If you are involved in a road accident in Moldova, first make sure there are no injured people, turn on the hazard lights, document the accident scene and do not rush to move the car until the scene has been photographed or the circumstances have been recorded. If there are injured people, a dispute over fault, damage to other property, or more than two cars involved in the accident, the police must be called. If the accident is minor, there are no injured people, only two cars were involved, the damage does not exceed 15,000 lei and both drivers agree on the circumstances, the amicable accident report — Constatare amiabilă — can be completed.
A road accident is a stressful situation even for an experienced driver. In the first minutes, it is easy to get confused, forget about documents, photograph the accident scene incorrectly or sign a form without understanding the details. But it is precisely the first actions that determine how quickly and without unnecessary disputes the insurance case will be handled.
In Moldova, a driver can document a road accident in two main ways: through the police or through the Constatare amiabilă procedure, often referred to as the European accident report. This option is not suitable for every accident, but only for minor accidents where there are no injured people, two cars were involved, both drivers have valid RCA, valid technical inspection, a valid driving licence and agree on the circumstances of the incident.
In this article, we explain what to do in case of a road accident in Moldova, when it is mandatory to call the police, in which cases the amicable accident report can be completed, how to fill in the form correctly, what photos and documents will be needed, how to report the accident to the insurance company and what to do if the insurer refuses payment.
If after the accident you are not sure what steps to take next, the main recommendations can be found on the Superpolis “Insurance case” page.
First steps after a road accident
The main rule after a road accident is not to panic and not to make rushed decisions. First, you need to make sure there is no threat to people’s life and health, and then correctly document the circumstances of the accident.
The order of actions in the first minutes:
- Stop the car and turn on the hazard lights.
- Check whether there are injured people among drivers, passengers, pedestrians or other road users.
- If there are injuries or a risk to life, call 112 immediately.
- Mark the accident scene, if it is safe to do so: use the warning triangle and be careful on the road.
- Do not move the cars until the circumstances of the accident have been recorded, unless there is an immediate danger to people or traffic.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the position of the cars, the damage, licence plates, road markings, traffic signs and traces on the road — both cars involved in the accident must be fully visible in the frame.
- Exchange details with the other driver: name, phone number, car number, RCA data, insurance company.
- Determine whether the amicable accident report can be completed or whether the police must be called.
It is important not to make an agreement on the spot without documents if you are not sure about the amount of damage or if the other driver suggests resolving the issue verbally. Even minor damage may turn out to be more expensive than it seems at first glance. If the circumstances are not documented, it will be more difficult later to prove exactly what happened.
You should also not immediately admit fault verbally if you are not sure about the situation. It is better to calmly record the facts: the position of the cars, direction of movement, traffic signs, traffic lights, road markings and damage.
When the police must be called
The police must be called if the accident cannot be documented through the Constatare amiabilă procedure. This applies to all situations where there are injured people, a dispute over fault or circumstances that require official documentation.
Calling the police is necessary if:
- there are injured people or suspected injuries;
- more than two cars were involved in the accident;
- not only the participants’ cars were damaged, but also other property: a fence, pole, road sign, shop window, parking structure;
- one of the drivers does not acknowledge the circumstances of the accident;
- there is a dispute over who is at fault;
- one of the drivers refuses to sign the amicable accident report;
- one of the participants does not have valid RCA;
- one of the drivers is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or there is such a suspicion;
- the driver left the accident scene;
- the damage appears significant;
- there are doubts about whether the amicable accident report procedure can be used.
If the police are called, you should not change the position of the cars yourself before the officers arrive, unless this is required for safety. Police officers must record the circumstances of the accident and prepare the necessary documents. These details will later be needed for filing a claim with the insurance company.
Even if the second driver asks you not to call the police, do not agree if the situation does not meet the conditions for the amicable accident report. Incorrect documentation may lead to the insurance company requesting additional documents or refusing to review the case under the simplified procedure. In addition, if the actual amount of damage turns out to be higher than the limit set for the amicable accident report, the difference above 15,000 lei may have to be paid out of pocket.
