Korea Roadside Emergency Guide 2026: Accidents, Breakdowns and Towing
A car accident or breakdown can be frightening in any country, especially when you are driving a rental car and do not speak the local language.
In South Korea, the first priority is not the vehicle, insurance claim or travel schedule. It is protecting people from injuries and preventing a second collision.
Turn on the hazard lights, move away from active traffic when safely possible, record your location and contact the appropriate emergency service and rental company.
People first, vehicle second
Do not stand behind a stopped vehicle, walk in an active lane or risk your safety to take photographs or inspect damage.
Essential emergency numbers
112: Police emergency assistance
119: Fire, rescue and ambulance
1588-2504: Korea Expressway Corporation’s 24-hour call center
Rental company: Use the accident or roadside-assistance number shown in your contract or vehicle documents
Information checked in July 2026
Emergency procedures, roadside-assistance benefits, towing coverage and rental insurance conditions vary. Follow police, rescue, road-authority and rental-company instructions at the scene.
Table of Contents
✓ Quick Answer: What Should You Do First?
✓ How to Explain Your Location
✓ Warning Triangle and Safety Equipment
✓ What to Do After an Accident
✓ Should You Move the Vehicles?
✓ Do Not Settle Only With Cash
✓ Expressway Emergency Support
✓ Dead Battery or Starting Problem
✓ Rental Insurance and Registered Drivers
Quick Answer: What Should You Do First?
Use the following order after a collision, breakdown or serious vehicle warning.
Emergency sequence
- Turn on the hazard lights.
- Move away from active traffic when this can be done safely.
- Check the driver, passengers and other people for injuries.
- Call 119 for fire, rescue or an ambulance.
- Call 112 when police assistance is needed.
- Record the expressway, direction and nearby location marker.
- Contact the rental company.
- Call 1588-2504 when you are on a Korea Expressway Corporation highway and need road assistance or guidance.
- Photograph the scene only from a safe position.
- Do not authorize repairs or towing until the destination and responsible company are confirmed whenever circumstances allow.
| Situation | First contact | Additional contact |
|---|---|---|
| Injury, fire or rescue needed | 119 | 112 and rental company |
| Collision without immediate injury | Rental company or insurer | 112 when police help is needed |
| Expressway breakdown | 1588-2504 or the relevant road operator | Rental company |
| Flat tire or dead battery in a safe parking area | Rental roadside assistance | Police or rescue if the location becomes dangerous |
Do not take photographs from a traffic lane
Evidence is useful, but it is never worth being struck by another vehicle.
Decide Whether It Is an Accident or a Breakdown
Examples of an accident
- ✓ Collision with another vehicle
- ✓ Pedestrian or bicycle collision
- ✓ Damage to a parked vehicle
- ✓ Collision with a barrier, sign or building
- ✓ Single-vehicle crash
- ✓ Collision with road debris or an animal
Examples of a breakdown
- ✓ Engine will not start
- ✓ Flat tire or serious tire warning
- ✓ Dead battery
- ✓ Overheating
- ✓ Fuel shortage
- ✓ EV battery depletion
- ✓ Lost key or vehicle lockout
- ✓ Serious dashboard warning
A breakdown can become an accident
A stopped vehicle on a fast road can be hit by following traffic.
Preventing a secondary collision is more important than immediately identifying the mechanical problem.
Emergency Contact Numbers in Korea
112 — Police
Call 112 when police assistance is needed.
Examples include:
- ✓ A pedestrian or cyclist is involved
- ✓ Another driver leaves the scene
- ✓ Responsibility is strongly disputed
- ✓ Traffic is blocked or endangered
- ✓ Public property is damaged
- ✓ The other party refuses to exchange information
- ✓ You feel threatened or unsafe
119 — Fire, rescue and ambulance
Call 119 for:
- ✓ Injury or medical emergency
- ✓ Unconscious person
- ✓ Breathing difficulty
- ✓ Vehicle fire or smoke
- ✓ Person trapped inside a vehicle
- ✓ Immediate rescue assistance
- ✓ Dangerous leak or another urgent hazard
1588-2504 — Korea Expressway Corporation
This is the Korea Expressway Corporation’s 24-hour call center.
