If you have a rental car, it probably means you are traveling for business or pleasure. Either way, the last thing you want to deal with is a car accident. Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen in a rental car. If you’ve been in an accident, here’s what to expect.
You may be worried about paying rental damages after an accident. Most of the time, that will depend on the type of insurance you have. You will also need to determine who was at fault for the accident.
Reading: What happens if you crash a rental car with insurance
what are my insurance coverage options if i crash a rental car?
When you rent a car, you are responsible for any damage to or loss of the vehicle. even if someone else causes the damage, you are personally liable during the rental period. however, any insurance coverage you have may help pay for damages.
These are the insurance options you have when renting a car.
your own auto insurance
Most car rental companies require you to have insurance. If you already have car insurance, you can choose to use your own coverage. most personal policies have coverage similar to the rental company’s insurance.
Before renting a car, check with your auto insurance. make sure it covers rental car accidents. if not, it’s smart to purchase additional coverage through the rental company.
insurance from the car rental company
The car rental company probably offered additional coverage when you booked your rental. while coverage is optional, it may provide additional coverage during an accident.
Here are four types of insurance offered by most car rental companies.
1. loss damage waiver (ldw)
ldw protects you if your car is stolen or damaged. the car rental company will cover the costs of repair or replacement. ldw generally does not cover damage resulting from reckless driving or an unauthorized driver.
2. personal accident insurance
personal accident insurance pays for injuries to the driver or passengers during an accident.
3. additional liability coverage
The rental company’s liability coverage would pay for medical costs and property damage if another driver caused your accident. This coverage can help supplement existing auto insurance coverage.
4. personal effects coverage
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This coverage is for damaged or lost personal property that you had in the rental car. Most of the time, you can get this coverage from your renters or homeowners insurance.
rental insurance with credit card
Credit cards often offer auto rental insurance. If you use a credit card to rent a car, you may have this coverage. the credit card company could pay for any damage to the rental car while you have it.
However, credit card insurance rarely includes liability coverage. you’ll want to make sure you have this through auto or rental car insurance.
Who is responsible for the damages in my rental car accident?
If you caused an accident while driving your rental car, you are legally responsible. if you have insurance, your insurer should cover the damage. That’s why it’s so important to know your coverage options.
Unless you have broken your rental agreement, rental insurance should cover damage from the accident. however, lack of coverage in one area could hold you responsible. If you don’t have rental car insurance, your car insurance should cover the costs.
when another driver is at fault
If another driver caused your accident, he is liable for damages (Georgia Code §51-1-6). your rental company will work with the other driver’s insurer. however, he may be charged by the rental company before the case is resolved.
If you are charged by the rental company, you will need to apply to the driver’s car insurance for compensation. the insurance company must reimburse you for what the rental company charged you.
Of course, insurance companies rarely fight fairly. the insurer might try to avoid liability. It’s best to hire a rental car accident attorney to help you from the start.
other rental accident costs you could face
Please note that rental companies will look for ways to recoup their costs. After an accident, you may have to pay charges for:
- loss in value of the vehicle
- “loss of use” while the vehicle is under repair
- fees for processing your claim
- make sure everyone involved in the crash is safe. if necessary, call 911 for an ambulance.
- call the police to report the accident. officers must create an accident report, which you will need for your records.
- exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
- take pictures. photograph visible injuries, vehicle damage, and the entire accident scene.
- call the car rental company. be sure to report the accident to the rental company. the company should advise you on what to do with the car. the representative should also tell you how to file a claim.
- call a rental car accident attorney. your attorney will help you with the next steps. they will make sure you start a claim before it’s too late. if you wait too long, it will hurt your chances of compensation.
If you’re concerned about additional costs, talk to your attorney. they can let you know what is acceptable. If you didn’t cause the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for damages.
john foy & associates can help you after a rental car accident. We have helped countless injury victims win what they deserve. we’ll answer your questions and let you know your options.
What should I do after an accident in a rental car?
After a rental car accident, gather as much information as you can. document the scene to preserve any evidence. Also, contact a personal injury attorney if you were not at fault.
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Here are some actions that will protect your rights after the accident:
After a car accident, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit (Georgia Code §9-3-33). protect your rights starting today.
for a free legal consultation, call 404-400-4000
what happens if you are injured in an accident?
Unfortunately, damage to a rental vehicle is often only part of your concern after an accident. In addition to damage to the rental car, you may also face damage to your person. If you were injured in an accident while driving a rental car, you may be seeking financial compensation from the responsible party.
If another driver was responsible for your accident, both you and the rental company can file claims against the responsible party. injury damages often far outweigh the costs of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle.
You may also be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries through your personal insurance or insurance purchased from the rental agency.
In certain situations, you may even be able to file a lawsuit against the rental agency. If the accident was due to faults in the vehicle you rented, the rental company may be liable for not properly maintaining the rental car.
a car accident attorney can help
No matter the situation, a car accident attorney can help protect you and ensure you walk away with the best possible outcome. An experienced attorney can help ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the rental agency or any insurance company involved. Your attorney can also help you get the compensation you need if you’ve been injured.
Car accident attorneys generally work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation. Under this payment structure, you can rest assured that your attorney will do everything in their power to secure you the highest payment possible.
Your car accident attorney can make sure the relevant deadlines are met. They will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to prove the liability of the responsible parties and build a strong case for you.
Get a free consultation with a rental car accident attorney today
in john foy & associates, we can help you after a rental car accident that you did not cause. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win cases. furthermore, we do not charge you unless we secure compensation for you. Contact us by phone or online today to schedule an appointment for a free, risk-free consultation.
call or text 404-400-4000 or fill out a free case evaluation form
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