Problems on the Road

Problems on the & Road

Q&A’s about what to do if you have a breakdown, accident, damage or fines during your rental, and which numbers to call in Albania.

If it is not an emergency (for example a warning light, minor issue, flat tyre on a safe shoulder):

  1. Move the car to a safe place if possible.

  2. Call the rental company’s roadside or support number shown on your voucher or rental agreement.

They will explain what to do next, whether they will send assistance, and where any repair or replacement can be arranged.

If there is any danger to people (accident, injuries, fire, car in traffic), treat it as an emergency and call 112 first, then contact the rental company when it is safe.

The main emergency number in Albania is:

112 – general emergency services (police, ambulance, fire)

You can dial 112 free of charge from mobile and landline phones for any serious emergency, including:

  • road accidents with injuries or blocked traffic

  • fire

  • medical emergencies

Use 112 for life‑threatening or serious situations. For rental‑related problems without immediate danger (for example a mechanical breakdown in a safe place), call the rental company’s support number first, found on your voucher or rental contract.

  1. Stay calm and make the situation safe if you can.

    • Switch on hazard lights.

    • Use warning triangle if safe to do so.

  2. Check for injuries.

    • If anyone is hurt or there is serious damage/blockage, call 112 immediately.

  3. Contact the police if required by local law or the rental company’s policy.

    • Many suppliers require a police report for insurance or cover to apply.

  4. Contact the rental company using the emergency/roadside number on your voucher or rental agreement.

    • Inform them of the location, time, and any damage.

  5. Document the scene (if safe):

    • Photos of vehicles, number plates, road layout, damage, and any relevant signs.

    • Exchange contact and insurance details with other parties.

Do not admit fault at the scene; stick to facts. Follow the instructions given by any 112 operators and the rental company.

If there is no immediate danger:

  1. Move the car to a safe place if possible and switch on hazard lights.

  2. Check your voucher or rental agreement for the rental company’s roadside assistance number.

  3. Call that number and explain:

    • where you are (road number, nearest town, GPS location if possible), and

    • what has happened (engine issue, flat tyre, warning light, etc.).

Do not attempt major repairs yourself unless the rental company instructs you. They will tell you whether they will send assistance, tow the vehicle, or replace it.

If the car has broken down in a dangerous position and you cannot move it, call 112 first, then the rental company when it is safe.

Check the Rental Policies and the instructions in your rental agreement. In general:

  • For a flat tyre, some suppliers allow you to use the spare wheel or tyre repair kit and continue to the nearest approved service point (they will tell you where).

  • For minor damage (small scratches, minor cover, etc.), the rental company should be informed as soon as possible, even if the car is drivable.

Always:

  • call the rental company’s support number on your voucher,

  • follow their instructions (they may require photos, a police report, or a visit to a specific garage).

Do not ignore damage, as this can cause problems or higher charges at return.

  1. As soon as you notice the theft or break‑in, go to a safe place.

  2. Contact the police and file a report.

    • In an emergency, call 112.

    • For non‑urgent reporting, the rental company or hotel can guide you to the nearest station.

  3. Contact the rental company using the number on your voucher or rental contract.

    • Give them the police report details and any reference numbers.

You will usually need:

  • the police report,

  • your rental agreement, and

  • a written description of what happened.

The rental company will explain the next steps and any responsibilities or charges under the Rental Policies and your cover.

Tolls, parking fees and traffic fines are normally your responsibility.

  • If you receive a fine or ticket directly, you should pay it as instructed by the local authority.

  • If the fine is sent later to the rental company, they may:

    • charge you an administration fee for handling it, and

    • either charge the fine to your card or pass it on to you, depending on local rules.

Details of how fines and tolls are handled are in the rental company’s Rental Policies. For questions about a specific fine or charge, contact the supplier using the details on your voucher or final invoice.

At pick‑up:

  1. Inspect the car carefully before you leave the location.

  2. If you see damage that is not marked on the check‑out form:

    • ask the staff to add it to the report and give you a copy or photo.

  3. If the car is a different category than booked, discuss it with the rental company immediately.

If you only notice a problem after leaving:

  • call the rental company right away (number on your voucher or rental agreement),

  • explain the issue and ask them to note it in their system.

Do not wait until return; issues raised late are harder to resolve.

If you cannot reach the rental company on the number provided:

  1. Check the voucher and rental agreement – some suppliers list more than one number (office, emergency, breakdown).

  2. Check whether you have mobile signal or need to move to a better coverage area.

  3. Try contacting them by email or via any online contact link given in your confirmation.

If it is an emergency situation (accident, danger to people, serious hazard), call 112 first.

If it is not an emergency and you still cannot reach the rental company after reasonable attempts, you can contact the booking partner shown on your confirmation or use the Contact Us form on AutoZone.al with your booking details and a description of the problem.

  • Contact the rental company immediately using the phone number on your voucher or booking confirmation.

  • Do not attempt to force entry or start the car if you suspect the keys are inside or missing.

  • Key replacement, locksmith call-outs, or towing may be chargeable. Costs vary by supplier and car model.

  • If the car is in an unsafe location, follow the supplier’s instructions for recovery or assistance.

  • Keep receipts and take photos where relevant.

Still unsure?

Check our Help Centre – FAQ’s or send us a message with your booking details and question, and we’ll point you in the right direction.