Use it to report or ask about:
- ✓ Expressway accident or breakdown location
- ✓ Dangerous stopped vehicle
- ✓ Fallen object or road obstruction
- ✓ Available emergency road support
- ✓ Guidance on the relevant road operator
Private expressways
Some privately operated expressways have their own call center or road operator.
Follow the number shown on the roadside sign, toll notice or navigation information when directed to another operator.
Rental-company emergency number
Check:
- ✓ Rental agreement
- ✓ Key tag
- ✓ Vehicle-information card
- ✓ Rental application
- ✓ Pickup-branch message or email
Save the numbers before driving
Do not wait until an accident to search through the rental agreement for the emergency contact.
What to Do on a Korean Expressway
When the vehicle can still move
When it is safe and mechanically possible, move out of the active traffic lane toward:
- ✓ Expressway shoulder
- ✓ Emergency parking area
- ✓ Rest area
- ✓ Drowsy shelter
- ✓ Other location directed by police or the road operator
Do not continue driving when the vehicle is smoking, overheating, losing control or making a severe mechanical noise.
Find a safer stopping location
Learn the difference between a full highway rest area and a smaller drowsy shelter before beginning a long expressway trip.
Korea Highway Rest Area Guide →When the vehicle cannot move
- ✓ Turn on the hazard lights
- ✓ Keep seat belts fastened until you can exit safely
- ✓ Call emergency or road assistance
- ✓ Tell the operator which lane is blocked
- ✓ Follow evacuation instructions
Should you remain inside?
There is no single answer that is safe in every situation.
A vehicle stopped in or close to a fast traffic lane can be struck from behind. When you can leave without crossing traffic, moving behind a guardrail or well away from the vehicle may reduce the secondary-collision risk.
However, opening a door into traffic or crossing an active lane can also be extremely dangerous.
Assess the immediate risk and follow instructions from police, rescue services or the road operator.
Never stand behind the vehicle
Another driver may fail to notice the stopped car and push it forward during a collision.
Do not wait directly in front of or behind the vehicle.
Do not inspect the traffic-facing side
Never kneel beside a tire or open a door on the side exposed to moving traffic unless emergency personnel have secured the area.
A second collision can be more serious than the first problem
Move people away from traffic before checking luggage, tires or vehicle damage.
Review Korean highway rules
This driving guide covers highway lane discipline, missed exits, Hi-Pass toll lanes, parking and other road rules.
Driving in Korea 2026 →How to Explain Your Location
Emergency services cannot help quickly when they do not know where you are.
The Korean National Fire Agency advises callers to provide an exact address or another identifiable location marker and to keep smartphone GPS enabled.
Useful highway location details
- ✓ Expressway name or route number
- ✓ Driving direction
- ✓ Nearest interchange
- ✓ Nearest toll gate
- ✓ Nearest rest area or drowsy shelter
- ✓ Tunnel or bridge name
- ✓ Kilometer marker or highway coordinate marker
- ✓ Nearby emergency telephone or sign
- ✓ Smartphone map pin
Turn on GPS
Keep the phone’s location function enabled so the operator can help confirm the location when possible.
Take a photograph of the roadside marker
A clear photograph can help you read unfamiliar Korean names and numbers without standing near traffic for a long time.
Useful English sentences
I am on the expressway toward Seoul.
The car is stopped on the shoulder near the 125-kilometer marker.
One person is injured.
The person is conscious and breathing.
The vehicle cannot move.
It is blocking the right lane.
Information for a 119 medical call
Be ready to explain:
- ✓ What happened
- ✓ Whether the person is conscious
- ✓ Whether the person is breathing
- ✓ Where the person is injured or in pain
- ✓ Age and important medical conditions
- ✓ Medicine the person regularly uses
- ✓ A phone number where you can be reached
Do not end the call too early
The emergency operator may provide medical instructions while the ambulance is traveling to the scene.
