The Andorran Bureau intervenes in car accidents occurring in Andorra when a vehicle registered and insured outside of Andorra is involved. Find out what to do if you have had an accident with a foreign vehicle, whether inside or outside Andorra.
First steps in a traffic accident or accident with injuries, notify emergency services: police, ambulances and firefighters.
Accidents with injuries, notify emergency services: police, ambulances and firefighters.
As with any accident, the first thing to do is to remain calm. If there are any physical injuries, in addition to material damage, contact the emergency services. If you are afraid or unsure, call the emergency services to have the police called to the scene. The European emergency number is 112 and the call is free from any landline or mobile phone, provided you are in the European Union. There is NO cost, even with roaming. This number can also be used in Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. If you are in Morocco: National Police 177, Local Police 19 and Medical Emergency 15. A complete list of emergency numbers abroad can be found on Wikipedia, at the following link.
If you have had to call the emergency services, they will have advised you on what to do. Generally, do not move the injured unless there is greater danger in leaving them where they are (for example, fire risk) and keep them warm. If you know how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and it is necessary because someone is not breathing, start until the medical services arrive.
In the case of a serious medical emergency or severe accident abroad, you may also contact the nearest embassy or consulate. And should also notify your family and your health insurance company for assistance.
It is important to obtain medical certificates promptly, even if the injuries seem minor.
Secure the accident area if you are unharmed.
If possible, secure the accident area. Wear your safety vest, which should be kept in your vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights to increase the visibility of your vehicle. Before exiting, ensure it is safe and place the mandatory warning triangles: one approximately 100 metres behind your vehicle in the direction of the traffic, and the other slightly closer. Ideally, before stepping out, place a certified emergency flashing light on your vehicle.
No injuries? Complete de Accident Report Form
In the best-case scenario, the accident only involves material damage. In this case, you must complete the Accident Report Form, even if your versions of the accident are not the same.
If you are abroad and cannot complete the report because it is not common practice in that country (e.g. the United Kingdom), make sure to obtain the following:
- Date and location of the accident
- Name and contact details of the other driver (phone numbers, emails, etc.)
- Brand, model and registration number of the other vehicle
- Information about the insurance company
- Names and contact details of witnesses
- If possible, take pictures (remember all mobile phones have a camera now. You can use it!)
Sometimes, things are not as straightforward and complications can arise in the event of a vehicle accident. If you have trouble completing the paperwork with the other party, we recommend that you contact the police. If you are unfamiliar with the emergency number in a foreign country, dial the local emergency services.
It may also be the case that the other vehicle did not stop at the scene of the accident or left while you were waiting for the police to complete de paperwork. As a precaution, try to obtain at least the make, model and registration number of the vehicle. Additionally, remember to take pictures. In the event of a hit-and-run, it is advisable to file a report with the local police authorities and retain the original report for your records.
Vehicle immobilised during the accident? Contact Roadside Assistance
If the accident has caused material damage to your vehicle, leaving it immobilised and you are abroad, don't worry! Wherever you are, the process is the same. You need to contact your insurance company's roadside assistance helplines. This information should be in your vehicle documents or on your insurance policy.
Check the roadside assistance phone numbers for the main Andorran insurance companies.
Report the traffic accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, or contact the National Bureau in the country where the accident occurred.
Once the initial shock has passed and you have the necessary information, it is time to contact your insurance company so they can assist you. Even in the case of a traffic accident abroad, contact your insurance company, who will usually liaise with the foreign insurance company involved.
If you insurance company does not contact the other party's insurance company, do not worry. We are here to help you obtain their contact details.
After reporting the accident, the representative has up to 3 months to get in touch with you, so please be patient. Only if you receive no response after this time should you contact the Andorran Bureau.
Your first call should be to your insurance company, although the National Bureau of the country where the accident occurred can also provide guidance. The contact details of the forty-six National Bureaux are listed on the back of your Green Card. You can also check the network of National Bureaux of the Green Card System on the Council of Bureaux website. These offices should only be contacted in cases of accidents resulting in loss, damage or injury to third parties. They do not offer assistance services for breakdowns.
If you are abroad, remember to use the international dialling code (00 or '+') and the country code (376 for Andorra) when calling from abroad.
And the ANDORRAN BUREAU will ensure a smooth process