What to do in a rental car accident
If you get into an accident in a rental car, you should first make sure everyone involved in the accident is OK. Then, call 911 if necessary and start documenting the accident, including exchanging information with the other driver. Let your insurer and the rental car agency know you were in an accident immediately. If you bought a loss or collision damage waiver from the rental agency, you won't need to pay for damage to the rental car. If you didn't buy a waiver, you may file a claim under your collision coverage instead.
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What should you do if you get into a car accident with a rental car?
Follow these steps to ensure you've got the details you need to file a claim:
Check for injuries
Whether you're driving your vehicle or a rental car, the first thing you should always do after an accident is make sure that no one is injured. Call 911 if necessary and move to a safe location out of harm's way. Exchange contact information with the other drivers involved, including the policy information found on your proof of insurance.
Document the incident
Take photos of the damage to both vehicles. If there are witnesses, speak with them and record their contact information. Call the police and provide them with the facts of what happened, as you'll need a copy of the accident report for insurance purposes. Take note of the names and badge numbers of any officers present.
Contact your insurance company and the rental car company
Inform them that you've been in an accident. There's typically an emergency number listed in the rental agreement. Policies vary across rental car companies, but most will ask you to complete an accident reporting form.
Important note: If you bought a loss damage waiver from the rental agency, you won't be financially responsible for the damage to the vehicle. If you didn't buy a waiver, you could file a claim under your collision coverage to pay for repairs or replace the rental car. However, if the other driver is deemed at fault for the accident then their liability insurance would pay for the repairs or replacement vehicle instead.
Learn more about the steps to take after a car accident.
Who pays for rental car damage after an accident?
The party that pays for damage to the rental vehicle after an accident will depend on who's at fault. Here are some examples of when your insurance or the other driver's insurance may pay for the damage:
At-fault driver's insurance: If the other driver is at fault, their insurance should cover the cost of your rental car accident through their liability coverage. In this scenario, the rental agency would file a claim with their insurance.
Your car insurance: If you're at fault for the accident, then you could file a claim under your collision coverage to pay for the repairs to the rental car or a replacement vehicle. If you bought a loss or collision damage waiver, then you don't need to file a claim.
Fault dispute: If there is a dispute about who is at fault in the crash, you might need to initially pay for the rental car damage out of pocket or through your insurance and then ask for reimbursement once fault is determined, if applicable.
Learn about the differences between a no-fault or at-fault car accident.
Can an accident in a rental car affect my insurance?
Yes, getting into a rental car accident can affect your insurance. You may also see a rate increase if you use your insurance to cover damage to the vehicle.
Learn more about how getting into an accident could affect your insurance rates.
What if an unauthorized driver causes the rental car accident?
When you rent a vehicle, you must list the number of people who may be driving the car. Each additional driver increases the rental cost, although some rental companies will allow you to add your spouse free of charge. The rental contract is your agreement that only those listed on the forms will drive the vehicle. If an unauthorized person drives the rental car and causes an accident, then you may be responsible for paying for any damage to the vehicle yourself rather than your insurance company or the rental car company (even if you bought a waiver).
What if my rental car needs repairs?
If your rental car needs repairs after an accident, you should contact the rental company first to see if they have preferred towing companies or if they could send a tow truck. If the rental vehicle can still be driven, the company may request that you drive it to the nearest rental agency location.
You typically won't need to wait for repairs to the damaged vehicle. After an accident, the rental car company will likely issue you another vehicle for the term of your contract.
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