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.
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 blindly: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.
- Preserve information: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.
- Stop and check for injuries or immediate danger.
- Call 911 with the location, injuries and number of vehicles.
- Notify TAICO immediately.
- Collect the other driver’s name, contact, license, plate and insurance details.
- Photograph the scene and damage from a safe position.
- Obtain the GPD case number and provide it to TAICO.
Do not promise payment or decide fault at the scene; give factual information to police and TAICO. Do not arrange your own tow unless TAICO authorizes it. Under the current terms, the renter may be responsible for related towing and storage charges.
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, while optional tire coverage has limits such as applicable hours. Check your agreement.
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.
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?
Avoid doing so. Obtain TAICO’s instructions first; an unauthorized repair or relocation may affect costs and coverage.
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, unauthorized towing 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.