Keep the line open and follow the instructions.
Warning Triangle and Safety Equipment
Check whether the rental vehicle contains a warning triangle, reflective vest or another emergency item before leaving the branch.
Possible storage locations
- ✓ Trunk floor compartment
- ✓ Side compartment in the luggage area
- ✓ Tool kit
- ✓ Dedicated storage case
Do not risk your life to place equipment
A warning triangle can help approaching drivers notice the danger, but placing it may require walking near fast traffic.
Do not enter an active lane, tunnel traffic path or other dangerous area merely to position emergency equipment.
Follow the scene conditions
The safest placement can differ depending on:
- ✓ Expressway or ordinary road
- ✓ Tunnel or bridge
- ✓ Curve or hill
- ✓ Weather and visibility
- ✓ Traffic speed and available shoulder
Follow police or road-authority instructions instead of relying on one fixed distance for every situation.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Step 1. Stop safely
Do not leave the scene without taking the necessary safety and reporting steps.
Turn on the hazard lights and secure the vehicle as safely as the situation allows.
Step 2. Check for injuries
Check:
- ✓ Driver
- ✓ Passengers
- ✓ Occupants of other vehicles
- ✓ Pedestrians
- ✓ Cyclists or personal-mobility users
Step 3. Call emergency services
Call 119 when medical, rescue or fire assistance is needed.
Call 112 when police assistance is needed.
Step 4. Protect the scene
Move people away from traffic when safely possible and warn emergency operators about any blocked lane, leaking fluid, smoke or debris.
Step 5. Contact the rental company
Report the accident even when the visible damage appears small.
Ask for the company’s claim, towing and repair instructions.
Step 6. Record evidence safely
Take photographs or video only from a safe position.
Step 7. Exchange information
Collect the other driver’s identity, vehicle and insurance information.
Step 8. Follow official directions
Police, emergency services, the insurer or rental company may instruct you to move the vehicle, wait for a tow truck or visit a designated location.
A small mark can hide larger damage
Do not skip rental-company or insurance reporting simply because the bumper appears only lightly scratched.
Should You Move the Vehicles?
Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane can create another collision, but moving a severely damaged vehicle can also be unsafe.
Movement may be appropriate when
- ✓ There is no serious injury requiring the scene to remain unchanged
- ✓ The vehicle can be driven safely
- ✓ The traffic lane is creating immediate danger
- ✓ Basic photographs and location evidence have been recorded
- ✓ Police, road authorities or the insurer instruct you to move
Do not move the vehicle when
- ✕ A seriously injured person may be affected
- ✕ There is fire, heavy smoke or a dangerous leak
- ✕ Steering, braking or wheel damage is suspected
- ✕ Moving it would endanger pedestrians or traffic
- ✕ Police or rescue personnel tell you not to move
When uncertain
Call 112, the road operator or the rental company and explain exactly where the vehicle is positioned.
Photographs and Evidence
Photographs can help the police, insurer and rental company understand what happened.
Record the overall scene
- ✓ Position of each vehicle
- ✓ Lane layout and direction
- ✓ Traffic signal or sign
- ✓ Road markings
- ✓ Intersection, tunnel or nearby building
- ✓ Debris or skid marks when visible
Record every vehicle
- ✓ Licence plate
- ✓ Full vehicle exterior
- ✓ Close-up damage
- ✓ Damage from several angles
- ✓ Existing damage that is unrelated
Record your rental vehicle
- ✓ Dashboard warning lights
- ✓ Odometer
- ✓ Fuel or battery level
- ✓ Interior damage
- ✓ Dashcam status
Record conditions
Save the time, location, weather and road conditions.
Do not create another danger
Do not stand in the road, climb over barriers or delay emergency movement merely to obtain a better photograph.
