Car Accident in Poland? 7 Steps to File a Claim & Get Paid (Foreigner's Guide)

Been in a car accident in Poland and unsure what to do next? Whether it's a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, knowing how to file an insurance claim correctly can mean the difference between getting paid and having your claim denied. This step-by-step guide is written specifically for foreigners navigating the Polish insurance system — covering everything from the accident scene to settlement.

In Poland, the at-fault driver's OC (third-party liability) insurance pays for damage to the other party. If you were not at fault, you file your claim against the other driver's insurer. If you caused the accident, your own OC policy covers the other party's losses — but to cover your own vehicle, you need AC (Autocasco) insurance.

 

What to Do After a Car Accident in Poland — 7 Steps

The steps below cover everything from the moment of impact to receiving your payout. Follow them in order and you'll have the strongest possible claim.

 

Step 1 • Ensure Safety First

• Stop your vehicle immediately and turn on hazard lights. Place a warning triangle 30–100 m behind your car (depending on road type)
• Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 112 (the universal emergency number in Poland — operators speak English)
• Move vehicles out of traffic only if it is safe and no one is seriously injured
• If you or a passenger need medical attention, remember that health insurance in Poland for foreigners determines which facilities you can access and how costs are covered
• Take necessary steps to prevent further damage — for example, turning off the engine if there's a fuel leak

 

Step 2 • Complete a Written Accident Statement (Oświadczenie)

A written accident statement — called oświadczenie o zdarzeniu drogowym or oświadczenie sprawcy kolizji — is a legally accepted document in Poland that both parties sign at the scene. It replaces a police report for minor collisions (no injuries, no dispute about fault). Without this document or a police report, your claim may be denied.

📄 Download the accident statement template (PDF) — print two copies and keep them in your glove compartment so you're always prepared.

• Ask the at-fault driver for their OC (third-party liability) policy details: insurer name, policy number, and expiry date
• If they don't have the policy on them, you can verify whether their vehicle is insured via the UFG insurance database — click "Identification of TPL contract on the day of"
• Both parties must sign the statement at the scene. Write it in Polish if possible, or in English with a clear description of what happened
• If participants cannot agree on who is at fault, call the police — they will prepare an official report (notatka policyjna) that serves as evidence

Tip — the mStłuczka app: Polish insurers increasingly accept digital accident reports filed through the mStłuczka mobile app (available in the App Store and Google Play). The app guides you through the statement step by step, generates a PDF, and can send it directly to the insurer. The interface is in Polish only — but each screen uses simple icons and form fields, so with a translation app open on a second phone it's manageable. We cover the app and other digital tools in more detail in our guide to how insurance works in Poland.

 

Step 3 • Document Everything at the Scene

• Take photos and video of all damage from multiple angles — include both vehicles, license plates, and the overall scene
• Photograph road conditions, traffic signs, lane markings, and any skid marks
• Write down exactly what happened while it's fresh in your memory — note the time, date, location, and weather
• Collect names and phone numbers from any witnesses
• Save all receipts for emergency towing, temporary repairs, car rental, or accommodation — these may be reimbursable

 

Step 4 • Report the Claim to the Insurance Company

You should report the accident to the at-fault driver's insurer as soon as possible — ideally within 7 days. Most Polish insurers allow you to file a claim online, by phone (24/7 hotlines), or by email. You will need to provide the signed accident statement (or police report number), photos, and your bank account details for the payout.

• If you were not at fault, file the claim against the other driver's OC insurer
• If you caused the accident and have AC (Autocasco) insurance, file a separate claim with your own insurer for your vehicle damage
• If you suffered personal injuries, your NNW (personal accident) insurance — if you have one — may provide additional compensation on top of the OC claim
• Provide all documentation including the written statement, photos, and any police report

 

Step 5 • Understand the Legal Implications

• In Poland, causing a road hazard (wykroczenie drogowe) can result in fines up to 5,000 PLN
• More serious violations — such as causing an accident with injuries — may lead to criminal court proceedings
• Third-party liability insurance (OC — Odpowiedzialność Cywilna) is mandatory for every vehicle registered in Poland. Driving without valid OC coverage results in severe penalties from the UFG (Insurance Guarantee Fund) and personal financial liability for all damages
• If the at-fault driver is uninsured or fled the scene (hit-and-run), you can file a claim directly with the UFG

 

Step 6 • Work with the Claims Adjuster

• In most minor claims, you simply upload photos to the insurer's portal or app — no in-person inspection is needed
• For larger claims, an adjuster (rzeczoznawca) may be assigned to inspect the damage in person
• Provide any additional documentation they request promptly — delays on your side can slow the payout
• Ask questions about coverage limits, deductibles, and whether you're entitled to a replacement vehicle

 

Step 7 • Review the Settlement Offer & Get Paid

Under Polish law, the insurer must issue a decision within 30 days of receiving your claim. In complex cases (e.g., disputed fault, ongoing police investigation), this deadline can be extended — but the insurer must inform you in writing and pay an undisputed portion upfront.

