How to fill in a European Accident Statement step by step
Learn how to fill in a European Accident Statement step by step, what information you need, which boxes to tick and what to do after the collision.
A minor bump with the car can happen even when driving carefully: a parking manoeuvre, a rear-end collision in slow traffic or a scrape on a narrow road.
In those moments, knowing how to correctly fill in a European Accident Statement can prevent many problems later on.
The European Accident Statement allows the drivers’ details, vehicles, insurance, damage and circumstances of the accident to be recorded in a single document, making it easier for the insurance companies to handle the claim afterwards.
However, it is important to complete it calmly and pay attention to every section. Ticking the wrong box, drawing an unclear sketch or signing something you do not agree with can make the claim more difficult to manage.
In this guide, we explain step by step how to fill in a European Accident Statement and what you should do if the accident happens while you are driving a rental car.
The most important things you need to know
- Before filling in the form, make sure everyone is okay and that the location is safe.
- If anyone is injured, call 112 and request assistance.
- The European Accident Statement is mainly intended for accidents in which the drivers can identify and explain what happened.
- Each driver is identified as Vehicle A or Vehicle B.
- Fill in as much information as possible using clear handwriting.
- Tick only the circumstances that genuinely describe the manoeuvre of each vehicle.
- Draw a simple but accurate sketch.
- Take photographs of the vehicles, damage, number plates and the position of the accident.
- Do not sign the document if you do not agree with what is written on it.
- If you are driving a rental vehicle, report the accident to the rental company as soon as possible and follow its instructions.
What is a European Accident Statement?
The accident form, officially known as the European Accident Statement, is a document used to record how a road traffic accident occurred.
It is normally divided into two columns:
Vehicle A and Vehicle B.
Each driver fills in the information corresponding to their vehicle and, together, the circumstances of the accident are described and a sketch is drawn.
The aim is not to write an endless explanation, but to provide sufficiently clear information so that the insurance companies can understand what happened.
What should you do before you start filling it in?
Before the paperwork, safety is the priority.
- Check whether anyone is injured
If anyone is injured or there is any doubt about their condition, call 112.
In accidents involving injuries, the intervention of the police or other law enforcement authorities may also be necessary.
- Move to a safe place
If circumstances allow and the vehicles can be moved, avoid remaining in a dangerous position for other traffic.
Before moving them, it can be very useful to take several photographs showing how the vehicles were positioned after the impact.
- Take photographs
Photograph:
- Position of the vehicles.
- Number plates.
- Damage to both cars.
- Road or street.
- Nearby traffic signs.
- Road markings.
Anything that may help explain the accident.
These images can be very useful later.
How to fill in a European Accident Statement step by step
Step 1. Date and place of the accident
Start by entering:
- Date.
- Time.
- Country.
- Exact location of the accident.
Try to be precise.
If you are on a road, indicate the road and, if you know it, the kilometre point. If you are in a town or city, write the street or area where it happened.
Step 2. Indicate whether anyone is injured
The form asks whether there are any casualties, even if the injuries appear minor.
Do not play down an injury simply because it seems unimportant at that moment.
If anyone is injured, request medical assistance and report the accident to the authorities when appropriate.
Step 3. Indicate whether there is damage other than to the two vehicles
You must indicate whether the accident has caused any additional damage.
For example:
- Another vehicle.
- A parked motorcycle.
- A traffic sign.
- A fence.
- A building façade.
- Street furniture.
You should also indicate whether there are any witnesses.
Step 4. Fill in the details for Vehicle A and Vehicle B
It does not matter who is A or B.
Each driver must complete their column with the corresponding information.
You will normally need to provide information about:
- Policyholder.
- Vehicle.
- Number plate.
- Insurance company.
- Policy or insurance certificate.
- Driver.
- Driving licence.
- Check the number plates especially carefully.
A simple mistake in one letter or number can make it more difficult to identify the vehicle later.
Step 5. Indicate where the vehicle was hit
The form includes a small drawing of the car.
Use it to indicate approximately where the initial point of impact was.
For example:
- Front.
- Right side.
- Left side.
- Rear.
At this stage, you do not need to list all the damage; simply indicate where the initial contact occurred.
Step 6. Describe the visible damage
Briefly describe the damage you can see.
For example:
“Impact and scratches on rear bumper.”
Or:
“Damage to front right door and wing.”
You do not need to diagnose mechanical damage that you cannot verify.
Simply describe what you can see.
Step 7. Tick the circumstances correctly
This is probably one of the most important parts of the document.
In the central section, different situations explain what each vehicle was doing when the accident occurred.
For example:
- Was parked.
- Was leaving a parking space.
- Was entering a parking space.
- Was driving on a roundabout.
- Was changing lanes.
- Was turning.
- Was overtaking.
- Was reversing.
Each driver should tick only the boxes that genuinely describe their manoeuvre.
Do not tick a box if it does not apply
Do not try to choose the “closest” option if none of them correctly describes what happened.
If none of the circumstances fits, you can leave the boxes unticked and explain what happened in the observations section.
Before continuing, check how many boxes you have ticked.
Step 8. Draw the accident sketch
You do not need to know how to draw.
The sketch should be simple and help explain how the accident happened.
Include:
- Vehicle A.
- Vehicle B.
- Direction in which each vehicle was travelling.
- Road or streets.
- Lanes.
- Centre line.
- Relevant signs.
- Approximate point of collision.
Use arrows to show the direction of travel.
The easier the drawing is to understand, the better.
Step 9. Add observations if necessary
Each driver has a space in which to write observations.
Use it only when it adds important information that is not clear from the boxes or sketch.
Be brief, precise and objective.
Avoid arguments, accusations or emotional explanations.
