If your Guam rental car is involved in an accident or develops a problem, your priorities are to protect people, secure the scene and report it correctly. An unauthorized repair or leaving an accident unreported may affect your coverage.
- Report any collision, even a minor one, from the scene to 911 and TAICO (+1-671-646-0543), then provide the Guam Police Department case number to the company.
- Under the current terms, included or purchased coverage may be void if police are not notified at the time and place of the accident.
- For a flat tire, dead battery, or locked-in or lost key, do not change the tire, jump-start or force a door; call first and wait for instructions.
- Natural-disaster damage is excluded from included and purchased coverage, and typhoon insurance is not available.
- The sequence to remember: secure safety, call 911 when required, call the rental office, document the scene, then follow instructions.
TAICO’s current terms require an accident to be reported immediately at the scene to 911 and to TAICO, with the Guam Police Department (GPD) case number later provided to the company. For a breakdown, tire, key or battery problem, contact TAICO before altering the vehicle.
The basic emergency sequence
- Protect life first:call 911 for injuries, fire, smoke, a fuel leak or an immediate traffic hazard.
- Do not move the vehicle without guidance:after a collision, follow the 911 operator or police. For a breakdown, move out of traffic only when reasonably safe and switch on the hazard lights.
- Contact TAICO:use the number on your agreement first. TAICO Main Office is +1-671-646-0543.
- Give an exact location and description:share the road, nearby landmark or map pin, vehicle ID, warning lights and whether anyone is hurt.
- Record the details:only when safe, photograph the vehicles, surroundings, license plates, road conditions and damage.
If you are involved in an accident
Even if a collision appears minor, call 911 and TAICO from the scene. TAICO’s terms state that police must be notified at the time and place of the accident and that included or purchased coverage may be void without that report.
- Don’t move your car: leave it where it is, even if it is blocking the road, until the police have seen the scene. Move it only when a police officer tells you to.
- Call 911 right away: report the accident even if the damage is minor, and give the location, injuries and number of vehicles.
- Call TAICO: right after the police, tell us where you are and that you have been in an accident. We may send a staff member to the scene.
- Take photos: the accident scene, the damage to both cars, and the other car’s license plate.
- Wait for the police: stay at the scene until they arrive, and follow the officer’s instructions.
- Get the case number: the police will give you a GPD case number, usually on a slip of paper. Give it to TAICO.
- Fill out an accident report: when the police have finished, come to the TAICO office to fill out a written accident report. Bring your case number.
Do not promise payment or decide fault at the scene; give factual information to police and TAICO. If the car can’t be driven and needs towing, ask the tow truck driver to take it to the TAICO office. You pay the towing fee directly to the tow truck driver.
Flat tire, tire warning or severe vibration
If the steering pulls, the car vibrates strongly or a tire warning appears, avoid sudden braking and steering. Slow down, stop in a safe parking area or a place well clear of traffic and call TAICO rather than continuing to drive.
Do not change the tire or inject sealant unless staff specifically instruct you. Tire damage and roadside assistance may carry charges.
The engine will not start or the battery is dead
Check once that the selector is in P, the brake is pressed and the key is inside the vehicle. If it still will not start, stop repeated attempts and call TAICO.
Do not jump-start from another vehicle, open or work in the engine compartment, or remove parts. TAICO’s terms prohibit renters from touching the engine. A rescue charge may apply when a dead battery results from renter actions such as leaving lights on.
If you wait in the car after checking out of your hotel for a late-night flight, don’t leave the lights, radio or interior lights on while the engine is off. This can drain the battery.
Roadside help may not be available after 6:30 p.m., so avoid driving to remote areas late at night. If the car breaks down, call TAICO right away and follow our instructions. We may ask you to lock the car in a safe spot and take a taxi back to town at your own cost. Don’t leave the car unattended without TAICO’s permission.
Keys locked inside, lost or wet
Do not force a window or door; contact TAICO immediately. Once a key is reported missing, TAICO may begin arranging a replacement for security, and charges may still apply if the original is found afterward. Before reporting it lost, calmly check pockets, bags and the seat area once.
If a smart key gets wet at a beach or pool, do not repeatedly press its buttons or dismantle it. Explain what happened to staff.
Theft, break-in or vandalism
If the vehicle is missing, a window is broken or the interior has been disturbed, avoid touching the scene and contact 911 and TAICO. Move to a bright, populated area if the surroundings feel unsafe. Note the missing property, parking location and when you last saw the vehicle.
TAICO’s current terms state that theft, hit-and-run damage, broken windows and break-ins may be excluded or remain the renter’s responsibility. Optional coverage does not automatically eliminate every charge; follow your agreement.
Tropical showers, flooding and typhoons
Never enter water when you cannot judge its depth. If visibility becomes poor, wait in a safe parking area. When a typhoon approaches, follow TAICO’s directions and move the car away from storm surge and flying-debris risks. TAICO’s current terms exclude natural-disaster damage from included and purchased coverage and state that typhoon insurance is unavailable.
If you get lost
Do not operate a phone while driving. Stop in a safe parking area before checking navigation. Never stop abruptly in a traffic lane, near an intersection or on a narrow shoulder. For areas with uncertain reception, save your accommodation and the TAICO office location in advance.
Information to have ready
- Renter’s name and rental agreement
- Vehicle class, color, plate or vehicle number
- Current location, road and nearby landmark
- Warning light, sound, smell or visible damage
- For an accident, the other vehicle’s details and GPD case number
- A callback number
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to report a small scratch?
Yes. Report a newly discovered scratch or dent to TAICO. If another vehicle or object was struck, treat it as an accident and also call 911 from the scene.
Can I arrange my own tow or repair?
Don’t call a repair shop yourself. Call TAICO first and follow our instructions; an unauthorized repair may affect costs and coverage. If a tow truck comes, ask the driver to take the car to the TAICO office (you pay the towing fee directly to the driver).
Can I drive back if the car seems usable after an accident?
No—not without authorization. Appearance alone cannot confirm safety. Call 911 and TAICO from the scene and follow their instructions.
Summary
Remember this sequence: secure safety → call 911 when required → call TAICO → document the scene and details → follow instructions. Avoid self-repair and unreported accidents.
Sources checked: Guam Police Department official website and TAICO “Terms and Conditions.” Fees, coverage and rescue conditions vary by contract; your actual rental agreement takes priority.