When the amicable accident report can be completed
The amicable accident report in Moldova is the Constatare amiabilă procedure. It allows two drivers to document a minor accident themselves without calling the police, if all conditions are met. This option saves time and simplifies communication with the insurance company, but it can only be used in limited cases.
The amicable accident report can be completed if all of the following conditions are met at the same time:
- the accident occurred on the territory of the Republic of Moldova;
- only two cars were involved in the accident;
- both drivers have valid RCA policies;
- there are no injured people;
- only the cars of the accident participants were damaged;
- the damage is minor and does not exceed the limit established for Constatare amiabilă;
- both drivers agree on the circumstances of the incident;
- one driver accepts responsibility for the accident;
- both parties are ready to fill in and sign the form;
- it is possible to take photos or videos from the accident scene.
If at least one condition is not met, it is better to call the police. For example, the amicable accident report is not suitable if one driver says they are not at fault, while the other driver believes otherwise. It is also not suitable if a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, road sign, gate, fence or other property was damaged.
Important: signing the amicable accident report means that the parties agree with the described circumstances. Therefore, you must not sign a blank form, a form with errors or a document where the accident diagram does not match reality.
How to fill in the amicable accident report correctly
The Constatare amiabilă form must be filled in carefully and without rushing. Errors in the data, an unclear diagram or a contradictory description of the circumstances may make it more difficult to review the insurance case.
When filling in the form, indicate:
- the date and time of the accident;
- the exact location of the accident;
- the details of both insured persons;
- the details of the cars: make, model, registration number, VIN, if required;
- the details of the RCA policies: policy number, insurance company, validity period;
- the circumstances of the incident;
- visible damage to each car;
- the accident diagram;
- witness details, if any;
- signatures of both drivers.
The accident diagram should be simple but clear. It should show the direction of movement of the cars, the position of the vehicles at the moment of impact, traffic lanes, road signs, road markings, traffic lights, the point of impact and other important elements. It does not need to be artistic, but the diagram should help explain how the accident happened.
Before signing, carefully check:
- whether the car numbers are indicated correctly;
- whether the drivers’ details match the documents;
- whether the insurance companies are indicated correctly;
- whether there are any empty fields that could later be filled in differently;
- whether the diagram corresponds to the actual circumstances;
- whether all immediately visible damage is indicated;
- whether both parties understand in the same way who accepts responsibility.
After signing, each driver must receive their own copy of the form. Do not photograph only part of the document — it is better to keep the full document and all attachments.
What photos and documents will be needed
Photos and videos are an important part of documenting a road accident. They help the insurance company understand the circumstances of the accident and assess the damage. Photos should be taken before moving the cars, if it is safe to do so.
Take photos of:
- the general view of the accident scene;
- the position of both cars in relation to the road;
- the licence plates of the cars;
- the damage to each car in close-up;
- the point of contact between the cars;
- braking traces;
- broken glass, parts, traces of fluid, if any;
- road signs, traffic lights, road markings;
- direction of movement;
- the other driver’s documents and RCA policy, if they agree to show them for documentation;
- the completed amicable accident report after signing.
The following documents will also be needed:
- driving licence;
- vehicle registration certificate;
- RCA policy;
- identity card, if required;
- Constatare amiabilă form or police documents;
- power of attorney, rental agreement, leasing agreement or another document if the car is used by someone other than the owner;
- photos and videos from the accident scene;
- contact details of witnesses, if any.
If you have CASCO, additionally check the terms of your contract. Some insurers require the company to be notified immediately after the accident, prohibit starting repairs before inspection and require the car to be presented for photo inspection.
How to report the accident to the insurance company
After a road accident, the insurance company must be notified within the established deadlines. For RCA, it is important to inform the insurer that issued the policy about the incident and, if necessary, contact the at-fault driver’s insurer or follow the prescribed settlement procedure.