Step 10. Check everything before signing
Before you sign, review the entire document.
Check:
- Number plates.
- Personal details.
- Insurance details.
- Boxes ticked.
- Damage.
- Sketch.
- Observations.
Do not rush.
Step 11. Sign only if you agree
The signature is one of the most important steps.
If both drivers agree with the information recorded, they can sign.
However, if you do not agree with the description, the boxes, the sketch or any relevant information, do not sign a document that you disagree with.
If there is a major disagreement, it may be necessary to request the presence of the Local Police, Guardia Civil or another competent authority depending on where the accident occurred.
Who keeps each copy?
Traditional forms produce two copies containing the same information.
Once signed, each driver keeps their copy to report the claim to their insurance company afterwards.
Do not unilaterally alter the information that both of you signed together afterwards.
What photographs should you take?
Even if you have filled in the form perfectly, photographs are highly recommended.
Try to take both general and close-up photographs.
General photographs
They should show:
- Position of both vehicles.
- Road.
- Junction or roundabout.
- Road signs and markings.
- Surroundings.
Close-up photographs
Photograph:
- Damage.
- Number plates.
- Areas of contact.
- Damaged elements.
If there are witnesses, it may also be useful to keep their contact details.
What happens if the other driver does not want to sign?
You cannot force them to do so.
Collect as much information as you can, take photographs and, if there is disagreement about what happened or the situation requires it, contact the authorities.
Do not sign a version of events that you believe is incorrect just to finish sooner.
What if more than two vehicles are involved?
A single front page of the form is mainly designed for two vehicles.
When more vehicles are involved, all of them must be correctly identified and any additional information or forms required must be used.
It is especially important that the number plates and position of each vehicle are clearly identified.
In complex accidents, it may be advisable to request the presence of the authorities.
What should you do if you have an accident in a rental car?
If you are driving a rental vehicle, in addition to completing the form correctly, you must report the accident to the rental company as soon as possible.
Do not assume that you should repair the vehicle, arrange a tow truck yourself or make decisions about the car without consulting the rental company first.
Each company has specific procedures depending on the type of accident, the insurance taken out and the condition of the vehicle.
If you are driving a Menorcars360 car, contact us and follow the instructions we give you to manage the incident correctly.
Have the following ready:
- Car number plate.
- Location of the accident.
- Photographs.
- Details of the other vehicle.
- European Accident Statement, if one has been completed.
- Information on whether the vehicle can continue to be driven.
The exact conditions relating to assistance, coverage, excess and procedure will depend on the booking conditions and the insurance taken out.
When is a European Accident Statement not enough?
There are situations in which you should request help from the authorities or emergency services.
Especially if:
- Anyone is injured.
- There is a danger to traffic.
- A driver refuses to identify themselves.
- There are major disagreements about what happened.
- Several vehicles are involved and the situation is complex.
- You suspect that a driver is not fit to drive.
- There has been significant damage to the road or other property.
If there is an emergency, call 112.
Common mistakes when filling in a European Accident Statement
Signing without reading it
Never sign automatically.
Check all the information first.
Ticking too many boxes
Tick only the circumstances that genuinely apply.
Drawing a confusing sketch
It does not have to look good. It has to be understandable.
Not taking photographs
Photographs can clarify many aspects of the accident later.
Forgetting the number plate
It is one of the essential pieces of information for identifying the other vehicle.
Arguing about who is to blame
The aim at that moment is to correctly record the facts and information relating to the accident.
Liability will be determined later on the basis of the available information.
Leaving without exchanging information
Even if the damage appears minor, you must collect the necessary details.
Frequently asked questions about the European Accident Statement
Is it compulsory to fill in a European Accident Statement?
Not using a European Accident Statement does not in itself remove insurance coverage. However, when circumstances allow it to be used, it is a very useful tool for documenting the accident and speeding up the subsequent claim process.
Can I fill it in if the accident was my fault?
Yes. The form is not reserved for the driver who believes they are in the right. It is used to record the facts of the accident.
Who should be Vehicle A?
Either driver.
Being A or B does not mean being at fault or not at fault.
What happens if I make a mistake when filling it in?
If it has not yet been signed, clearly correct the error and make sure both parties are aware of the change.
If it has already been signed and you identify a significant problem, report it as soon as possible to the insurance company or, if it is a rental car, to the relevant rental company.
Should I take photographs even if we have completed the accident form?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Photograph the vehicles, number plates, damage and surroundings of the accident.
What should I do if the other driver disagrees?
Do not sign a statement that you disagree with. Gather evidence and information and, where necessary, request the presence of the authorities.
How long do I have to report the accident?
As a general rule, the Spanish Insurance Contract Act establishes a maximum period of seven days from the time the policyholder becomes aware of the claim to report it to the insurer, unless the policy provides for a longer period.
With a rental car, it is advisable to inform the company as soon as possible, following the specific conditions of your contract.
Can I continue driving after the accident?
It depends on the damage.
If you have any doubts about the safety of the vehicle, do not continue driving. Contact roadside assistance or, if you are driving a rental car, the rental company for instructions.
Conclusion
Knowing how to fill in a European Accident Statement can turn a stressful situation into a much easier process to manage.
The most important thing is to stay calm, ensure everyone’s safety first, correctly collect the information, tick only the circumstances that actually apply, draw a clear sketch and keep photographs of the accident.
And remember: never sign a statement that you do not agree with.
If the accident happens while you are driving a rental car, inform the rental company as soon as possible and follow its instructions before making decisions about repairs, assistance or moving the vehicle.
At Menorcars360, we want you to explore Menorca with peace of mind and also know how to act if anything unexpected happens during your trip.