What to Do After a Rental Car Accident or Breakdown in Japan
These situations are stressful, so know the steps in advance. Take a photo of your rental company’s emergency number (on the contract or key tag) before you set off.
After an accident
- Turn on your hazard lights and move the car somewhere safe if it can move. Get people to a safe place, such as behind the guardrail.
- If anyone is injured, call 119 (ambulance/fire).
- Report every accident, however small, to the police on 110. Reporting is mandatory in Japan, and without a police report the rental insurance may not apply.
- Contact your rental company and follow their instructions.
- If another party is involved, exchange names, contact details and plate numbers — don’t settle privately at the scene.
- Take photos of the cars, location and road conditions.
Breakdowns, flat tires, dead battery
- First call your rental company’s emergency line (roadside assistance). It’s often included in your insurance or options.
- If you can’t reach them, JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) roadside service is on #8139. Non-members are charged.
- To report road damage, fallen rocks or debris, call the road emergency line #9910.
Stopped on an expressway
- Turn on your hazard lights, pull onto the shoulder and set up a warning triangle (停止表示板) behind the car — this is mandatory on expressways.
- Get out and stand behind the guardrail, not in or in front of the car.
- Emergency phones are placed about every 1 km and make it easy to give your location.
Numbers to know
- 110
- Police (report accidents)
- 119
- Ambulance / fire
- Rental company emergency line
- Check your contract or key tag in advance
- #8139
- JAF roadside service (charged for non-members)
- #9910
- Road emergency line (road damage, debris)
Follow your rental company’s instructions first. For help in your language, contacting the rental company is usually fastest.