If you get in a serious car accident, all you can do is wait for help. However if it is a minor mishap, try to communicate with people nearby. The first thing to do is stop the car and see if there is anyone around who could help you. If someone has been injured, take them to a safe place and call 119 for an ambulance. In Japan, every accident must be reported to the police, no matter how small. This is necessary so that insurance claims will be recognized. Call 110, tell the police your name, location and phone number, and have them come right away. If someone is with you, ask them to keep you company until the police arrive. After that, call the car rental company. They will take care of moving the car for you and contacting the insurance company. The most common accident that travellers from overseas have is bumping into other cars in parking lots. Since the spaces are narrow and the car will feel unfamiliar, please be extra careful, and always check what is behind you!



Although rental cars are generally well maintained, you never know what might come up during your trip. A dead battery, a flat tire, or even getting locked out of the vehicle could set you back.If you get stuck, the first thing to do is call the car company. If your insurance plan includes road side service, someone will come help you for no additional charge.

If you accidentally break a traffic law and get fined, make sure you obey the police. You should show them your passport and international driver’s permit, and receive a notice of your traffic penalty. In the case that you will have to pay a fine, you will also receive a payment form. You should bring it to the nearest bank or post office and pay there. These fines can not be paid for at convenience stores. If a fine is not paid within 7 days it will turn into a court trial, so take care of it as early as possible!






Japanese people like to pride themselves on what a safe country Japan is. It is true that car theft and break ins are unlikely, but you should always lock your car when you are away from it, and never leave valuable items in sight. In the case of a burglary, call the police right away. If you are going to make an insurance claim, you may need a robbery report written by the police.