Usually, after a road accident you need to:
- Ask your broker for consultation or contact the insurance company of the at-fault driver. The broker will tell you where to submit the claim, what documents are needed and how to proceed, because the injured party’s insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance company may be different.
- Clarify where the documents should be submitted.
- Submit the amicable accident report form or police documents.
- Provide photos and videos from the accident scene.
- Submit a claim for the insured event. In the case of the amicable accident report, both participants in the accident usually go to the insurance company: the at-fault driver confirms their responsibility, and the injured party submits the documents to receive compensation. If the accident was documented by the police, the injured party can contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company independently, with the documents issued by the police.
- Present the car for inspection, if required.
- Do not start repairs before approval from the insurer if the contract or procedure does not allow this.
Under RCA, accident participants must notify the insurer within 48 hours from the moment of the accident. If the amicable accident report was completed, your copy of the form must be submitted to the insurer within 2 working days. It is better not to postpone the notification until the last day: the sooner you report the accident, the easier it will be to open the case and clarify the list of documents.
If the policy was arranged through Superpolis, you can contact the broker’s specialists. They will help you understand which insurance company to contact, what documents to prepare and what steps to take next.
What to do if the other driver does not admit fault
If the other driver does not admit fault or there is a dispute between the participants, the amicable accident report cannot be completed. The Constatare amiabilă procedure applies only when both drivers agree on the circumstances of the accident and one of them accepts responsibility.
In this situation, you need to:
- not sign the form if you do not agree with its content;
- not agree to verbal arrangements without documents;
- call the police;
- take photos and videos of the accident scene;
- write down the contact details of witnesses;
- save dashcam recordings, if any;
- not move the cars until the circumstances have been recorded, if there is no safety risk;
- inform the insurer or broker about the incident.
If the other driver behaves aggressively, refuses to show documents, tries to leave or suggests documenting the situation retroactively, it is better to call the police immediately. There is no need to enter into a conflict. Your task is to preserve evidence and document the incident correctly.
If the driver has left the accident scene, try to remember or write down the car number, make, model, colour and direction of movement. Check whether there are cameras nearby: shops, parking lots, residential buildings, dashcams of other drivers. This information may be important for the police and the insurance company.
Common mistakes after a road accident
Many problems with receiving insurance compensation arise not because of the accident itself, but because of mistakes made in the first minutes after the crash.
The most common mistakes are:
Moving the cars without taking photos.
If the cars have been moved and there are no photos, it becomes more difficult later to prove exactly how the accident happened.
Not calling the police when the amicable accident report is not suitable.
If there is a dispute, injured people, more than two cars or damage to other property, official documentation is required.
Signing a blank or incomplete amicable accident report.
You must not sign a form with empty fields. The document must include all important details.
Incorrectly indicating the insurance company or policy number.
An error may delay opening the case and checking the RCA.
Not taking photos of the accident scene.
Photos are needed not only of the damage, but also of the general position of the cars, the road, signs and markings.
Leaving the accident scene without documentation.
Even if the damage seems minor, the absence of documents may lead to a dispute and refusal of payment.
Not notifying the insurance company on time.
Notification deadlines are important. It is better to report the accident immediately and then clarify the procedure for submitting documents.
Starting repairs before the insurer’s inspection.
If the car is repaired before the damage is recorded, it may be more difficult for the insurance company to assess the damage.
Relying only on verbal promises from the other driver.
The phrase “I will pay you later” does not replace documents. If the person changes their mind, it will be difficult to prove the agreement.
How to receive insurance compensation
The payment procedure depends on who is at fault in the accident, which policy is used and how the incident was documented. If it is an RCA case, compensation is received by the injured party within the terms of mandatory car insurance.
Usually, the process looks like this:
- The accident is documented through the police or the amicable accident report.
- The injured party contacts the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
- An insurance case file is opened.
- The insurance company checks the documents and circumstances of the accident.
- The damaged car is inspected by a specialist.
- The amount of damage is calculated.
- The insurance company makes a decision.
