A scratch in a supermarket parking lot, a small bump at a roundabout, or a real accident on the road to Taghazout… it can happen even to careful drivers. What matters is what you do in the first 10 minutes, because that’s what protects your safety, your time, and your rental file.
Below is the MarHire Car Agadir step-by-step process we follow for accidents and scratches (from “tiny mark” to “vehicle not drivable”), written for real situations: city traffic, hotel pickups, airport deliveries, and coastal day trips.
Table of Contents (Checklist)
- 1) First priority: safety and securing the scene
- 2) Decide: scratch only, or accident with another party?
- 3) Call MarHire immediately (what we ask you to send)
- 4) Photos that actually help your file (the exact shots)
- 5) Paperwork: constats, police report, and deadlines
- 6) If the other driver refuses to cooperate
- 7) If the car is not drivable (tow + replacement options)
- 8) Repair rules: what NOT to do before approval
- 9) Timeline: what happens after you report it
- FAQ
1) First priority: safety and securing the scene
Before documents, before phone calls, before arguing about “who’s wrong”:
- Stop safely and avoid blocking traffic if you can move the car.
- Make the scene visible (hazard lights, warning triangle if available).
- Keep everyone calm and away from danger (especially kids).
This is the same “protect → alert → assist” logic recommended by Morocco’s road safety agency in their accident guidance: NARSA – You witness an accident, what to do?
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If there are injuries or anyone feels unwell, treat it as a medical emergency first and don’t delay help.
2) Decide quickly: scratch only, or accident with another party?
Your next steps depend on the situation:
A) Scratch / minor damage with no third party
Examples:
- you scraped a wall while parking in Agadir
- you hit a curb and marked a wheel
- you found a new scratch after leaving the car briefly
This is usually the easiest file if you document it correctly and inform us quickly.
B) Accident involving another vehicle (or property)
Examples:
- contact with another car at a roundabout
- damage to a parked car
- you hit something that belongs to a third party (barrier, pole, etc.)
This requires proper documentation because responsibility and insurance processing can depend on what is written and signed.
3) Call MarHire immediately
As soon as the scene is safe, message/call MarHire. The faster we know, the faster we can protect your day.
What we ask you to send (copy/paste friendly)
- Your location (Google Maps pin is best)
- A short description: “minor scratch / bump with another car / car not drivable”
- Photos (see next section)
- Names + plates of any other vehicles involved
- Whether police/gendarmerie are present (if applicable)
Even if it’s “just a scratch,” telling us early prevents surprises at return.
4) Photos that actually help your file (the exact shots)
A lot of people send one close-up and think it’s enough. For insurance and clarity, we need a full set:
- Wide photo showing both vehicles (or the car + obstacle) in position
- Close-up of the damage (2 angles)
- License plates clearly visible (both vehicles, if involved)
- Wheels/tires if you touched a curb or suspect rim damage
- Dashboard shot if any warning lights appear
- Surrounding context (road sign, street name, parking entrance)
These photos reduce disputes and speed up the decision on whether you can continue driving.
5) Paperwork: constats, police report, and deadlines
For damage-only accidents, the key document is the “constat”
If another party is involved and there are no injuries, you normally complete a friendly accident report (“constat amiable”) on the spot. The important rule: write clearly, draw the diagram carefully, and make sure both parties sign.
Deadlines matter
In Morocco, there is a known deadline to inform the insurer after an accident. Morocco’s insurance regulator explains the standard damage-only accident steps and highlights that you should notify the insurer within 5 days: ACAPS – Step-by-step: accident with material damage (PDF)
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MarHire helps you align your rental file with these steps so you don’t lose time (or create an avoidable conflict later).
6) If the other driver refuses to cooperate
This happens sometimes (especially with stress, language barriers, or fear of responsibility).
If the other party refuses to sign or behaves aggressively:
- don’t escalate
- take photos of their vehicle, plate, and the scene
- keep communication polite and minimal
- contact MarHire immediately so we guide the next move
In these cases, a police/gendarmerie report can become important, especially when facts are disputed.
7) If the car is not drivable
If the vehicle can’t safely continue (heavy impact, steering issues, leaking fluids, serious tire damage):
- Stop driving immediately (continuing can worsen damage and risk safety).
- Share your location and the symptoms with MarHire.
- We coordinate the next step:
- safe towing / roadside recovery (when needed)
- moving you and passengers to a safe place
- evaluating replacement options based on your booking, location, and availability
In Agadir, this is where communication speed matters most, especially if you’re on the coastal road toward Taghazout or on an intercity route.
8) Repair rules: what NOT to do before approval
This is the part travelers often get wrong (and it creates problems):
- Don’t authorize repairs at a random garage without informing MarHire.
- Don’t “fix it quietly” and hope nobody notices.
- Don’t repaint or sand marks without approval.
Even when damage looks minor, repairs can require an assessment process. The safest approach is always: document → report → wait for instruction → then proceed.
9) What happens after you report it
Here’s the typical timeline with MarHire:
Step 1: File creation (same day)
We open a case with:
- your photos
- your statement
- any third-party info
- your rental details
Step 2: Decision: continue driving or stop
We’ll tell you clearly:
- if you can keep driving safely
- if you should limit driving to city only
- or if we must immobilize the car and recover it
Step 3: Documentation follow-up
If needed, we request:
- the completed constat
- police/gendarmerie documentation
- additional photos or a short video
Step 4: Resolution
Depending on severity:
- small scratch may be handled at return with documentation
- larger damage may require expert review, repair coordination, or insurance workflow
The goal is always the same: keep you moving safely and keep the paperwork clean.
FAQ
If it’s only a scratch, do I still need to tell MarHire?
Yes. Report it immediately with photos. It prevents disputes and keeps your file clean.
Do I always need police for a minor accident?
Not always for damage-only situations, but if there’s disagreement, refusal to sign, or complications, official reporting becomes important.
What if the damage appears hours later?
Send photos as soon as you notice it, and tell us where you parked and when you first saw it.
Can I keep driving after a small bump?
Only if the car is safe (no steering issues, no warning lights, no leaking). When in doubt, stop and ask.
Will a replacement car be guaranteed?
It depends on availability and the category, but we prioritize solutions that keep your trip moving, especially for airport departures and time-sensitive plans.