*Updated for 2024*
In case of an accident, fire, robbery, or injury, its vital to know the number of your emergency services when abroad. Don’t panic! It’s likely that you will only need to memorise one number.
112: Emergency number in the EU/Europe
As of 2023, 112 is the European emergency phone line that’s free to call and available at all hours. Due to the confusion of differing national emergency phone lines per country, 112 was created as a universal number for those travelling in Europe. 112 either works alongside the national emergency number/s or as their sole operating emergency number.
Worried about the operator not speaking English? For the most part, 112 phonelines in Europe will speak English and French as well as their native language. 112 operators will also be able to identify the physical location of the caller to request aid from specific emergency authorities if they’re unable to locate or effectively communicate with the caller.
Remember to only use emergency services abroad for real emergencies, general information or advice will not be provided!
112 is used in all EU countries as well as additional European countries that aren’t in the EU or Europe. The emergency line can be used in the following popular destinations:
- Portugal
- Spain
- Italy
- France
- Cyprus
- Germany
- Greece
- Iceland
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Sweden
- Turkey
- UK
- South Africa
- Etc.
Make sure to research whether 112 is available in your specific destination and whether there are other national emergency phonelines available to call.
What to do if you get into an accident in your rental car?
- Firstly, make sure you and anyone else involved in the incident are okay, check for any injuries.
- If the accident was minor, move the vehicle and/or passengers into a safe place on the side of the road to avoid further collisions.
- Contact the relevant emergency phone number, if unsure of what number to call, phone 112 or ask people nearby for assistance. Once contacted, the relevant authorities will be on their way!
- Exchange information with any involved drivers and thoroughly document the scene with photographs of the damage, license plates, and nearby road signs.
- Whilst waiting for the relevant authorities you should notify your car rental provider about your incident. Your provider will then talk you through the next procedures you’ll need to follow. Rental car providers will usually have a 24/7 helpline for emergencies. If you can’t get a hold of your provider and you have a booking with Zest, contact us immediately.
If no collision has occurred and your rental car instead has breakdown and is in a safe position, simply contact your provider/breakdown assistance number and follow the instructions. Read more about what to do if your rental car breaks down.
