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

Whether you’re using a rental car for a business trip or a vacation, the last thing you want to deal with is a car accident. If you’ve been in a rental car crash, you’ll want to report the accident to local law enforcement, seek medical treatment, and reach out to an attorney. 

An Atlanta rental car accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates can advise you on what happens if you get in a car accident in a rental car. They’ll determine whether your collision coverage, the rental car company’s insurance policy, or another party’s auto policy should pay for the accident. Let’s discuss dealing with insurance and other matters after a rental crash.

Whose Insurance Will Cover a Rental Car Accident?

As mentioned above, several insurance policies may provide coverage for a rental car accident. A skilled lawyer can assess your situation and determine which of the following policies will pay for the damage done to the rental car:

Your Auto Insurance

Most rental agencies require that you have insurance before you drive one of their vehicles. If you already have coverage through an auto insurance company, you can choose to use your policy. However, your policy must include coverage for rental car accidents for it to cover vehicle repairs. If you don’t have rental coverage, you’ll have to explore other insurance options.

Before renting a car, it’s important to check with your auto insurance if you’re covered in the event of a rental car accident. If you don’t have rental car coverage, it’s smart to purchase some through the rental car agency.

The Rental Car Company’s Insurance

If you were in a car accident in a rental car, the rental car coverage you purchased through the company may cover vehicle repairs. Since rental car agencies offer several different types of insurance, it can be helpful to understand the form of coverage you purchased. Most companies offer the following types of coverage:

• Collision damage waiver: A collision damage waiver (CDW), sometimes referred to as a loss damage waiver (LDW), may protect you if your rental car is stolen or damaged in an accident. That said, a waiver probably won’t cover damage caused by reckless driving or an unauthorized driver.
• Personal accident insurance: Personal accident insurance pays for medical treatment in the event of a rental car accident injury. If you or any of your passengers were hurt in the rental car crash, this type of coverage can provide compensation to cover your medical expenses. 
• Supplemental liability coverage: This type of coverage can help supplement any existing auto insurance coverage you have. It can help pay for any medical costs or property damage expenses resulting from the rental car accident. 
• Personal effects coverage: While personal effects coverage may overlap your own renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, it can be helpful in some situations. If your property in the rental car was damaged or lost, this form of coverage can offer compensation.

As you can see, the insurance provided to you in the rental agreement can cover a number of different accident-related costs. An attorney can ensure you understand your rental car insurance and help you get the most out of a claim.

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.

Another Driver

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 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

While the forms of insurance mentioned above can offer a substantial amount of coverage after a rental car accident, it’s important to keep in mind that rental companies will always look for ways to recover additional costs. 

After an accident, you might face fees for:

• Loss of vehicle value
• “Loss of use” while the vehicle is under repair
• Processing fees for your claim

If you are concerned about additional costs, talk to your lawyer. They can let you know which charges are acceptable and which are unwarranted. 

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

If you were in an auto accident in a rental car, there are several steps you’ll want to take immediately after the collision. 

Taking the following actions after a rental car accident will help injured parties get medical care and ensure you get the insurance coverage you need to pay for damages:

• Contact emergency medical services for yourself or those in need of immediate medical attention
• Call the police to file an accident report
• Exchange contact information and insurance details with other drivers
• Take photos of visible injuries, vehicle damage, license plates, and the whole accident scene
• Contact the rental agency to report the crash, find out what to do with the car, and gather information on how to file a claim
• Call a rental car accident lawyer and get started on your claim ASAP

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?

Unfortunately, the damage done to a rental vehicle is often only part of your concern after an accident. In addition to vehicle repair costs, you may also face physical injuries, medical bills, and other challenges. If that’s the case, you’ll have to pursue compensation from your personal auto insurance or the at-fault driver’s.

If another driver was responsible for your accident, both you and the rental company may make claims against the liable party. Since injury damages often exceed vehicle repair or replacement costs, it’s important that you take your injury claim seriously and hire a lawyer.

An attorney can determine if you should file a claim with your auto policy, seek damages from the other driver’s insurance, or even pursue compensation from the rental car company. If the crash resulted from any failures in the vehicle you rented, the rental company may be held liable for not properly maintaining the rental car.

A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

No matter the situation, a car accident lawyer can help protect you and ensure you walk away with the best possible outcome. An attorney can ensure you are not taken advantage of by the rental agency or insurance company. Your attorney can also use your medical bills and other relevant records to ensure you get the money you need to cover treatment expenses.

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 feel confident your experienced car accident attorney will do everything in their power to secure you the highest possible payout.

Get a Free Consultation With a Rental Car Accident Lawyer Today

At John Foy & Associates, we have years of experience handling car accident cases, including those involving rental cars. A rental car accident lawyer from our team can investigate your collision, determine how you should pursue compensation, and fight for a favorable outcome.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled lawyer. They’ll meet with you to discuss your accident, answer any questions you have, and help you explore your options for financial recovery.