Renting a car in Saint Barthélemy is one of the best ways to explore the island with complete freedom. The winding roads offer spectacular views, and every beach or hillside deserves a stop. But just like anywhere else—even in paradise—accidents can happen. So, what should you do if your rental car gets damaged during your stay in St. Barts? Don’t worry! Here’s everything you need to know to handle the situation quickly, calmly, and efficiently.
1. Stay Calm and Safe
If your vehicle is damaged, the first step is to stay calm. The tropical setting can be disorienting, but your priority is to make sure everyone is safe.
If another person is involved, check that no one is injured. If there are injuries, call the emergency services in St. Barts immediately:
- Ambulance: 15
- Fire Department: 18
- Police/Gendarmerie: 17
If possible, move the vehicle off the road to avoid blocking traffic on the island’s often narrow and busy roads, especially during high season.
2. Contact Dollar SBH Immediately
Call your rental agency right away, even if the damage seems minor. At Dollar SBH, we offer 7-days-a-week support to help you handle the situation.
Our team will walk you through every step: documenting the damage, completing the required paperwork, or providing a replacement vehicle if necessary. We’re here to help you get back to enjoying your vacation.
3. Take Photos of the Damage
Before moving the vehicle, take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles. These pictures will be important for the damage report and help determine liability—whether or not you were at fault.
Make sure to photograph:
- The license plate
- All visible damage (scratches, dents, broken glass, etc.)
- The surrounding area (road signs, traffic lights, intersections)
- Any other vehicles or objects involved
Pro tip: If possible, enable geolocation and timestamp on your phone when taking the photos.
4. Fill Out an Accident Report (if needed)
If another vehicle or person is involved, a European accident report is mandatory. This standardized document helps describe the circumstances of the accident and facilitates communication between insurance providers.
A few tips:
- Complete the form on-site, neatly and clearly. Use bilingual versions if the other party is a tourist.
- Don’t write anything you’re unsure of. Stick to checkboxes or diagrams.
- Never sign something you don’t agree with.
- Keep one copy for yourself and give the other to Dollar SBH.
5. Report the Damage Within 24 Hours
Even if it’s just a small scratch or cracked mirror, you must report any damage within 24 hours of discovery, as stated in your rental agreement. Waiting too long could impact your coverage or result in additional charges.
We’re not here to stress you out—we simply want to protect your deposit and ensure you’re covered under the correct procedures.
6. Review Your Rental Agreement and Insurance Coverage
At Dollar SBH, several levels of insurance are available when you rent your vehicle. In the event of damage, your level of coverage will determine your financial responsibility.
Basic Insurance (included)
- Includes a deductible in the event of an incident
- Does not cover glass breakage, tires, or the undercarriage
Full Coverage with Partial or Full Deductible Waiver
- Limits or removes your financial liability
- Covers most exterior damage, including theft or vandalism
Coverage via Your Credit Card
Many premium credit cards (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, etc.) provide rental car insurance. You’ll need to contact your bank promptly to understand the terms and gather any necessary documents.
Pro tip: Always keep a copy of your rental agreement, the initial vehicle inspection report, and any communication with the agency.
7. Do Not Attempt Repairs Yourself
Even if you know a reliable mechanic on the island or someone offers to fix the car quickly, never repair the vehicle on your own. Doing so may void your contract, complicate any reimbursements, and result in extra charges.
Any repair work must be approved by our team. We work with certified local partners who use original parts and respect insurance protocols, ensuring your safety and compliance.
8. In Case of Theft or Vandalism: File a Police Report
If your car is stolen or vandalized—a rare but possible occurrence—take the following steps:
- Go to the Gendarmerie in Gustavia to file an official report
- Provide a copy of the police report to our Dollar SBH office
- Keep all documents provided by local authorities
Your liability may be reduced if you opted for theft insurance, and if the vehicle was properly locked, parked in a legal location, and the keys returned.
9. Be Proactive to Prevent Damage
The best way to avoid stress is prevention. Here are some easy habits to protect your vehicle during your stay in St. Barts:
- Always do a thorough vehicle inspection at pickup and return
- Avoid parking too close to cliff edges, beaches, or unauthorized areas
- Don’t drive on rocky or unpaved roads unless the vehicle is suitable
- Drive carefully, especially on steep hills or narrow streets in Gustavia
- Don’t leave valuables in plain sight inside the car
- Lock the vehicle every time you step away—even briefly
10. Why Dollar SBH is Your Best Partner
At Dollar SBH, we know vacations are for relaxing. That’s why, in the event of an incident, we do everything we can to provide clear, friendly, and fast assistance. Our fleet includes well-maintained, recent vehicles perfectly suited for St. Barts’ unique terrain—compact city cars, 4x4s, and stylish convertibles for seaside drives.
We’re a local team that knows the island by heart. Whether it’s replacing your car quickly, explaining the insurance policy, or helping you deal with paperwork, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Damage to a rental car is never fun, especially when you’re on vacation. But with the right steps and the support of our team, you can turn this setback into just a small bump in the road. Contact our agency quickly, document everything, follow the procedures, and let us handle the rest.
At Dollar SBH, your peace of mind is our priority. Rent with confidence and enjoy every minute of your stay in Saint Barthélemy—keys in hand and worries behind.