One of the last things you want to have to deal with while on vacation is a rental car accident. However, don’t discount the chance that you could be involved in an automobile accident due to operating a vehicle that isn’t your own and traveling over uncharted territory.
Generally, responding to an accident in a rental car is similar to responding to one in your car. However, the rental car insurance contract includes additional layers that add complexities to the process.
What to Do If You Have a Rental Car Accident
If you were in a rental car accident, you should contact an attorney, get medical attention, and report the collision to the local police department. Furthermore, this is what to do in the event of a rental car accident.
Ensure your safety
Even though it may seem obvious, before doing anything else, make sure everyone in the car is okay. Look around to see if any other automobiles are involved. If you can, safely pull over on the side of the road in the event of an automobile collision. If there are injuries, dial 911 right away. And get away from the area if there’s a chance of an explosion.
Exchange contact
After confirming that the scene is secure, share contact and insurance information with all persons involved. This data includes names, residences, phone numbers, insurance company, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and license plate. If law enforcement is involved, demonstrate financial accountability.
Take pictures and notes
Spend some time gathering comprehensive accident data. Take lots of pictures and jot down notes (you may use your phone’s notes feature for this). Furthermore, document details of cars involved in an accident, including year, model, color, location, street names, lane, and incident’s nature.
Contact your car rental company
The actions in a rental car accident are similar to those in driving your car, but additional paperwork is required. In addition, you should contact your car rental company as soon as you can and let them know about the collision. Moreover, an emergency number is found in the glove box or on your car rental agreement. Furthermore, the car rental company requires you to submit their version of an incident report, which typically includes the same information you collected.
Contact your own insurance company about the rental car accident
If you rely on your car insurance policy, inform them of an accident to establish a damage claim. Also ask about filing an accident report, whether you have collision and comprehensive coverage, and determine your deductible. Furthermore, the rental car company will typically ask you to fill out their incident report form, which typically includes the same data you gathered earlier.
Speak with a Carr & Carr Attorneys auto accident attorney
As soon as you’ve seen a doctor, taken pictures of the accident scene, and spoken with the rental company, you should get in touch with an attorney. However, you have two years from the collision date to bring a civil lawsuit.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within the allotted two years, you may not receive the compensation you need to put the incident behind you. It is advisable to choose a reputable lawyer as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of being compensated.
What Happens If You Were Injured in an Accident
The damage to a rented car after an accident is often not your first concern. In addition to auto repairs, you might also have to pay for additional issues, physical injuries, and medical costs. You must submit a compensation claim to your auto insurance or the at-fault drivers if you are found to be at fault.
Furthermore, if your collision was caused by another driver, both you and the rental business may make claims against the at-fault motorist. Legal representation is essential when managing injury claims, as losses frequently surpass the cost of car replacement or repair.
A lawyer can advise on auto insurance claims, damage claims from other drivers, or reimbursement from rental car businesses. The rental car company is held responsible for failing to maintain the vehicle causing the collision if malfunctions were present.
What Kinds of Insurance Cover Rental Car Accidents
After a rental car accident, one of the most difficult things to do is figure out what insurance applies. Numerous policy types may offer coverage, such as the ones listed below.
Rental car driver’s auto insurance
Rental automobile incidents are covered by personal auto insurance. Generally, a rental car has the same deductibles and coverage as a personal vehicle. A driver with comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance with a $25,000 per person and per accident cap is covered when operating a personal vehicle.
Credit card car rental insurance
Credit card companies may provide insurance for rental cars. Usually, the only things this policy covers are theft and rental car damage. Moreover, since credit cards don’t offer liability insurance, they wouldn’t cover losses if another person was hurt in a rental car accident.
Final Thoughts
Accidents involving rental cars are particularly difficult because there may be several insurance companies involved. To increase your chances of receiving the compensation you are entitled to, make sure you have the appropriate legal counsel. Immediately after a collision, get in touch with a rental car accident attorney so you can receive assistance at every stage.
However, there can be some restrictions, including if the policyholder rents a vehicle abroad, in which case their auto insurance might not be applicable.