11 Car-Rental Tips for Indians: Easy Driving Across Europe

10. Know safety, emergency numbers and roadside procedures

Safety starts with knowing what to do if something goes wrong. Memorise the European emergency number 112; it connects you to ambulance, fire, and police services across the continent. Keep the rental company’s emergency and breakdown numbers in your phone and in a printed note in the glovebox. If you have an accident, move to a safe place if you can, document the scene with photos, and exchange contact and insurance details with other parties. Many rentals include roadside assistance—confirm whether that service is free and what it covers before you depart. For breakdowns in rural or mountain areas, ask if towing and local repairs are covered. Keep a simple emergency kit in the car: a water bottle, a small torch, first-aid items, and a basic tool kit. These small preparations make handling trouble calmer and more efficient when you are far from home.