Exchange Driver and Vehicle Information
Ask for
- ✓ Driver’s name
- ✓ Phone number
- ✓ Licence plate
- ✓ Insurance company
- ✓ Insurance claim or contact number
- ✓ Vehicle-owner details when different from the driver
Keep your own documents secure
Show required identification when necessary, but do not allow another person to keep your passport, driving permit or payment card.
Record witnesses
When an independent witness agrees, save the person’s name and contact information.
Keep messages
Save text messages, photographs, claim references and translated conversations related to the accident.
Never Settle Only With Cash at the Scene
Another driver may suggest paying cash immediately to avoid an insurance report.
This can create serious problems for a rental-car user.
Why a cash-only settlement is risky
- ✓ Hidden mechanical damage may appear later
- ✓ An injury may become painful later
- ✓ Responsibility may be disputed
- ✓ The rental company may require official reporting
- ✓ Insurance coverage may be questioned
- ✓ There may be no reliable proof of the agreement
Safer procedure
- ✓ Record the scene
- ✓ Exchange information
- ✓ Notify the rental company
- ✓ Notify the appropriate insurer
- ✓ Request police assistance when needed
Contact the Rental Company Before Towing or Repairs
The rental car belongs to the rental company, and the company may control which towing service and repair facility may be used.
Report even minor damage
Contact the company after:
- ✓ Collision
- ✓ Scrape against a wall or post
- ✓ Tire or wheel damage
- ✓ Broken mirror or glass
- ✓ Undercarriage impact
- ✓ Warning light after an impact
Ask these questions
- ✓ Can the vehicle still be driven?
- ✓ Which towing company should be used?
- ✓ Where should the vehicle be taken?
- ✓ Is roadside assistance included?
- ✓ Is a replacement vehicle available?
- ✓ What documents are required?
- ✓ Which costs may be excluded from insurance?
Do not choose your own repair shop without approval
A major Korean rental provider states that repairs normally must be carried out at a designated facility unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Unauthorized repairs may create problems with reimbursement, insurance and vehicle return.
Review the rental agreement before driving
This guide explains registered drivers, insurance, exclusions, vehicle inspection and pickup procedures.
Renting a Car in Korea 2026 →Towing: What to Confirm Before the Vehicle Is Moved
A tow truck may arrive quickly at an accident scene, but that does not automatically mean it was sent by the rental company, insurer, police or road operator.
Ask who requested the tow
Confirm whether the tow truck was requested by:
- ✓ Rental company
- ✓ Insurance company
- ✓ Police
- ✓ Expressway operator
- ✓ Another person at the scene
Confirm the towing company
- ✓ Company name
- ✓ Driver name or identification
- ✓ Tow-truck licence plate
- ✓ Contact number
Confirm the destination
Ask for the exact destination before the vehicle is loaded.
Possible destinations include:
- ✓ Rental-company branch
- ✓ Designated repair facility
- ✓ Safe nearby service area
- ✓ Tow-truck storage yard
- ✓ Location directed by police or the road operator
Ask about charges
When circumstances allow, confirm:
- ✓ Basic towing charge
- ✓ Distance charge
- ✓ Recovery or winching charge
- ✓ Storage charge
- ✓ Night, holiday or special-equipment charge
- ✓ Whether the insurer or rental company will pay directly
Safety may require immediate movement
You may not have time to negotiate when the vehicle is blocking an expressway lane or creating an immediate hazard.
Follow police and road-authority instructions while contacting the rental company as quickly as possible.
Before the vehicle is towed
- ✓ Remove passports and wallets
- ✓ Remove phones, medicine and travel documents
- ✓ Remove luggage when instructed and safe
- ✓ Photograph the dashboard and odometer
- ✓ Photograph all vehicle damage
- ✓ Photograph the vehicle on the tow truck
- ✓ Confirm where the key will be delivered
- ✓ Request a receipt or written towing record
Do not let the vehicle disappear without a destination
Save the towing company, tow-truck plate, destination and contact number before the vehicle leaves whenever possible.
