Renting a car for business or personal use may mean driving in areas you’re unfamiliar with. The safest drivers may find themselves involved in a car accident under these circumstances.
An accident involving a rental car shouldn’t be treated differently than any other sort of car accident case. It is still necessary to call the police and have them file a police report as well as calling your insurer to report the accident. However, because the vehicle is a rental, additional complications must be dealt with, such as issues with insurance.
This blog post will cover some common legal issues associated with rental car accidents.
Reporting the Accident
Generally, a car accident is reported to the police as well as the insurance company if there are injuries. There are more steps to take if your vehicle has been rented. The rental company will need to get involved and may provide details on how to report the accident or may have had the information in documentation involving the rental. If you are unsure of anything, call the company and speak with a representative. Following the terms of your agreement with the rental company is important after an accident. Failing to do so can result in liability on your part.
Personal Auto Insurance
Your personal auto insurance may in fact cover you in the event of a rental car accident. Before renting a car, you should become familiar with your auto policy so you can correctly determine if it is adequate. Additional coverage may need to be purchased. Some companies may pressure you into buying more coverage before you rent from them. This usually happens when your policy has a high deductible. Ultimately, the choice is yours. The rental company can’t force you to purchase anything so long as you have the required coverage.
Collision Coverage Through the Rental Company
Your own insurance policy most likely provides adequate coverage for a rental car accident, but you should make sure and review the terms. Many rental car companies will offer additional coverage that helps you whether or not the accident was your fault. There may be conditions and fine print, however. There may be a good chance that the coverage offered is either unnecessary or you already have what they’re offering.