If you're involved in a vehicle accident in Aruba—even a minor one—there's a very specific procedure you must follow, and it's critical to follow it exactly to avoid invalidating your rental insurance. First and most important: do NOT move your vehicle from the accident scene, no matter how small the damage seems. Moving the car before authorities arrive can void your insurance coverage and leave you personally responsible for all repair costs, which can be extremely expensive.
The moment an accident happens, call 165 to reach ForenSys Aruba, the official accident registry service. ForenSys is a neutral, specialized company that's contracted by Aruban insurance providers to document accidents. They'll dispatch a unit to the scene to take photos, measurements, and statements from all parties involved. This is not the police—it's a separate service, and their report is what your insurance company will use to process your claim. ForenSys operates 24/7 and typically arrives within 20-30 minutes. While you wait, exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information with the other driver, and take your own photos of the scene, vehicle positions, damage, and license plates. Do NOT admit fault or apologize, even if you think it might have been your mistake.
If there are injuries, you should also call 911 for police and emergency medical assistance. The police (Korps Politie Aruba) will arrive separately and create their own report if there are injuries or if a law was violated (like driving under the influence or without insurance). If there are no injuries and the accident is straightforward, ForenSys alone may be sufficient. Once ForenSys finishes their report, make sure you get a copy of it—you'll need this to file a claim with your rental car company and your credit card or travel insurance. Then contact your rental car company right away to inform them of the accident and follow their instructions for next steps. Most rental agreements include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), which covers you for most damages as long as you followed the correct procedures—but you'll still be responsible for a deductible (often $500-$2,000 depending on the company and vehicle type). Following these steps carefully will ensure you're protected and can get back to enjoying your vacation without any major financial headaches.