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Car Accident
HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
(877) 880-4090When you sign a rental car contract, you agree to return the vehicle in the same condition as when you receive it. This means that not only will the rental company put you on the hook for major accidents, but they will also look to charge you for repairing any blemishes or damages ranging from scratches and dings up to broken windows, damaged bumpers and beyond.
It is not always the case that you will have to pay for these types of damages after a rental car accident, however. Learn more about the different parties that might pay for rental car damages based on the circumstances so that you can adequately prepare for any situation as a renter.
If you are at fault for an accident involving a rental car, or if you inadvertently cause damage to the vehicle by bumping into a curb or any other obstacle, you might not have to pay out-of-pocket if you have the right kind of coverage as part of your personal auto insurance policy.
A personal car insurance policy that includes collision, comprehensive, liability and medical coverage will likely cover most or all of the costs associated with a rental car accident. If you only carry minimum liability coverage, however, your policy is not likely to pay for any damages to your rental car.
It is also important to consider the deductibles and coverage limits that apply to your policy. If your personal policy has a high collision deductible, for example, you will still have to pay a certain amount out of your own pocket before insurance kicks in. It is especially prudent to consider coverage limits if you decide to rent a newer vehicle as you will be on the hook for any repair costs that exceed those limits listed on your policy.
Ultimately, it is crucial to understand the extent of your current policy before renting a car so that you can make good decisions about purchasing coverage from the rental company.
Even though it can add extra costs for each day that you rent the vehicle, purchasing insurance coverage from the rental car provider can grant you peace of mind in knowing that you will not be liable for paying the damages if you experience an accident during the rental period.
It is a good idea, however, to ensure that any coverage options you purchase from the rental provider do not overlap with the terms of your current auto insurance policy. It is typically unnecessary to spend extra for rental-specific insurance when your current policy already provides similar coverage. That said, it is better to err on the side of caution and rental insurance might be preferable in some cases if it entails a smaller deductible.
If you are paying for the rental on a credit card, the credit card company might also provide certain types of coverage. The extent of this coverage may vary between providers, so be sure to contact your bank or credit card company for more information.
During the transaction of renting a vehicle, your rental car agent is likely to provide several insurance options that you can purchase for coverage during the rental period. Keep in mind that your personal car insurance is your primary coverage and will apply first when filing a claim, making it redundant to purchase additional coverage options that you do not need.
If there are gaps in your current coverage, or if you want the peace of mind of having coverage with a more generous deductible or coverage limit, you can purchase a number of rental-specific coverage options including:
While you might feel the pressure to purchase a full suite of insurance on the spot to help protect yourself and your rental, remember to thoroughly check your own auto insurance policy and your credit card agreement first to determine what coverage you do or do not need.
If you get in an accident while driving a rental car, the same principles of fault apply as in any other type of motor vehicle accident. Suppose law enforcement and insurance investigators determine that the other driver is at fault for the accident. In that case, the costs for damages to your rental will come out of their insurance policy.
Every law-abiding driver has minimum liability insurance that will cover the costs of damage to your rental car. If the at-fault driver does not have auto insurance, you can instead claim compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
The authorities will determine fault in a motor vehicle accident by examining the nature of the accident scene itself as well as evidence including photographs, vehicle damage, medical reports and witness testimony. You can help ensure a favorable outcome in a fault investigation by following the appropriate steps after an accident.
Your first priority after any vehicle accident is to guarantee the health and safety of yourself and your passengers. Contact 911 immediately and receive medical attention, regardless of whether or not you have any noticeable pains or injuries.
You should then carefully document the accident to the best of your ability. Exchange information with any other drivers involved, identify the police officers at the scene and take photographs of the area as well as of each vehicle and the damages sustained.
As soon as reasonably possible after the accident, contact the rental company for instructions on how to proceed. You should also contact your insurance company at this point to report the accident and begin the claims process. Keep in mind that you do not have to provide a full explanation of the accident at this point and that it may be better to collect your thoughts and speak with a professional before beginning the more complex phases of insurance discussions.
Even though another driver will have to pay for damages to your rental if they are at fault, you might have to pay out of your own insurance policy if you experience an accident that does not involve any other drivers. In a worst-case scenario, you might find that your primary insurance or rental insurance provider denies your claim or makes a lowball settlement offer.
You might worry that you have to pay for the rental car damages out of your own pocket, but there is legal action you can pursue if the insurance company wrongfully goes against the terms of your policy agreement. Contact our auto accident attorneys for a free case evaluation.