Road trips are about freedom and discovery—but like anywhere in the world, unexpected situations can occasionally happen on the road. If you’re driving in China and find yourself involved in a traffic accident, knowing what to do can make the situation feel far less stressful.

In China, traffic accidents are officially handled by local traffic police, insurance companies, and your car rental provider, following local regulations. That’s normal—and it doesn’t mean you’re on your own.

At Dragon Roads, our role is to support you along the way, not to replace official procedures. If something unexpected comes up, we can help with communication, explain what’s going on, and assist with coordinating next steps when needed. Our goal is simple: to make sure you feel supported, informed, and calm, so a difficult moment doesn’t overwhelm your journey.

Below is a clear, practical guide you can refer to if a traffic accident occurs during your trip.

What to Do If a Traffic Accident Happens

If Everyone Is Safe and No One Is Injured

Step 1: Stay Safe and Collect Evidence

  • Pull over immediately, turn on your hazard lights, and place a warning triangle if available.

  • Take clear photos of the scene from multiple angles, including:

    • vehicle positions and points of impact

    • skid marks

    • license plates of all vehicles involved

    • the surrounding road and environment

Step 2: Call the Traffic Police

  • Dial 122, the traffic accident police hotline, and wait for officers to arrive.

  • The police will issue an official Traffic Accident Responsibility Report, which is essential for insurance claims.

  • If language is a challenge, you may ask nearby Chinese residents or other travelers to help place the call.

  • You can also contact Dragon Roads for remote language or process support whenever needed.

Step 3: Contact the Car Rental Company and Insurance

  • Call your car rental provider as soon as possible (for example, eHi Car Rental: 400 888 6608, English service available) and explain what happened honestly and clearly.

  • The rental company will coordinate with the insurance provider and may send a damage assessor or guide you through the next steps.

  • Insurance staff may contact you via SMS or WeChat; translation tools are usually sufficient for communication.

Step 4: Next Arrangements

  • Based on the vehicle’s condition and insurance coverage, confirm with the rental office whether the car can still be used or needs to be replaced.

  • Please also stay in touch with Dragon Roads—we’ll help assess how this may affect your travel plans and assist with adjustments if needed.

If Someone Is Injured

Step 1: Get Help Immediately and Stay Safe

  • Stop the car safely, turn on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle.

  • First call 120 to request medical assistance, then call 122 to report the accident.

  • If lines are busy, dial 110 and ask the police to help transfer your call.

  • If communication is difficult, ask nearby Chinese residents for help, or contact Dragon Roads for language support.

Step 2: Collect Evidence (If Safe to Do So)

  • If conditions allow, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and surroundings.

  • If the situation is urgent or police instruct otherwise, always prioritize medical care and personal safety.

Step 3: Contact the Car Rental Company and Insurance

  • Once everyone’s safety is reasonably secured, contact the rental company (e.g. eHi: 400 888 6608, English service available).

  • Inform them about both the injuries and vehicle damage. They will assist in contacting the insurance company and guiding next steps.

Step 4: Travel Insurance and Medical Costs

  • If you’ve purchased travel insurance, contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the incident.

  • Please note: the same expense (medical bills) cannot be reimbursed twice.

Step 5: Ongoing Support

  • After the vehicle situation is resolved, confirm with the rental company whether the car can still be used.

  • Stay in close contact with Dragon Roads—we’ll do our best to support coordination and any necessary itinerary changes.

（The Reception of A Public Hospital in China)

Important Notes to Keep in Mind

  • Accidents on highways
    Follow the principle of     “pull over, leave the vehicle, call for help” to avoid secondary accidents.
    For highway emergencies, call     12122, the national expressway rescue hotline.

  • Engine flooding
    If the engine stalls after driving through water,     do not restart the engine. Restarting may cause serious damage and could be considered an avoidable loss, which insurance may refuse to cover.

  • Insurance tips
    When renting a car, we recommend choosing insurance options that include     full damage coverage / zero deductible, for greater peace of mind.

  • Know your policy
    Understanding what your insurance covers—and what it doesn’t—can make the claims process much smoother.

  • The accident report is essential
    The     Traffic Accident Responsibility Report is required for insurance claims. Please make sure to obtain it.

  • Before paying any fees
    Always contact the rental company or insurance provider first to confirm the correct way to handle payments.

  • Keep all records
    Save the accident report, repair invoices, medical bills, and communication records.
    In China, the general statute of limitations for traffic accident–related civil claims is     three years.

We truly hope you’ll never need this guide—and that your China road trip is filled with smooth roads, beautiful scenery, and great memories. Drive carefully, enjoy the journey, and remember: if you need help, Dragon Roads is always here to support you.