Should I print this even for a short trip?

It weighs nothing and it is the one document that is useless to fetch later. Most people who need it are on holiday, in an unfamiliar country, with children in the back.

What if I only manage half of it?

Do the photographs. If everything else fails, a complete photographic record still supports a claim; the rest can be reconstructed afterwards, and that cannot.

Is a photograph of the other driver's documents allowed?

It is normal practice at an accident scene and it is what the CID asks you to record anyway. If they refuse, note the details by hand and photograph the vehicle and its plate.

Printable checklist: the first hour after an accident in Italy

Print this and put it in the glovebox. Nobody thinks clearly ten minutes after a collision, and a list on paper does the thinking that adrenaline switches off.

1. Safety first

Hazard lights on.
High-visibility vest on before you get out — required in Italy outside built-up areas.
Warning triangle placed at the prescribed distance behind the vehicle.
Everyone behind the barrier, not between the vehicles.
Injuries? Call 112. If yes, the police attend and the procedure changes.

2. The CID (Constatazione Amichevole)

Complete your half fully, in a language you understand.
Check the other driver's half before signing — sign only what matches your account.
Sketch and tick boxes agreed; anything disputed crossed out and initialled.
Note in the observations field anything the form does not cover.
Photograph the other driver's copy as well as keeping your own.

3. Photographs, in this order

Both vehicles in final position, from four corners, wide enough to show lane markings and signs.
The position of the vehicles relative to each other.
Every damaged area: wide, medium, close-up — on both vehicles.
Paint transfer, glass, debris, fluid on the road.
Number plates, VIN plate, odometer with ignition on.
The other party's documents: licence, registration, insurance certificate.
The location: a map pin, the kilometre marker, the road name.

4. Details to collect

Other driver: name, address, telephone.
Their vehicle: registration, make, model, colour.
Their insurer and policy number.
Which police force attended and the report reference.
Witnesses: name and telephone number — not "someone saw it".
Towing company name and where the vehicle is being taken.

5. Before you leave

Keep every receipt: towing, storage, taxi, unplanned hotel.
If injured: get the emergency room report before travelling home.
Do not wash the vehicle. Do not start any repair.
Send the photographs to MOTOEXPERT on WhatsApp — free preliminary assessment the same day, in English, German or Polish.

Frequently asked questions

Should I print this even for a short trip?: It weighs nothing and it is the one document that is useless to fetch later. Most people who need it are on holiday, in an unfamiliar country, with children in the back.
What if I only manage half of it?: Do the photographs. If everything else fails, a complete photographic record still supports a claim; the rest can be reconstructed afterwards, and that cannot.
Is a photograph of the other driver's documents allowed?: It is normal practice at an accident scene and it is what the CID asks you to record anyway. If they refuse, note the details by hand and photograph the vehicle and its plate.