- Payment is made in the established manner or repair is organised, if this is provided for.
It is important to keep all documents: the amicable accident report or police report, photos, claim, correspondence with the insurer, inspection results, damage calculation, repair invoices, if they have been approved, and other confirmations.
If you are not sure where to go after a road accident, you can request help through Superpolis.md.
What to do if the insurer refuses payment
A refusal by the insurance company does not always mean that the situation is finally closed. First, you need to understand the reason for the refusal and request a written explanation. A verbal answer by phone is not enough.
If the insurer refuses payment:
- Ask for a written decision indicating the reason for refusal.
- Check which clauses of the contract or law are cited in the justification.
- Compare the refusal with the accident documents: the amicable accident report, police report, photos, claim, inspection results.
- Clarify whether the issue is related to missing documents.
- Submit additional documents or explanations, if available.
- Consult a broker, lawyer or specialised professional.
- If necessary, use the prescribed appeal procedure.
The reasons for refusal may vary: the case is not covered, notification deadlines were missed, necessary documents are missing, the amicable accident report was filled in incorrectly, the damage does not correspond to the circumstances of the accident, the car was repaired before inspection, or there are other disputed points.
That is why it is important to act carefully from the very beginning: document the accident scene, do not sign unclear documents, comply with notification deadlines and do not start repairs before approval from the insurer.
Frequently asked questions about road accidents and RCA in Moldova
What should you do immediately after a road accident in Moldova?
Stop the car, turn on the hazard lights, check whether there are injured people, call 112 if necessary, document the accident scene with photos and videos, exchange details with the other driver and determine whether the amicable accident report can be completed.
When should the police be called after a road accident?
The police must be called if there are injured people, a dispute over fault, more than two cars involved, damage to other property, one of the drivers has no RCA, the other driver refuses to sign the amicable accident report, or there is suspicion of alcohol or drug intoxication.
What is the amicable accident report in Moldova?
The amicable accident report is simplified documentation of a road accident through the Constatare amiabilă procedure. Two drivers fill in the form themselves without calling the police, if the accident is minor, there are no injured people, only two cars were involved, both have RCA and agree on the circumstances of the accident.
Can the amicable accident report be completed if the other driver does not admit fault?
No. If there is a dispute over fault or the circumstances of the accident, the police must be called. The amicable accident report applies only when both drivers agree.
What photos are needed after a road accident?
You need to photograph the general view of the accident scene, the position of the cars, licence plates, damage, point of impact, road signs, road markings, braking traces, broken glass and other details that help explain the circumstances of the accident.
Within what timeframe must the accident be reported to the insurance company?
Under RCA, accident participants must notify the insurance company within 48 hours. If the amicable accident report was completed, the copy of the form must be submitted to the insurer within 2 working days.
Can the car be repaired immediately after the accident?
It is better not to start repairs before inspection and approval by the insurance company. Otherwise, a dispute may arise over the amount of damage or the cause of the damage.
Where should you apply for RCA compensation?
Usually, the injured party contacts the insurance company of the at-fault driver. If the policy was arranged through a broker, you can additionally contact the broker for help with preparing documents and choosing the correct course of action.
What should you do if the at-fault driver left the scene?
Write down the licence plate number, make, model, colour of the car and direction of movement, call the police, take photos of the accident scene and check whether there are witnesses or cameras nearby.
What should you do if the insurer refused payment?
Request a written refusal, check the reason, collect additional documents and, if necessary, consult a broker or lawyer. In disputed cases, the decision can be appealed in the established manner.
Get help after a road accident through Superpolis.md
A road accident must be documented correctly from the first minutes: record the accident scene, understand whether the police need to be called, fill in the amicable accident report correctly, notify the insurance company on time and prepare the documents for compensation.
Superpolis.md helps clients understand what to do in case of an insured event, follow the correct procedure and prepare the claim to the insurance company. If you need to arrange RCA in advance, check an active policy or receive support after a road accident, choose the relevant section on the website.
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