• Carefully review the compensation offered — compare it with repair estimates from an independent workshop
• If the settlement seems too low, you have the right to appeal (odwołanie) — submit a written objection with supporting evidence (e.g., independent repair quotes)
• Understand that accepting a settlement usually closes the claim — negotiate before you sign
• If the insurer refuses to pay fairly, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman (Rzecznik Finansowy) or take the matter to court

 

Prepare for Potential Court Proceedings

• Keep all documentation organized — the accident statement, photos, correspondence with the insurer, and repair invoices
• In serious accidents, criminal proceedings may run parallel to insurance claims
• Consider legal counsel if fault is disputed or injuries are involved — many Polish law firms offer a free initial consultation
• Court decisions may impact insurance settlements, and the process can take 6–18 months

 

Important Tips for Foreigners in Poland

• OC insurance is mandatory — read our guide on how to buy car insurance in Poland as a foreigner
• AC (Autocasco) coverage is optional but covers damage to your own vehicle, regardless of fault
• Always carry your insurance documents, vehicle registration, and driver's license
• Polish insurers may require specific forms that differ from other EU countries — keep a printed accident statement template in your car
• The statute of limitations for insurance claims in Poland is typically three years from the date of the accident
• If you're still in the process of registering a car in Poland, make sure you have at least temporary OC coverage — you cannot legally drive without it
• Familiarize yourself with how the Polish insurance system works — including the role of KNF (the financial regulator) and the UFG database — before you need it

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Poland?

Stop your vehicle, turn on hazard lights, and place a warning triangle. Check for injuries and call 112 if anyone is hurt. Then complete a written accident statement (oświadczenie) with the other driver, document the scene with photos and video, and collect the at-fault driver's OC insurance details. Report the claim to the insurer as soon as possible — ideally within 7 days.

 

How long do I have to file an insurance claim in Poland?

Most Polish insurance policies require you to notify the company "without undue delay" — in practice, within 7 days of the accident. The sooner you report, the smoother the process. However, the legal statute of limitations for filing an insurance claim is 3 years from the date of the accident, so you can still pursue compensation even if you missed the initial notification window — though delays may complicate your case.

 

Do I need to call the police after every car accident in Poland?

No. In Poland, you only need to call the police if someone is injured, if the drivers cannot agree on who is at fault, if you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if the other driver refuses to provide their insurance details. For minor collisions with no injuries and clear fault, a signed written statement (oświadczenie) is sufficient.

 

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

If the at-fault driver has no valid OC insurance, you can file your claim with the UFG (Ubezpieczeniowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny) — Poland's Insurance Guarantee Fund. The UFG will compensate you and then pursue the uninsured driver for reimbursement. You should still document everything and file a police report in this situation.

 

Can I file a claim if I caused the accident?

Your OC insurance only covers the other party's damages — not your own vehicle. To cover repair costs for your own car when you are at fault, you need AC (Autocasco) insurance. If you have AC, file a claim with your own insurer. If you don't have AC, you'll need to pay for your own repairs out of pocket.

 

How long does the insurer have to pay my claim?

Polish law requires the insurer to issue a decision within 30 days of receiving the claim notification. If the case is complex (e.g., fault is being determined by the police or courts), the insurer can extend this period but must inform you in writing and pay any undisputed amount within the original 30-day window.

 

Can I use the mStłuczka app if I don't speak Polish?

The mStłuczka app is only available in Polish, but it uses a visual, step-by-step interface with icons, diagrams, and simple form fields. Many foreigners manage by running a translation app (like Google Translate with camera mode) on a second phone. The app generates a professional PDF accident report and can send it directly to the insurer, which can speed up your claim significantly.

 

Need Help with Your Claim or Insurance in Poland?

Filing a claim in a foreign country can be stressful, especially when forms are in Polish and deadlines are ticking. At Magro Ubezpieczenia, we've been helping drivers in Poland — including foreigners — for over 30 years. Whether you need to compare car insurance offers, understand your policy, or get guidance after an accident, our team in Łódź is here to help.

Get a quote or contact us directly — we speak English and will walk you through every step.