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PhrasesRenting a CarHo avuto un incidente. Cosa devo fare?
B1formal

Ho avuto un incidente. Cosa devo fare?

I have had an accident. What should I do?

Pronunciation

in-ci-DEN-te — stress on third syllable. stra-DA-le — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

In the event of a road accident with your rental car.

What it means

'Ho avuto un incidente' (I have had an accident) is the passato prossimo of 'avere un incidente'. Knowing the procedure is vital — call the rental company, call police if injured (112), complete the accident report form (constatazione amichevole), and never move the vehicles before police arrive if there are injuries.

Variations

Devo chiamare la polizia?

Do I need to call the police?

Yes if there are injuries — 113 (Police) or 112 (Emergency)

Come si compila la constatazione amichevole?

How do you fill in the accident report form?

Both drivers complete and sign the European accident report form

Ho il numero di assistenza del noleggio?

Do I have the rental assistance number?

Always save it before driving — it's in the rental contract

Mini Dialogue

— Ho avuto un incidente. Cosa devo fare? — C'è qualcuno ferito? — No, solo danni alla macchina. — Bene. Scambi i dati con l'altro conducente e compili la constatazione amichevole. Poi chiami noi. — Ho il modulo? — È nel vano portaoggetti dell'auto.

— I have had an accident. What should I do? — Is anyone injured? — No, only vehicle damage. — Good. Exchange details with the other driver and complete the accident report form. Then call us. — Do I have the form? — It's in the glove compartment of the car.

Cultural Note

The Constatazione Amichevole di Incidente (CAI), also known as the European Accident Statement (EAS), is a bilingual form used across Europe to document minor accidents without police involvement. Both drivers complete and sign it — one copy each. Photos of the scene, both vehicles, and damage are essential. Keep the emergency number on your phone throughout the rental period.