Cross-border accident in the EU: what to do
A cross-border road accident — where the other driver is from a different country, or where the accident itself happens abroad — adds language, paperwork and procedural questions on top of an already stressful moment. The good news: the same European Accident Statement form is recognised across 47 countries, and you can complete it together with the other driver in your own language using Minsas. This guide walks you through the immediate steps, the documents you need, and the local rules that vary country by country.
Immediate steps
- Ensure safety, switch on hazards, and call emergency services if anyone is hurt.
- Take clear photos before anything is moved: damage, plates, surroundings, documents.
- Exchange driver and vehicle details with the other driver.
- Start the EU Accident Statement together in Minsas and invite the other driver via QR/link.
Documents and details
- Driver and vehicle details (names, phone numbers, registrations).
- Insurer and policy numbers for both drivers.
- Country codes and contact emails for report delivery.
- If available: Green Card details for non-EU registered vehicles.
Practical tips
- Use 112 as the EU-wide emergency number: it works across the EU and most Green Card countries. Operators usually handle multiple languages.
- Switch language on each phone: if you and the other driver do not share a language, both of you can read the same report in your own language before signing.
- Photograph everything carefully if no common language at all: let the visual evidence speak. Write your version in your own language and your insurer's claims team will handle the translation later.
Related guides
- How to fill the European Accident Statement
- Documents and photo checklist
- If the other driver refuses to sign
- Accident in Germany: what to do
FAQ
What should I do after a cross-border accident?
Make sure everyone is safe and call emergency services if anyone is injured. Take photos of the vehicles, damage, plates and surroundings before moving anything. Exchange driver and vehicle details with the other driver, then complete the EU Accident Statement together. Send the shared report to your insurer as soon as possible.
Will my insurer accept the EU Accident Statement?
The EU Accident Statement is the standard accident form recognised across Europe. You fill in the same information in any of the 8 supported languages, both drivers sign the same shared report, and each driver sends a copy to their own insurer.
What if we speak different languages?
Minsas supports 8 languages. Each driver invites the other via QR code or link; both review and sign the same report, each in their own language. The data is the same; only the on-screen labels switch per locale.
Do I need to call the police for a minor accident?
Requirements differ by country. For minor accidents without injuries you can usually exchange details and complete the EU Accident Statement together without involving the police. Call emergency services if there are injuries, major damage, a vehicle blocking the road, or a serious dispute.
What if the other driver is from a different country?
Use one shared EU Accident Statement. The form is standardised across Europe, so both drivers see the same fields in their own language. After both drivers sign, each one sends a copy to their own insurer; the insurers handle cross-border communication and Green Card processing between themselves.
Should I call the police after a cross-border accident?
It depends on the country and the situation. Call local emergency services (112 works across the EU and most Green Card countries) if anyone is injured, if there is significant damage, if a vehicle is blocking the road, or if you cannot agree on what happened. Some countries require a police report for any accident involving a foreign-registered vehicle — check the local rules if you are unsure.