What Happens in Case of an Accident or Scratch in Marrakech? MarHire Process Step-by-Step
What happens if your rental car gets a scratch or is involved in an accident in Marrakech? Here’s exactly how MarHire handles it, step-by-step, so you stay calm, safe, and protected.
1. What to Do Immediately After an Accident or Scratch in Marrakech
Whether it is a light scratch on a busy street in Guéliz or a more serious collision on the road to Ourika, the first rule is simple: stay calm and put safety first.
- Stop the car in a safe place and switch on the hazard lights
- Check if anyone is injured in your vehicle or the other vehicle
- If there are injuries, call emergency services immediately (190 for ambulance, 177 for police)
- Do not leave the scene, even if the damage looks minor
For very small scratches or paint transfers in a car park, you should still notify MarHire before driving away. Our local team will tell you whether a formal report is needed or if simple photo documentation is enough.
2. When You Must Call the Police and Fill an Accident Report
In Morocco, any road accident that involves injuries, serious damage or a dispute about responsibility normally requires a police report. Police (or gendarmerie outside the city) come to the scene, take statements and produce an official report.
This is especially important when:
- Someone is injured, even slightly
- More than one vehicle is involved and there is disagreement
- There is damage to public property (barriers, poles, signs)
- The other driver refuses to cooperate or leaves the scene
Official Moroccan guidance also stresses the importance of reporting road accidents and following basic safety rules. You can consult, for example, road safety resources from national campaigns to better understand local rules.
If the incident is very minor (light scratch, no other vehicle involved, no one hurt), call MarHire first. We will tell you whether to wait for the police or if detailed photos plus a written explanation are enough for the insurance file.
3. How to Document the Damage for MarHire
Good documentation helps protect you and speeds up the process. As soon as you are safe, take a few minutes to record what happened.
Take clear photos of:
- The full car (front, back, both sides)
- Close-ups of all visible damage
- The licence plates of any other vehicles involved
- The surrounding scene (intersection, traffic lights, signs, road conditions)
Then note:
- Date and exact time of the incident
- Exact location (street name or nearest landmark in Marrakech)
- Short description of what happened
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Send everything by WhatsApp to your MarHire contact. Our local team in Marrakech is used to handling these situations and will guide you from there.
4. MarHire’s Step-by-Step Process After You Report the Incident
Once you contact us, here is how the process usually works:
Step 1 – Immediate assistance and safety check
We confirm that everybody is safe and that emergency services have been called if needed. If the car cannot move, we help organise towing or roadside assistance depending on the insurance coverage.
Step 2 – Guidance on documents at the scene
We remind you which documents you need to keep with you:
- Copy of the rental contract
- Insurance papers inside the vehicle
- Your driving licence and passport
If the police are present, they will ask for these documents and may give you a report number or a slip confirming the incident.
Step 3 – Collecting your photos and details
You send us photos, videos and a short written explanation via WhatsApp. We verify that we have everything needed for the insurance file and let you know if something is missing.
Step 4 – Assessment of the damage
Back in Marrakech, our partner garage or our own team checks the vehicle. They confirm:
- Type of damage (cosmetic, bodywork, mechanical)
- Whether it affects safety
- Estimated cost of repair
You are informed clearly about the findings, in English or French, so you understand what will happen next.
Step 5 – Application of insurance and excess
Depending on the level of insurance you chose when booking:
- With basic coverage, you may have an excess (franchise) up to a certain amount
- With extended coverage, minor damage can sometimes be fully covered
We calculate if anything is due from your side, up to the agreed excess. There are no surprise fees or mysterious “admin” surcharges.
Step 6 – Replacement car if needed
If the vehicle is no longer safe to drive and your rental is not finished, we try to provide a replacement car whenever possible, depending on availability and the conditions of your contract.
5. Insurance, Excess and When You May Have to Pay
Like most car rentals, vehicles in Morocco are insured, but damage is usually subject to an excess unless you chose a higher level of protection.
Situations where you may have to contribute:
- You are declared fully responsible for a collision
- The damage is not compatible with your description
- Dangerous driving or clear violation of road rules is involved
- You failed to report the incident and kept driving without informing us
In Morocco, traffic rules and responsibilities are based on the national Highway Code, which defines priority, speed limits and behaviour at intersections. International organisations also offer general advice about driving safely in the country and understanding local traffic culture.
Our priority is always transparency: we explain clearly how the excess is calculated and which part is covered by insurance.
6. What Happens with Minor Scratches or Parking Damage
Marrakech streets and car parks can be tight, especially near the Medina or in older neighbourhoods. Small scratches or light bumper marks can happen even to careful drivers.
Here is how we usually handle minor issues:
- You send photos as soon as you see the scratch
- We check whether it was already noted on the initial condition report
- If it is new but very light, we may treat it as minor cosmetic damage and apply a small fixed amount or waive it depending on your coverage and the situation
- Everything is communicated to you before any deduction is made
Trying to “hide” damage rarely helps. Being transparent from the start generally reduces stress and makes it easier to find a fair solution.
7. FAQ – Accidents and Scratches with a MarHire Car in Marrakech
What should I do first if I have a small accident in Marrakech?
Stop in a safe place, turn on hazard lights, check if anyone is hurt, and call MarHire. If there are injuries or serious damage, call the police or gendarmerie too and wait at the scene.
Do I always need a police report for a scratch?
Not always. For minor scratches with no other vehicle involved, detailed photos and your written explanation may be enough. For collisions, injuries or conflict with another driver, a police report is strongly recommended.
Will my trip be ruined if the car is badly damaged?
Not necessarily. If the car cannot be driven safely and your contract allows it, we will work to provide a replacement vehicle based on availability so you can continue your stay in Marrakech.
How can I reduce the chances of damage in Marrakech?
Avoid squeezing into very narrow streets in the Medina, use guarded car parks when possible, respect speed limits and keep safe distances in traffic. If in doubt about a street, park earlier and continue on foot.
What happens if the other driver leaves the scene?
Take photos of their vehicle and plate if possible, note the time, place and any witnesses, and call the police and MarHire. We will guide you based on the official report and insurance rules.
Can I still drive if the damage looks minor?
If the car drives normally and there is no warning light, it may be safe, but always send us photos first. We will confirm whether you can continue or if a quick check by a mechanic is needed.
8. Conclusion and Local Tip
Having an accident or even a small scratch in Marrakech is stressful, especially in another country, but it does not have to ruin your trip. As long as you stay calm, follow basic safety steps, document what happened and call MarHire promptly, the process stays clear and manageable from start to finish.
Local tip: in Marrakech, it is often smarter to park a little further away in a guarded car park and walk the last few minutes to your riad or restaurant. You reduce the risk of tight manoeuvres, random scooter scratches and unexpected bumps, while keeping your rental car safer for the rest of your journey.