Korea Expressway Emergency Support
Call the Korea Expressway Corporation’s 24-hour call center at 1588-2504 when you are on a road operated by the corporation and need emergency road guidance.
Explain
- ✓ Expressway and direction
- ✓ Kilometer or location marker
- ✓ Lane or shoulder position
- ✓ Whether the vehicle can move
- ✓ Whether anyone is injured
- ✓ Vehicle type and licence plate
Ask what support is available
Ask whether emergency relocation, traffic protection, towing guidance or another form of assistance is available for your location.
Do not assume every tow is free
The available support, distance, destination, vehicle eligibility and additional charge can depend on the road operator and situation.
Confirm the current conditions by telephone.
Private expressways
The operator may direct you to a separate private-expressway call center.
Contact the rental company as well
Road assistance may move the vehicle to safety, but the rental company still needs to approve the final towing and repair process.
Flat Tire or Tire-Pressure Warning
When the vehicle begins to vibrate or pull
- ✓ Hold the steering wheel firmly
- ✓ Reduce speed smoothly
- ✓ Avoid sudden braking
- ✓ Turn on the hazard lights
- ✓ Move to a safe location
Tire-pressure warning light
A warning may be caused by temperature change, gradual pressure loss or a puncture.
A visiting driver may not be able to identify the cause safely at the roadside.
Do not continue at highway speed
When the vehicle feels unstable or visible damage is suspected, stop and contact the rental company.
Do not change a tire beside moving traffic
Changing a tire on the traffic-facing side of a vehicle can be extremely dangerous.
Request roadside assistance unless the vehicle is in a genuinely safe location and the rental company confirms the procedure.
Temporary tire kit
Some vehicles use a tire-repair kit rather than a spare tire.
Do not inject sealant or use unfamiliar equipment without rental-company approval.
Wheel damage
A tire may look inflated even when the wheel or suspension has been damaged by a pothole or curb.
Do not continue driving when steering, vibration or braking feels abnormal.
Dead Battery or Engine Will Not Start
Basic checks in a safe parking area
- ✓ Gear selector is in Park
- ✓ Brake pedal is pressed when required
- ✓ Smart key is inside the vehicle
- ✓ Headlights or interior lights were not left on
- ✓ Dashboard message is photographed
Do not repeatedly force the starter
Repeated attempts can drain the battery further or worsen another starting-system problem.
Contact rental roadside assistance
Explain whether the dashboard lights turn on, whether the engine makes a sound and where the vehicle is parked.
Jump-starting
Jump-start procedures differ among gasoline, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles.
Incorrect cable connection can damage electronic systems or create a safety hazard.
Do not connect another vehicle or unknown equipment without rental-company guidance.
Hybrid and electric vehicles
A vehicle may have a separate low-voltage battery even when the main propulsion battery has power.
Follow the rental company’s vehicle-specific instructions.
Overheating, Smoke or Fire
Temperature warning
When the engine-temperature warning appears or steam is visible:
- ✓ Move to a safe place
- ✓ Turn off the engine
- ✓ Keep people away from traffic
- ✓ Contact the rental company
Do not open a hot coolant cap
Pressurized hot coolant can cause severe burns.
Smoke or flames
- ✕ Stop and evacuate when safely possible
- ✕ Call 119
- ✕ Keep other people away
- ✕ Warn the operator if the vehicle is electric or hybrid
- ✕ Do not return for luggage when the vehicle is unsafe
Fire extinguisher
Use an extinguisher only when you know how to use it, the fire is small, you have a clear escape route and emergency services have been called.
Do not open an engine compartment when doing so may expose you to flames or smoke.
Running Out of Fuel or Using the Wrong Fuel
Fuel shortage on an ordinary road
Move into a legal and safe stopping place, turn on the hazard lights and contact rental roadside assistance.
Fuel shortage on an expressway
Move out of the active lane when possible and call the road operator and rental company.
Do not walk along the expressway carrying a fuel container.
