What matters
- Korea's Road Traffic Act requires a driver involved in an accident to stop, assist casualties and provide identifying information to the other party.
- 112 is the police emergency number; 119 dispatches fire, rescue and emergency medical help.
- The rental company's accident line and the exact rental agreement control the vehicle, towing, repair, replacement and insurance process.
- A collision-damage waiver does not automatically mean every cost is zero; deductibles, exclusions and loss-of-use charges depend on the product and contract.
- Coverage can be restricted when the driver was not registered on the agreement or when the contract was breached, including unlicensed or impaired driving.
First minutes: stop, protect people and prevent another crash
Stop immediately. Switch on hazard lights, turn off the engine when safe and check occupants and the other vehicle without stepping blindly into moving traffic. Call 119 for injury, fire, entrapment or any condition that may be life-threatening. Give the road name, direction of travel, nearest exit or landmark and the vehicle plate if the location is unclear.
Do not drive away because the damage looks small. Follow police or road-operator instructions about waiting, warning other traffic or moving to a safer position. On a fast road, personal safety and preventing a second collision come before taking photographs in a live lane.
- 119: ambulance, fire and rescue.
- 112: police response and accident-report guidance.
- Useful request: 'English please' or 'Interpreter please.'
Call the rental company before arranging the vehicle
Use the accident or roadside-assistance number printed in your rental agreement, app, key tag or pickup documents—not a number copied from an unrelated operator. Report the contract number, vehicle plate, exact location, injuries, whether police are attending and whether the car blocks traffic or can be driven.
Ask who is authorized to tow, where the vehicle must go and whether a replacement vehicle is available. One major operator's published terms require immediate notice and prior consultation before third-party settlement, towing or repair; another company's procedure may differ, so your signed agreement takes priority.
- Save the operator's accident line before leaving the pickup lot.
- Confirm whether the call is an accident report, roadside assistance or only general customer service.
- Record the staff member's name, time and instructions.
Document facts without deciding fault at the roadside
When it is safe, photograph the overall road layout, lane markings, signals, both vehicle positions, plates and every visible area of damage. Save dashcam footage before it is overwritten. Note the time, weather, direction of travel and witness contact details, and exchange the names, phone numbers and insurance information needed for the report.
Describe what you observed and avoid signing a statement you do not understand. Do not admit legal fault, promise a cash payment or accept a private settlement merely to end the conversation. Ask police, the rental operator or insurer for interpretation before agreeing to anything material.
- Do not post passport, license, contract or plate documents publicly.
- Keep originals and send copies only through a verified police, rental or insurer channel.
- If the other party leaves, record what you safely can and call 112.
Understand what the waiver may not pay
Ask the operator to identify the liability insurance, vehicle-damage waiver, deductible and exclusions attached to your reservation. Marketing phrases such as 'full coverage' or 'zero excess' do not replace the written terms. Tires, wheels, interior damage, single-vehicle incidents, towing, administrative charges and substitute transport can be treated differently by product.
The vehicle may also create a downtime or loss-of-use charge while it cannot be rented. Published operator examples show that this can remain separate from repair protection. Never copy another company's amount into your claim; request the clause, calculation and supporting documents for your own contract.
- Confirm that every person who drove was registered on the agreement.
- Expect exclusions for conduct such as unlicensed, impaired or unauthorized driving.
- Ask your travel insurer what rental-car evidence it requires before leaving Korea.
Close the case before your departure date
Obtain the police reference or instructions, rental-company accident record, tow and repair details, photographs, medical records and itemized receipts that apply to the case. Confirm in writing where and when the vehicle or replacement must be returned and whether a later card charge, deposit hold or claim decision is still pending.
Keep a reachable email address and phone number with the operator and insurer after departure. If an injury appears later, seek medical care and preserve the connection to the accident rather than relying only on a message to the rental desk. Disputes over fault, liability or coverage need the police, insurer, rental company or qualified legal assistance—not a travel-site judgment.
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