What Happens If I Get in a Car Accident in a Rental Car?

If you get into a car accident in a rental car, report the accident to law enforcement, seek medical attention, and notify the rental car company immediately. These steps are crucial to ensuring the incident is properly documented, and your safety is prioritized. 

Determining who pays for damages can be complicated. Depending on the circumstances, your personal collision coverage, the rental car company’s insurance policy, or the at-fault driver’s insurance may be responsible. Consulting an Atlanta rental car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and protect your legal rights.

Whose Insurance Will Cover a Rental Car Accident?

Your auto insurance, the rental car company’s insurance, or the other driver’s insurance (if they were at fault) may cover a rental car accident. Determining which policy applies depends on the accident’s specifics and available coverage. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and identify the responsible party.

Your Auto Insurance

If you have an auto insurance policy that includes rental car coverage, it can cover damages to the rental vehicle or liability claims. It’s essential to confirm your coverage before renting a car to avoid unexpected costs. If your policy doesn’t include this protection, you’ll need to consider alternative coverage options.

Rental Car Company Insurance

Most rental companies offer insurance options, such as collision damage waivers (CDWs) or loss damage waivers (LDWs), to cover damage to the rental car. These policies may also include liability coverage for third-party claims. If your personal auto policy lacks coverage, purchasing insurance from the rental car company can provide peace of mind.

The Other Driver’s Insurance

If the other driver caused the accident, their auto insurance is generally responsible for covering the damages. This includes repairing the rental car, medical expenses, and other related costs. However, you may need to prove fault through a police report, witness statements, or other evidence. If the at-fault driver’s insurance denies liability or coverage, an attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

The Rental Car Company’s Insurance

If you were in a car accident in a rental car, the insurance coverage you purchased from the rental car company may cover damages and other expenses. Rental agencies typically offer several types of insurance, so understanding the specific coverage you selected is essential. Here are the most common types of insurance offered by rental car companies:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

A collision damage waiver (CDW), also known as a loss damage waiver (LDW), can protect you if the rental car is stolen or damaged in an accident. However, it may exclude damage caused by reckless driving or use by an unauthorized driver. This coverage applies primarily to vehicle repairs and theft but does not cover liability or medical costs.

Personal Accident Insurance

Personal accident insurance covers medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in a rental car accident. This coverage can help pay for treatment and other medical costs, providing additional support if your health insurance or auto policy doesn’t fully cover accident-related injuries.

Supplemental Liability Coverage

Supplemental liability coverage is designed to fill gaps in your existing auto insurance. It can pay for medical expenses or property damage caused by the accident, especially if your personal insurance has low liability limits or doesn’t extend to rental cars.

Personal Effects Coverage

This type of coverage protects your personal belongings inside the rental car. If your items are damaged or stolen during the rental period, personal effects coverage can offer compensation. While it may overlap with renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, it can be valuable if those policies don’t fully apply.

Rental car insurance can cover a variety of accident-related expenses, making it a useful safeguard for many travelers. If you’re unsure about the coverage you purchased or need help navigating a claim, an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can clarify your options and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Credit Card Rental Insurance

If you rented a car through your credit card issuer, your credit card company’s rental insurance may pay for damage to the rental car caused by the incident. That said, credit card insurance rarely includes liability coverage, so you’ll need another form of coverage to cover injuries and losses suffered by other drivers involved in the collision.

What if Another Driver Caused the Crash?

If another driver caused your accident, they are liable for the damages under Georgia Code §51-1-6. Your rental company will likely work with the at-fault party’s insurer to negotiate payment for damages. However, you might receive a charge from the rental company before the case settles.

If the rental company charges you, you’ll need to seek compensation from the driver’s auto insurance. The insurance company should reimburse what the rental company charged you.

If you’re unfamiliar with how insurance companies handle car accident claims, it’s important to consult with an attorney before moving forward with a claim. Insurers often use unfair tactics to avoid liability and offer you as little as possible. An attorney can fight on your behalf to get the coverage you deserve.

