For several reasons, people hire cars: they lack a car and need to travel, or they possess a car and need to travel but do not want to put extra miles on it. Many people use car rentals while their own vehicle is being repaired. Whatever the reason, renting a car is just as likely to cause an accident as driving your own. You are more likely to be involved in an accident if you are unfamiliar with the vehicle’s size and controls. Unfortunately, sorting out insurance and liability in a rental car accident is more challenging than in a car accident.
After a Crash in a Rental Car, Follow These 5 Steps
The first steps to take following an automobile accident in a rental car are the same as they would be in any other type of accident, with one exception:
-Police and medical staff will be dispatched to the location if you dial 911.
-With the other driver, exchange information.
-Take photos of the car damage as well as any injuries.
-Contact your insurance company.
-Make a phone call to your automobile rental provider.
What kind of insurance do I have?
If you rent a car, you probably don’t have insurance because you don’t own one. If so, you would have required purchasing insurance from the rental car company. You may normally choose from four types of coverage:
-Collision Damage Coverage — Protects the rental car, but not the other vehicle in the event of a collision.
-If the renter is at fault, liability coverage pays for the other driver’s losses
-Personal Accident Insurance — Pays for the renter’s medical bills in the event of an accident.
-Personal Effects Coverage — Provides coverage for the renter’s personal belongings that are destroyed or stolen from the rental vehicle.
Instead of obtaining insurance from the rental business, if you own a car, you can use your own insurances to cover the rental automobile. Verify your insurance coverage for rental automobiles ahead of time. If you pay for your rental using a credit card, you may be able to get rental car insurance. But not all credit card companies do. This type of insurance does not cover physical injuries.
Even if you are not at fault, you are liable in a rental car.
Unfortunately, when you hire an automobile, you accept to be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Even if the other driver was totally at fault, you are accountable for the rental car damage. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should reimburse you, but the rental car company will come to you first. Expect to pay the rental car company your deductible. You should also be aware that the rental car company may charge you “loss of use” fees for not being able to rent the vehicle while it is being repaired.
Can I sue a rental car company if a rental car driver hits me?
Despair not, federal law safeguards rental car corporations from liability in accidents caused by those who use their vehicles. You’ll need to sue the rental car driver for your injuries. This law is only waived if you can establish the rental car business has been negligent in permitting an auto to be leased. For example, if they knew the car was recalled and hence unsafe to drive, or rented to someone they knew was intoxicated.