite, but do not admit fault. Even saying "I'm sorry" can be interpreted as an admission of responsibility. Simply state the facts.
Insurance Coverage During an Accident
Every Sicarro rental includes basic insurance coverage. Here's what applies in an accident:
- Third-party liability: Covers damage to other people's property and vehicles
- Basic collision: Covers damage to the rental vehicle (subject to deductible/excess)
- Deductible: You may be responsible for a deductible amount — the specific amount is noted in your rental agreement
See our full Insurance Coverage guide for detailed information.
What Sicarro Covers vs. Your Responsibility
Sicarro / Insurance Covers
- Third-party vehicle and property damage (up to policy limits)
- Damage to the rental vehicle (minus deductible)
- Coordination with the supplier on vehicle repair
- Support and guidance throughout the claims process
Your Responsibility
- Insurance deductible/excess amount
- Damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (insurance is void)
- Damage caused by violating the rental agreement (e.g., off-road driving in a sedan)
- Personal belongings damage (not covered by vehicle insurance)
- Any traffic fines or penalties resulting from the accident
Follow-Up After the Accident
In the days following the accident:
- File the insurance claim: Sicarro support will guide you through this process
- Submit all documentation: Police report, photos, witness information, and your written account
- Keep all receipts: Medical expenses, transportation costs, etc.
- Follow up: Check the status of your claim with Sicarro support
- Replacement vehicle: Depending on the situation, Sicarro may help arrange an alternative rental
Important Phone Numbers in El Salvador
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance) | 911 |
| PNC (National Civil Police) | 911 |
| Red Cross (Cruz Roja) | 2222-5155 |
| Fire Department (Bomberos) | 913 |
| Sicarro Support | support@sicarro.com |
| US Embassy | +503 2501-2999 |
💡 Remember: The most important thing is your safety and the safety of others. Property damage can be repaired and claims can be filed — focus on people first. Sicarro is here to support you through the process.
