Handling Car Accidents in China

Handling Car Accidents in China | Generated by AI

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Question: In China, if a person is driving a car and encounters a car accident, how to handle it, such as calling 122, calling the insurance company, repairing the car, etc.?

Answer:

Immediate Steps After a Car Accident in China

Ensure Safety and Provide Aid:
- Stop the vehicle immediately and turn on hazard lights.
- Check for injuries. If anyone is injured, do not move them unless necessary to avoid further danger. Call 120 for emergency medical assistance.
- Protect the scene to prevent secondary accidents (e.g., place warning triangles if available).
Take Photos and Gather Evidence:
- Photograph the scene from multiple angles: vehicle positions, damage, license plates, road conditions, and any relevant marks.
- Exchange information with the other party: driver’s license, vehicle registration, contact details, and insurance information.
Decide on Handling Method:
- Minor Accident (only property damage, no injuries, vehicles drivable, facts clear):
  - You can handle it via “quick processing” (快速处理 or 快撤快赔).
  - Both parties agree, take photos, move vehicles off the road, and either:
    - Negotiate privately and settle compensation.
    - Use online apps (e.g., “事故e处理” in some provinces like Guangdong) for self-processing.
    - Go to a quick claims center or insurance-designated point.
  - No need to wait for police on site in many cases.
- If there are injuries, disputes, or significant damage:
  - Must call the traffic police: Dial 122 (dedicated traffic accident hotline) or 110 (general police).
  - Preserve the scene and wait for police to arrive.
  - Police will investigate, determine fault (issue “Road Traffic Accident Responsibility Determination” – 道路交通事故认定书), and handle mediation if needed.
Notify Insurance Company:
- Call your insurance company’s hotline immediately (usually 24/7, number on your policy or insurance sticker).
- Report the accident details. This is crucial for claims – delays may affect coverage.
- The other party’s insurance may also be involved depending on fault.
- For compulsory third-party liability insurance (交强险), it covers injuries/death to others; commercial insurance (商业险) covers more, including your own vehicle damage if you have it.

Police Involvement and Fault Determination

Police will issue a responsibility determination (usually within 10 days, faster for simple cases).
Fault levels: full responsibility, primary, equal, secondary, or no responsibility.
If you disagree with the determination, you can apply for review (复核) within 3 days to the higher-level traffic authority.

Claiming Compensation and Insurance Payout

With the police determination (or quick processing agreement), go to the at-fault party’s insurance company for claims.
Provide: police report, photos, repair invoices, medical records (if injured).
Insurance pays within limits:
- Compulsory insurance first.
- Commercial third-party for additional.
- Your own vehicle damage insurance (车损险) for your repairs.
Mediation: Police or insurance can mediate disputes.
If no agreement, sue in court.

Repairing the Car

Get an estimate from a repair shop (preferably insurance-approved for direct settlement).
If claiming your own damage insurance, the insurer may inspect and pay the workshop directly.
For the other party’s fault: Their insurance covers your repairs.
Pay upfront if needed, then reimburse via insurance with invoices.

Important Notes

Hit-and-run or drunk driving: Severe penalties, including criminal charges.
Always report to insurance promptly to avoid claim denial.
In major cities, quick online/video processing is common for minor accidents.
Procedures may vary slightly by province (e.g., apps in Guangdong, Beijing).

Stay calm, prioritize safety, and document everything.

References:

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