Regardless of how much of a safe driver you are, car accidents can happen to anyone. Having an accident in a rental car adds more stress to an already difficult situation. The following information can help guide you if you’ve been involved in an accident while driving a rental car.
What Should You Do First After a Rental Car Accident?
Your first priority is to provide medical care to those in need. First, check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If anyone needs medical attention, dial 911. If your vehicle is still drivable and you are not in the way of traffic, pull over to the side of the road.
Documenting the Scene and Exchanging Information
Collecting important information can help determine who was at fault for the accident. Make sure to take plenty of photos and videos of the vehicles and the crash scene.
Get the names of the other drivers and include their contact information, license plates, driver’s license numbers and insurance details. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their names and phone numbers too.
Contact Law Enforcement
Next, call the police and file an official report. A police report is vital when dealing with the rental agency and insurance companies later on down the line. Remember to write down the responding officers’ names and badge numbers. Ask them what you need to do to obtain a copy of the accident report.
Call Your Rental Car Company
Contact your car rental agency as soon as possible. Most agencies include a 24/7 roadside assistance or accident hotline number located on the rental agreement. All companies have their own protocol for filing an accident or incident report. Find out what their steps are and how to get a replacement vehicle if yours is no longer drivable.
Notify Your Insurance & Credit Card Providers
Call your auto insurance provider or the company responsible for handling your credit card’s collision damage waiver so you can report the claim. Give them all the information you gathered at the scene of the accident, as well as the information provided to you by the rental company.
How Is an Accident With a Rental Car Covered?
The exact way a rental car accident is handled depends on a few factors, including who was at fault and what types of coverage are in play. Every situation is unique. However, understanding the different types of coverage can prepare you for what to expect.
If the Other Driver Caused the Accident
If the other driver was at fault, their own insurance company is usually responsible for paying for the damages to the rental car (along with any other covered losses). However, it may take weeks for an insurance company to investigate the accident, review the police reports and then determine who was at fault.
During this time period, your rental car company will still expect you to report the accident and also follow all instructions as outlined in your rental agreement. In some situations, your insurance company or the rental company’s insurer may cover the cost of damages upfront and then request reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company later on.
If You Were at Fault
If you caused the accident, then your own auto insurance may help cover the damages as long as your policy includes collision coverage. Many policies extend this coverage to rental cars. However, not all do. It’s always a good idea to review your personal policy before renting a car.
Even if your insurance covers the repairs, you will still need to pay the deductible. Depending on your policy, your insurance may also help cover any damages done to the other vehicles if you are at fault.
What Happens if You Bought Coverage From the Car Rental Company?
When you rent a car, you’re usually offered a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). These are agreements that state that the rental car company won’t hold you responsible for certain types of damage done to the vehicle.
Although these types of coverage can buy you some peace of mind, it’s not unlimited. There are often exclusions. For example, this coverage may not apply if someone who wasn’t listed on the rental agreement was driving the car or if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Can Your Credit Card Help You?
Some credit card companies include rental car protection as one of their travel perks. If you’ve paid for the rental car with an eligible credit card, it might help cover the cost of repairs.
However, keep in mind that credit card coverage varies significantly. Some companies may only provide secondary coverage. This means that they will cover whatever is left over after your personal auto insurance covers the cost first. Make sure you understand exactly what your card covers before relying on it.
Mistakes To Avoid After Having an Accident in a Rental Car
It’s easy to overlook something important or make a decision you’ll regret later during the aftermath of an accident. By avoiding the following mistakes, you’ll make the entire process run much more smoothly and potentially avoid unnecessary costs.
Waiting Too Long To Call Your Rental Company
Waiting too long to contact your rental company is a common, and potentially costly, mistake. Some people think that they can deal with the rental company after the insurance claim has started or after they’ve gotten to their destination. However, that’s not a good idea. Most companies expect drivers to report an accident as soon as possible, even if there’s only minor damage. By quickly calling the company, they can explain what you need to do next so you can stay in compliance with your rental agreement.
Leaving Without Gathering Essential Information
After an accident, it’s tempting to just exchange your insurance information with the other driver and move on. However, taking just a few extra minutes to gather more details can save you a world of headaches later on. Make sure you not only get the other driver’s contact information, but also their insurance details, license plate and driver’s license number.
