Quick Answer
If you have an accident or breakdown with a rental car in Japan, first make sure everyone is safe.
Then contact the police, emergency services if needed, and your rental car company.
Do not leave the scene of an accident without following the proper procedure.
No one wants to think about accidents or breakdowns during a trip.
But if you are driving a rental car in Japan, it is important to know what to do before something happens.
Japan has clear procedures for traffic accidents, vehicle trouble, and rental car damage. If you understand the basic steps, you can stay calmer and avoid making the situation worse.
First, make sure everyone is safe
If an accident or breakdown happens, the first priority is safety.
Move away from traffic if it is safe to do so. Turn on the hazard lights and avoid standing in a dangerous area, especially on expressways or busy roads.
If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately.
Human safety comes before the car, the schedule, or the rental contract.
Emergency phone numbers in Japan
In Japan, the main emergency numbers are:
- 110 for police
- 119 for ambulance or fire department
If there is an injury, fire, or serious danger, call 119.
If there is a traffic accident, call the police at 110.
Even if the accident seems minor, the police may still need to be contacted. This is especially important when driving a rental car.
What to do after a traffic accident
If you are involved in a traffic accident, follow these basic steps:
- Stop the vehicle safely
- Check for injuries
- Call emergency services if needed
- Contact the police
- Contact the rental car company
- Take photos and keep records
- Do not make private settlements at the scene
Always contact the police after a traffic accident, even if the damage looks minor.
This can be important for insurance, rental company procedures, and official accident records.
Do not make a private settlement
After an accident, another driver may suggest solving the problem privately.
For foreign visitors, this is risky.
You may not fully understand the legal, insurance, or rental company consequences. You may also need official records later.
Do not agree to a private settlement without contacting the police and rental company.
Contact the rental car company
After contacting emergency services or the police, contact your rental car company as soon as possible.
The rental company can tell you what to do next, whether the car can still be driven, and how replacement vehicle or towing procedures may work.
They may also tell you what documents, photos, or reports are needed.
Keep the rental company’s emergency contact number available during your trip. It may be printed on your rental documents, booking voucher, or rental agreement.
What to do if the car breaks down
If the rental car breaks down, stop in a safe place and turn on the hazard lights.
If you are on an expressway, do not stay inside the car if it is unsafe. Move to a safe area away from traffic if possible.
Then contact the rental car company and follow their instructions.
Depending on the situation, they may arrange roadside assistance, towing, or a replacement vehicle.
Do not continue driving if the car has a serious warning light, strange noise, smoke, or a safety problem.
What if the breakdown happens on an expressway?
Breakdowns on expressways are especially dangerous.
If possible, stop on the shoulder or in an emergency parking area. Turn on your hazard lights and use warning equipment if available.
Move away from the vehicle and stay behind a guardrail or in another safe place if possible.
Then contact the rental company and road assistance service as instructed.
Do not stand behind or near the vehicle in traffic lanes.
Take photos and keep records
Photos and records can help if there is damage, an accident report, insurance claim, or later dispute.
If it is safe, take photos of:
- the vehicles involved
- damage to the rental car
- damage to other vehicles or property
- the road situation
- license plates
- traffic signs or signals nearby
Also keep receipts, police information, rental company instructions, and any documents you receive.
Do not risk your safety to take photos. Take records only when it is safe.
Ready to compare rental companies?
Accident and breakdown support can vary depending on the rental company, location, insurance options, and rental conditions.
Before booking, it is useful to compare rental companies not only by price, but also by support, insurance explanations, emergency procedures, and return rules.
Best Car Rental Companies in Japan for Foreign Drivers
What is NOC?
When renting a car in Japan, you may see the term NOC.
NOC stands for Non-Operation Charge.
It is a charge that may apply if the rental car cannot be used by the rental company because of an accident, damage, breakdown, or other issue.
NOC rules can vary depending on the rental company and situation.
NOC may not be covered by basic insurance, so always check the rental conditions before booking.
If you are unsure about insurance or optional coverage, read this guide:
What Insurance Should Foreign Visitors Choose When Renting a Car in Japan?
What should you not do after an accident?
After an accident, avoid these mistakes:
- leaving the scene without following proper procedure
- not calling the police
- not contacting the rental car company
- agreeing to a private settlement too quickly
- continuing to drive a damaged or unsafe car
- forgetting to keep records and documents
- assuming basic insurance covers every cost
These mistakes can create bigger problems later.
What if you cannot speak Japanese?
Language can be stressful during an emergency.
If possible, use translation apps, ask hotel staff, or contact the rental company’s support line for help.
Some rental companies may provide support information for foreign drivers, but availability varies.
Before you start driving, save important contact numbers and know where to find your rental documents.
Prepare emergency contact information before the trip, not after trouble happens.
Common accident and breakdown mistakes to avoid
Foreign visitors should be especially careful to avoid these common mistakes:
- not knowing emergency phone numbers
- not keeping the rental company’s contact number nearby
- assuming small damage does not need to be reported
- not understanding NOC
- not checking what insurance or coverage includes
- not taking photos when it is safe to do so
- driving after a serious warning sign appears
So, what should foreign visitors do after an accident or breakdown in Japan?
The safest rule is simple:
Stay safe, contact the police or emergency services when needed, contact the rental company, and keep clear records.
Most problems become easier to handle when you follow the correct procedure.
Before your trip, take a few minutes to check the rental company’s emergency contacts, insurance details, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Read Next
- What Insurance Should Foreign Visitors Choose When Renting a Car in Japan?
- What Is an ETC Card and How Do Foreign Visitors Use It in Japan?
- What Should Foreign Visitors Know About Fueling a Rental Car in Japan?
- Best Car Rental Companies in Japan for Foreign Drivers
References
- National Police Agency of Japan, traffic accident information
- Japan Automobile Federation, road service information
- Toyota Rent a Car, accident and trouble guidance
- Nippon Rent-A-Car, accident and breakdown guidance
- Times Car RENTAL, accident and trouble support