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

While many people know what to do after a car accident, it can be unclear what steps to take when dealing with the complexities of a rental vehicle accident. One of the most confusing aspects of rental car accidents is who will pay for the damages. Carry on reading to learn more about what happens if you get in a rental car accident. 

Determining Liability of the Accident 

When another driver is responsible for causing the crash, their insurance company will compensate you for the losses, including repair or replacement costs of the rental vehicle and bodily injuries. If the other driver is underinsured or uninsured, either your insurance coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or rental car insurance, covers the damages. On the other hand, if you were responsible for causing the crash and the damages to the other party involved, your personal or rental car insurance would kick in to reimburse the damages. This includes paying fees for the towing of the rental car, costs of injuries, and other expenses. 

Does Personal Car Insurance Cover Rental Car Accidents? 

Most personal car insurance policies cover damage to rental cars with the same deductibles and policy limits. The types of insurance that can cover rental vehicles include: 

  • PIP Insurance: PIP insurance coverage, also known as personal injury protection, can reimburse the medical expenses following injuries sustained by you and any passengers in the rental vehicle. Most states require drivers to carry a minimum level of PIP insurance. 
  • Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage pays for the replacement or repair of the rental vehicle after a theft, car accident, flood damage, severe weather damage, falling objects, and additional types of incidents. 
  • Liability Coverage: This type of insurance pays for the injuries and damages you cause to the other party in a rental car accident. 

You might also be able to use insurance coverage from some of your other insurance policies, such as your travel insurance, health insurance, home insurance, or umbrella insurance. 

What is Rental Car Insurance? 

When a person rents a vehicle, the rental car company typically tries to sell them additional insurance to protect them in case of an accident. It can be worth revisiting the insurance coverage the rental car company offers if you do not have personal car insurance or any other coverage options that can compensate you for the damages resulting from a car accident. 

Some common types of insurance offered by the rental car company include collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance, supplemental liability coverage, personal effects coverage for stolen rental property, and roadside assistance. 

Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer 

To protect yourself financially in a rental car accident, you should have an experienced car accident lawyer review your insurance policies to guide you on the best course of action. Navigating the insurance claim process can be difficult, so you need a lawyer to manage your case. They can handle negotiations with the insurance company, paperwork, gathering evidence, and other aspects of your case. They can also help you decide whether to settle or take the case to trial. You can find more information here about what to expect after a rental car accident.

David Smith
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David Smith

David Smith is Chicago based automotive content writer. He has been working in the auto industry for a long time. And shares his thoughts on automobiles, repair and maintenance, top selling cars on Auto Seeks. David Smith likes to ride new vehicles so that he can present a well informative information to our readers. Beyond cars and vehicle review he also enjoys playing baseball along with teengers.

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