What to do if you're in a car accident in Morocco
Key takeaways
- People come first: check for injuries and call 15 immediately if anyone is hurt.
- Call the police (19 in towns) or Gendarmerie (177 on rural roads/highways) for any accident beyond a trivial scrape.
- Don't leave the scene before it's cleared — leaving is treated as a serious offense.
- Photograph everything and get a police report (constat) — it's essential for insurance and rental claims.
- Call your rental company as soon as it's safe to do so.
An accident is stressful anywhere, more so in an unfamiliar country. The good news is that the process in Morocco is straightforward if you follow it in order — people first, then documentation, then the practical follow-up. Here's exactly what to do.
Step by step
- Stop and stay calm. Switch on hazard lights, and if you have a warning triangle, place it behind the vehicle. Move to safety off the road if you can do so without leaving the scene entirely.
- Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt — you, your passengers, or the other party — call 15 immediately for an ambulance.
- Call the police or Gendarmerie. In a town or city, call 19 for the police. On a rural road or highway, call 177 for the Royal Gendarmerie. From any mobile phone, 112 also reaches emergency services. For any accident beyond the most minor scrape, you want an official report on record.
- Don't leave the scene. Leaving before the situation is resolved is treated as a serious offense in Morocco. Wait for the police or Gendarmerie to attend, even if it takes some time.
- Exchange details and photograph everything. Names, contact information, license plates, insurance details, and photos of both vehicles, the road position, and any damage.
- Get the police report. The officer's report (sometimes called a constat) is essential for insurance and for any claim through your rental company — don't leave without it, or without knowing how to obtain a copy.
- Call your rental company. Contact them as soon as it's safe to do so — they can advise on next steps and, if needed, arrange a replacement vehicle.
Emergency numbers to save before you drive
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police (towns and cities) | 19 |
| Royal Gendarmerie (rural roads & highways) | 177 |
| Ambulance / fire | 15 |
| Universal emergency (mobile phones) | 112 |
All of these are free to call from any phone, including without a SIM card in the case of 112. Save them in your phone or take a screenshot before you set off.
Why the police report matters so much
Without an official report, insurance claims — both your rental company's and any personal travel insurance — become far harder to process. Even for a minor accident with no injuries, it's worth waiting for an officer to document it rather than trying to settle things informally at the roadside.
Being prepared before you drive
Understanding how rental insurance works in Morocco before you get behind the wheel means you already know what's covered if something does go wrong. It's also worth reading our broader guide on driving safely in Morocco as a tourist to reduce the odds of needing this guide at all.
Rent with support when you need it
Safe Rent Agadir gives you clear insurance terms and a direct line if anything goes wrong on the road.
Book your rental carFrequently asked questions
Which number do I call for a car accident in Morocco?
19 for police in towns and cities, 177 for the Gendarmerie on rural roads and highways, or 112 from any mobile phone for the universal emergency line.
Can I leave the scene of a minor accident?
It's not recommended. Leaving before the situation is resolved is treated as a serious offense — wait for police or Gendarmerie to attend and document it.
Do I need a police report for my rental company?
Yes, in almost all cases. The official report is what makes an insurance or rental damage claim possible, so don't leave the scene without one.
When should I call my rental company?
As soon as it's safe to do so, ideally after emergency services have been contacted and the immediate situation is under control.