Wrong fuel selected but not added
Cancel the transaction and recheck the rental agreement and fuel-door label.
Wrong fuel added
- ✕ Stop refueling immediately
- ✕ Do not start the engine
- ✕ Do not move the car under its own power
- ✕ Contact the rental company
If the engine was already started
Stop safely, turn off the engine and report the mistake immediately.
Do not continue driving to use up the incorrect fuel.
Gasoline, diesel, LPG or electric?
Review fuel labels, self-service pumps, foreign-card payment and wrong-fuel procedures before refueling a rental car.
Korea Gas Station Guide 2026 →EV Battery Depletion
Do not depend on the final few kilometers
The displayed range can change with traffic, speed, temperature, hills, heating and air conditioning.
When the battery becomes low
- ✓ Search for several compatible chargers
- ✓ Reduce unnecessary energy use
- ✓ Avoid unnecessary detours
- ✓ Contact the rental company before the battery reaches zero
- ✓ Keep enough range for a backup charger
When the EV can no longer move
- ✓ Turn on the hazard lights
- ✓ Protect occupants from traffic
- ✓ Contact EV-compatible roadside assistance
- ✓ Confirm the correct towing method
- ✓ Follow the rental company’s instructions
Do not push the vehicle on an active road
Pushing an EV through traffic can expose passengers to a serious collision and may not be permitted by the vehicle system.
Flatbed towing
Some electric or all-wheel-drive vehicles require a particular towing method.
Tell the towing company the exact model and confirm the procedure with the rental company.
Lost Key or Locked Vehicle
Contact the rental company first
The rental company may have a replacement-key, lockout or towing procedure.
Do not break a window
Breaking glass can cause injury and create additional vehicle damage.
Do not hire an unofficial unlocking service without approval
An unauthorized attempt can damage the door, lock or electronic system and may not be covered.
Prepare
- ✓ Rental agreement
- ✓ Vehicle licence plate
- ✓ Current location
- ✓ Identification
- ✓ Description of where the key may have been lost
Key replacement may be excluded
Lost-key, delivery, lockout and towing expenses may not be included in ordinary collision coverage.
Check the contract before assuming the service is free.
Rental Insurance and Registered Drivers
Only registered drivers should drive
A major Korean rental provider states that only drivers explicitly named in the rental agreement are entitled to its comprehensive insurance coverage.
A person who is not listed may be excluded from insurance protection.
Confirm every driver at pickup
Do not allow a family member or friend to take over driving merely because the person has a valid licence or International Driving Permit.
The person must also meet the rental company’s registration and eligibility requirements.
Possible accident costs
- ✓ Insurance deductible
- ✓ Repair costs
- ✓ Towing
- ✓ Recovery and storage
- ✓ Tire or wheel damage
- ✓ Interior damage
- ✓ Lost key
- ✓ Loss-of-use compensation
- ✓ Replacement vehicle
- ✓ Unauthorized repair or contract violation
Loss-of-use compensation
A rental company may charge compensation when a damaged vehicle cannot be rented during repairs.
The calculation and exemptions depend on the company, vehicle, damage and insurance product.
Collision coverage does not cover everything
Common exclusions or limitations may involve:
- ✓ Unregistered driver
- ✓ Drunk or illegal driving
- ✓ Failure to report the accident
- ✓ Unauthorized repair
- ✓ Tire, wheel, key or interior damage
- ✓ Use outside the rental contract
Read the actual contract
Insurance names such as full coverage, zero excess or CDW do not always mean that every expense is covered.
Registered driver does not mean any licensed driver
Every person who may drive should be approved and recorded by the rental company before departure.
Replacement Vehicle and Travel Disruption
A replacement car is not automatic
Availability can depend on:
- ✓ Accident responsibility
- ✓ Insurance coverage
- ✓ Vehicle availability
- ✓ Current location
- ✓ Branch opening hours
- ✓ Vehicle category and licence requirements
Ask about transportation
When the car cannot be used, ask the rental company whether it will arrange:
- ✓ Transport to a branch
- ✓ Replacement vehicle
- ✓ Taxi reimbursement
- ✓ Alternative return procedure
Do not assume these services are included until confirmed.