Other Rental Accident Costs You Might Face

Even with insurance coverage, rental car companies often try to recover additional costs after an accident. These fees can add up quickly, so it’s essential to be aware of what you might encounter and how to handle them. Common post-accident costs include:

Loss of Vehicle Value

Rental companies may charge for the diminished value of the car following an accident. This represents the decrease in the vehicle’s resale value, even after repairs have been completed.

“Loss of Use” Fees

If the rental car is unavailable for other customers while it’s being repaired, the company may charge a “loss of use” fee. This fee is meant to compensate the rental company for the revenue they lose while the vehicle is out of service.

Claim Processing Fees

Rental companies often charge administrative fees for handling your insurance claim. These fees are meant to cover the paperwork and time involved in processing the accident.

Protecting Yourself From Excessive Costs

If you’re facing unexpected fees after a rental car accident, consult with your lawyer. They can help you determine whether the charges are valid and challenge any unwarranted costs. A lawyer can also negotiate with the rental company or insurance provider to minimize your financial burden.

What Should I Do After an Accident in a Rental Car?

If you’re involved in an auto accident in a rental car, there are key steps you should take right away. Acting quickly will help ensure injured parties receive medical care and that you have the evidence and information needed to secure proper insurance coverage.

Steps to Take After a Rental Car Accident

1. Call Emergency Medical Services: Seek immediate medical attention for yourself or anyone else injured in the accident. Prioritizing safety and health is the most critical first step.
2. Contact the Police: File an official accident report with law enforcement. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and determining fault.
3. Exchange Information with Other Drivers: Gather contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information from everyone involved in the accident.
4. Document the Accident Scene: Take photos of any visible injuries, vehicle damage, license plates, and the overall accident scene. These images can serve as valuable evidence during the claims process.
5. Notify the Rental Car Company: Report the crash to the rental agency immediately. Follow their instructions on how to proceed with the vehicle and ask for details about filing a claim under their policy.
6. Consult a Rental Car Accident Lawyer: Contact a lawyer experienced in handling rental car accidents as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the claims process, understand your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

By following these steps, you can safeguard your health, protect your rights, and streamline the process of handling a rental car accident claim.

Don’t Wait to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Once you’ve sought medical treatment, documented the scene of the crash, and contacted the rental company, you’ll want to reach out to an attorney as soon as you can. According to Georgia Code §9-3-33, you have two years from the date of the collision to file a civil suit.

If you fail to submit your suit within the two-year timeframe, you could be denied the damages you need to move past the incident. Finding a trusted attorney as soon as possible will ensure you have the best chance possible at recovering compensation.

What Happens if You Were Injured in an Accident?

If you were injured in a rental car accident, you may face medical bills, lost wages, and other challenges. Compensation could come from your auto insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance, or even the rental car company if vehicle maintenance issues contributed to the crash.

When another driver is at fault, both you and the rental company can file claims against their insurance. If your injury damages exceed repair costs, taking your claim seriously and consulting a lawyer is essential. An attorney can help determine whether to file a claim with your insurance, pursue the other driver, or hold the rental company accountable for negligence.

A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

No matter the circumstances, a car accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome. They can ensure that neither the rental agency nor the insurance company takes advantage of you, advocating for fair treatment and full compensation.

By using your medical bills and other relevant records, an attorney can build a strong case to secure the money you need to cover treatment expenses and other damages. Since car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, you only pay if you receive compensation. 

Get a Free Consultation With a Rental Car Accident Lawyer Today

At John Foy & Associates, we have extensive experience handling car accident cases, including those involving rental cars. Our rental car accident lawyers can investigate your collision, determine the best path to pursue compensation and advocate for a favorable outcome.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our lawyers. We’ll discuss the details of your accident, answer your questions, and guide you through your options for financial recovery. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.