Saying That the Accident Was Your Fault
Many people instinctively apologize after an accident happens. However, by saying you’re sorry, you’re essentially admitting fault. Accidents are very disorienting. In that moment, you can’t know if the other driver was under the influence, texting, speeding or had a broken taillight. Insurance companies will try to look for any reason to deny, reduce or shift the financial burden onto the other side, and they will use your words against you, even if you were only partially at fault.
Failing To Contact Your Insurance Company
Even if you bought protection from a rental company, never assume that’s the only call you need to make. Your personal auto insurance might also provide some coverage. By giving them a call, they can also explain your options and help you navigate the claims process. By reporting the accident as soon as possible, you can also avoid unnecessary delays.
Continuing To Drive a Badly Damaged Rental Car
Continuing to drive a badly damaged rental car can be a major mistake. It can void your rental agreement, jeopardize your insurance coverage and expose you to high out-of-pocket costs. Rental car agreements explicitly state that you must immediately stop driving and report any accidents when they happen. If you continue driving the car and make the damage worse, you may be held personally responsible for the full cost of replacing it. Instead, you should contact the rental company and follow their directions. They may have you exchange it for another rental.
Losing or Throwing Away Important Paperwork
As your accident claim moves forward, you’re going to receive receipts, emails, repair estimates and other important documents. Be sure to keep all of them in one place until your claim is completely resolved. By keeping your records organized, it will be much easier if any questions come up later on or if you need to verify any expenses.
How To Protect Yourself in a Rental Car Accident
When dealing with a rental car company after an accident, it’s important to remember that their main concern is recovering their costs. It’s not unheard of for a company to try to hold you responsible for damages, even when you weren’t at fault.
Remember, you should never sign a document without legal review and keep detailed records of all communications that you have with the company. Demand a written explanation for any charges and don’t pay charges that you believe are unfair.
A minor rental car accident can be handled without getting a car accident attorney involved. However, there are certain cases in which the expertise of a professional car rental accident attorney is necessary. These can include situations when multiple insurance companies are denying coverage, the at-fault driver is uninsured or you sustained serious injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment. By obtaining legal representation, your lawyer can help you sort through the complex legal process and ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rental Car Accidents
What steps should I take immediately after an accident in a rental car?
After an accident, make sure everyone is safe, call 911 if necessary and exchange information with the other driver. As soon as you can, notify your insurance provider and the rental car company so they can guide you on the next steps to take.
Should I purchase insurance from the rental car agency?
It depends. If your insurance policy (or credit card) doesn’t offer enough coverage, you may want to purchase additional insurance from the agency. It can help protect you from out-of-pocket expenses for damages.
Does my own auto insurance policy cover an accident in a rental car?
In many cases, yes. However, it depends on your policy. Call your insurance company to find out what coverage applies to you.
Who pays for the damages if I have an accident while driving a rental car?
It depends on the coverage you have. If you purchased coverage through the rental company, it may cover the damages, or your personal insurance policy may apply.
Can the rental company charge me for damages if I have insurance?
Yes, they can. However, if you have adequate coverage through your insurance policy, you may submit a claim for reimbursement.
What happens if I wasn’t at fault for the accident?
If it wasn’t your fault, then the other driver’s liability insurance should cover the damages.
Am I required to file a police report after I’ve had an accident in a rental car?
Yes, filing a police report is usually required. Not only does it help document the details of the accident, but an official report is necessary for processing claims.
What if I didn’t purchase insurance from the rental company?
Your personal auto insurance policy may still cover the accident. Be sure to check with your provider first to understand the extent of coverage.
Am I still able to drive the rental car after an accident?
It depends. You must call the car rental company first. They will let you know whether it’s safe to drive. You may need to exchange the vehicle for a replacement.
How can I avoid unexpected costs after an accident in a rental car?
Always read the terms of your car rental company agreement to learn specific details about liability and coverage. It’s also important that you fully understand your insurance policy and the car rental insurance policy. Also, be sure to always follow the agency’s accident reporting process carefully.