Flight or hotel disruption
Contact the airline, hotel or tour provider as soon as it becomes clear that you will be late.
Save evidence
- ✓ Police or emergency reference
- ✓ Rental-company claim number
- ✓ Towing receipt
- ✓ Taxi or public-transport receipts
- ✓ Accommodation receipt
- ✓ Airline change or missed-flight record
Travel insurance
Ask the travel insurer what evidence and reporting deadlines apply.
A rental company does not automatically pay for missed flights, hotels or other travel losses.
Common Roadside-Emergency Mistakes
Standing behind a stopped vehicle
Move away from the likely path of a secondary collision.
Inspecting a tire from the traffic side
Do not kneel beside moving vehicles.
Taking photographs from an active lane
Safety is more important than obtaining a perfect image.
Reporting only the road name
Include direction, nearby interchange and location marker.
Moving an injured person unnecessarily
Follow emergency-service instructions unless the person faces an immediate danger such as fire.
Leaving without exchanging information
Record the other vehicle, driver and insurer details.
Accepting cash without reporting
Notify the rental company and insurer.
Allowing an unregistered driver to drive
Insurance protection may be excluded.
Authorizing the first tow truck immediately
Confirm who requested it, the destination and the charge when possible.
Failing to confirm the towing destination
Save the exact address and towing-company contact.
Repairing the vehicle without approval
Use the rental company’s designated procedure.
Leaving passports and luggage in the vehicle
Remove essential belongings before towing whenever safe.
Driving at highway speed after a tire warning
Stop when tire damage is suspected.
Continuing after overheating or smoke
Stop safely and contact emergency or rental assistance.
Depending on one EV charger
Keep enough range for a backup location.
Throwing away receipts
Keep all accident, towing, transport and repair records until the claim is fully settled.
Final Roadside-Emergency Checklist
Before driving
- ✓ Rental emergency number saved
- ✓ Registered drivers confirmed
- ✓ Insurance exclusions reviewed
- ✓ Fuel type confirmed
- ✓ EV charging plan prepared
- ✓ Warning equipment located
- ✓ Rental agreement accessible
At the scene
- ✓ Hazard lights turned on
- ✓ People protected from traffic
- ✓ Injuries checked
- ✓ Location recorded
- ✓ Emergency service contacted
- ✓ Rental company notified
- ✓ Photographs taken safely
Before towing
- ✓ Rental-company approval confirmed
- ✓ Towing company identified
- ✓ Destination confirmed
- ✓ Estimated charges checked
- ✓ Valuables removed
- ✓ Vehicle condition photographed
- ✓ Receipt requested
After the incident
- ✓ Police or emergency reference saved
- ✓ Rental claim number saved
- ✓ Insurance claim submitted
- ✓ Receipts stored
- ✓ Replacement transport arranged
- ✓ Airline and hotel informed
- ✓ Final rental charges reviewed
Protect people before protecting the car
Turn on the hazard lights, move away from traffic, record the location and call the correct emergency service.
Review the Emergency Steps →Frequently Asked Questions
What number should I call after a car accident in Korea?
Call 119 for fire, rescue or an ambulance. Call 112 when police assistance is needed. Also contact the rental company.
When should I call 112?
Call when police help is needed, such as a dangerous collision, hit-and-run, pedestrian accident, serious dispute or blocked traffic.
When should I call 119?
Call for injuries, unconsciousness, breathing difficulty, fire, rescue or another urgent medical or safety emergency.
What is 1588-2504?
It is the Korea Expressway Corporation’s 24-hour call center.
How do I explain my highway location?
Give the expressway name, driving direction, nearby interchange, tunnel, rest area and kilometer or highway coordinate marker.
Should I stay inside the vehicle?
