Frasca Lawyer

The Right Response at the Right Time

nc efi placeholder

After an Accident, Who Pays for a Rental Car?

A road trip of a lifetime awaits you and your companions, as you speed down the interstate with anticipation, eager to see America the way it was meant to be seen – from the open road. Even better, you’ve rented a fantastic vehicle and prepared a road trip playlist featuring all of your favorite songs.

A few high-fives and a few starts later, you’re on the road. The last thing you want to think about when you’re in a car accident is whether or not you declined the rental car company’s offer of insurance.

Aside from everything else, who pays for a rental automobile after an accident may be the most pressing concern on your mind. Which driver is at fault and how much rental coverage does the driver’s insurance company provide will determine the outcome.

Taking the First Steps Following an Incident

There aren’t many significant differences between a car accident in a rental car and one in your own vehicle. First things first: make sure everyone is okay at the scene of the accident, exchange phone numbers and dial 911 if necessary. In the event of an accident, don’t hesitate to contact your car rental company. Do not hesitate to inquire about the best course of action, even if the damages are minor.

Do You Know Who is to Blame for the Crash?

3CAsATH

When determining who is responsible for the cost of a rental car following an accident, the most critical question to ask is who was at fault. Rental car repair costs are covered if the other driver’s insurance company is at fault. It is ideal if another driver is at fault for the collision and has insurance.

Liability insurance is required in almost every state to cover the cost of repairing or replacing another vehicle, such as a rented automobile. If the other motorist does not have insurance, the matter gets even more complicated and you most likely need the services of a car accident lawyer in Gadsden AL. If your own insurance doesn’t cover it, you may have to pay for it yourself. As a result, if the other driver was uninsured at the time of the accident, you may be unable to collect damages against them if they lack any assets to begin with.

The rental automobile and the other driver’s vehicle will be damaged if you are to blame for the accident. Assuming you have adequate coverage, your auto insurance will (ideally) kick in at this point.

Coverage for uninsured motorists

If the other driver is at fault but does not have insurance, you must file a claim for uninsured motorist compensation with your own insurance company. According to the Insurance Research Council, the nationwide percentage of uninsured motorists decreased from 13.8% in 2009 to 12.6% in 2012.

What About Insurance for a Rental Car?

“Which insurance coverage do you prefer?” rental vehicle agents question drivers on a daily basis. If you are unsure of what your current insurance covers or if it includes significant limitations like long-term rentals or commercial use if it is rented under the name of your firm, it may be worth reconsidering your current policy.

Rental car businesses provide a variety of insurance options, such as collision damage waivers, liability waivers, and personal accident waivers. Although you’ll have to pay for this coverage up front, it’ll come in handy if your own insurance doesn’t cover damage or if the other motorist isn’t covered at all.

Even so, it’s possible that your credit card company will cover the cost of a rental car insurance coverage for you. However, each policy is unique, so be sure to check with your provider to see whether this is the case. In the event that you’re unsure about the extent of your insurance coverage, whether it comes from your own policy, a credit card company, or the rental company itself, you should consult with an attorney.