It depends on the traffic and vehicle position. Avoid crossing traffic, but move well away from the vehicle when this can be done safely and a secondary collision is likely.
Should I put out a warning triangle?
Use available warning equipment only when it can be placed without entering dangerous traffic. Follow emergency-service instructions.
Can I move the car after a small accident?
You may be instructed to record the scene and move to a safer location when the vehicle can move safely and there is no serious injury. Ask police, the road operator or the insurer when uncertain.
What photographs should I take?
Record vehicle positions, damage, licence plates, road signs, lane markings, dashboard warnings, time and location from a safe position.
Must I report a minor rental-car accident?
Yes. Report any collision or new damage to the rental company, even when it appears minor.
Can I settle with the other driver in cash?
Do not rely only on a cash agreement. Notify the rental company and insurer and request police assistance when necessary.
Should I contact the police or insurance company first?
Call emergency services first when anyone is injured or the scene is dangerous. Then contact the rental company and insurer.
Can I drive with a tire-pressure warning?
Do not continue at highway speed when a puncture or tire damage is suspected. Stop safely and request assistance.
Can I change a tire on the highway?
Changing a tire beside fast traffic can be extremely dangerous. Use roadside assistance unless the vehicle is in a genuinely safe place and the rental company approves the procedure.
What should I do if the battery is dead?
Contact rental roadside assistance. Do not connect jumper cables or unfamiliar equipment without vehicle-specific instructions.
What should I do when the car overheats?
Stop safely, turn off the engine and contact the rental company. Do not open a hot coolant cap.
What should I do if the car catches fire?
Evacuate when safely possible, move away and call 119. Do not return for luggage when the vehicle is unsafe.
What happens if I run out of fuel?
Move away from active traffic and contact the rental company. On an expressway, also call the relevant road operator.
What should I do when an EV battery reaches zero?
Secure the vehicle, protect occupants from traffic and request EV-compatible roadside assistance and the correct towing method.
Can I use the first tow truck that arrives?
First confirm who requested it, where the vehicle will go and what charges may apply whenever the situation allows.
Is expressway emergency towing always free?
Do not assume it is. Ask the road operator about the support, eligible vehicle, distance, destination and possible additional costs.
Can I choose any repair shop?
Not without rental-company approval. The company may require a designated repair facility.
Does rental insurance cover towing?
Coverage varies by contract, roadside-assistance plan and cause of the incident.
What happens if an unregistered person was driving?
Insurance protection may be excluded or reduced. Every driver should be approved and listed before driving.
Will the rental company provide a replacement car?
Not automatically. It depends on availability, responsibility, insurance, location and company policy.
Official Emergency and Rental Information
Emergency procedures and rental terms can change. Use the current instructions from emergency services, road authorities and your rental provider.
119 EMERGENCY REPORTING
National Fire Agency
Review official guidance for reporting a location, patient condition, breathing, medical history and contact information.
Open 119 Guidance →EXPRESSWAY EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Korea Expressway Corporation
Check current highway traffic-safety information and the 24-hour call center at 1588-2504.
Open Expressway Information →RENTAL ACCIDENT AND INSURANCE TERMS
LOTTE Rent-a-Car Information
Review current accident inquiry, registered-driver, repair, insurance and loss-of-use information from a major Korean rental provider.
Open Rental Information →More Korea Driving Guides
RENTAL PREPARATION
Renting a Car in Korea 2026
Check International Driving Permit, insurance, registered drivers and vehicle-pickup procedures.
Read Guide →ROAD RULES
Driving in Korea 2026
Learn Korean right-turn, highway, Hi-Pass, speed-camera and parking rules.
Read Guide →FUEL AND CHARGING
Korea Gas Station Guide 2026
Understand gasoline, diesel, LPG, self-service stations, wrong fuel and EV charging.
Read Guide →SAFE HIGHWAY BREAKS
Korea Highway Rest Area Guide 2026
Find rest areas, drowsy shelters, toilets, food, fuel and EV chargers.
Read Guide →
