When you’re on vacation, enjoying a cruise around town in your rental car and exploring the sights, the last thing you’ll think about is getting in a car wreck. But that’s why you need to be extra aware of the possibility of getting in an accident in a rental car. Knowing what to do after a crash in a car that’s not your own isn’t always clear. If you’ve been involved in a rental car accident, do you follow the same steps you should take after an accident in your own vehicle? Or do you need to follow an entirely different set of rules?
Generally speaking, you can do what you would do if you were in an accident in your car. Start by calling emergency services, check yourself for injuries, and then report the accident. As we said, the process is similar, but you should still speak with an experienced attorney to be safe. This way, you can rest assured that you did what you were supposed to when in an accident with a rental car.
A personal injury attorney from Montlick can work with you to explain what happens if you crash a rental car from Enterprise or a similar business and how the extra layer of insurance may affect your case. They’ll do their best to ensure you understand everything you need to know to preserve your rights if the worst happens. To prepare for the worst-case scenario, let’s discuss what happens if you damage a rental car further.
What to Do Immediately Following a Rental Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a rental car accident, you’re most likely going to be dealing with shock. It’s hard to imagine what is happening inside your head immediately following an accident. Even so, there are multiple steps you should follow to ensure the situation is handled correctly and safely. Review the following steps to learn what you should do after a not-at-fault accident in a rental car.
Verify Everyone is Safe and Call 911
The very first thing you should do is check that everyone in the vehicle is okay. After that, check your surrounding area for other cars or pedestrians that may have been involved, then call emergency services. Remove yourself from the immediate crash site and relocate to a safe distance away. If you can still drive the rental car after the accident, move it to the side of the road and turn on your hazards. Switch off your engine and, if necessary, use emergency road flares to alert passersby of the situation. Call first responders after moving away from the wreck; in most states, you must call the police after any vehicle accident. Remember that your safety and the safety of all passengers is the top priority.
Exchange Information
Ensure that you exchange contact information with the other involved parties. Information should include full names, addresses, insurance companies, phone numbers, email addresses, and vehicle information. Try to get a picture of the other driver’s auto insurance card. While the responding officers will write down the other driver’s name, they won’t include the insurance limits, which may be printed on the card. Be sure to take pictures of the front and back. This may help speed up the process of setting up a claim.
When recovering this information, don’t talk about much else. Interacting with other parties can be harmful if you say something that could be misconstrued later. Be polite, but avoid apologizing or taking on any sort of blame. If you want to check on them, simply ask if they are alright. Approach the other parties cautiously, as they could be angry if not combative. In this instance, waiting for responding officers to arrive while remaining in a safe place is better. Don’t forget also to get the contact information of potential witnesses.
Document the Scene
Document the scene while waiting for your turn with first responders or after. Take multiple photographs of your injuries, all involved vehicles, the road, and other information that may be important. We recommend taking notes (to the best of your ability) on your phone about the scene, such as:
- Every car involved (Year, make, model, color)
- Standout details of vehicles
- The exact location of the collision (Street names and which lane the crash happened in)
- How the accident occurred
Montlick recommends getting responding officers’ identification information, such as their name and badge number, to further protect yourself after an accident. Once they’ve finished their accident report, you can request a copy here. Most of the time, however, the police should give you a card with your report number and their badge number.
Seek Medical Attention
After documenting the scene and securing your belongings, seeking medical attention is crucial. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show immediate symptoms so be on the look-out. Your health is our top priority, and seeking medical attention ensures your well-being and documents any potential injuries. Medical records are vital in establishing the validity of your claim.
Contact the Rental and Insurance Companies
Following your trip to the doctor, you should contact the rental company to discuss the accident in the rental car after speaking with a licensed attorney about your potential case and receiving guidance first. Call the emergency contact number for the rental agency you were given when you picked up the car and tell them you were involved in a rental car accident.
Next, you’ll need to call your car insurance provider. An agent will tell you what they need to process your claim and explain what to expect. They will likely assign your case to an insurance adjuster. Their job is to inspect your (rental) vehicle for damage and aid in the investigation to determine fault.
Insurance Coverage
There are multiple kinds of car insurance. For instance, you may have full coverage, which generally means you carry liability and underinsured motorist coverage,, but the at-fault party may only have minimum liability coverage or no coverage at all. You have to understand your coverage to better prepare for handling possible outcomes. An attorney from Montlick can help to explain your insurance situation so that you’re ready for what happens if you crash a rental car.
What to Expect
Generally speaking, you’ll probably need to show proof of insurance to a rental agency before you leave the lot with one of their vehicles or else you will be forced to purchase coverage. This could be insurance you already have or whatever policy they offer on-site for renters. To be safe, get familiar with the types of coverage before renting a vehicle.
- Collision damage waiver – This may apply to a rental car that could be lost, stolen, or damaged (in an accident).
- Medical payment coverage – Covers medical treatment for passengers involved in a rental car accident.
- Supplemental liability coverage– Acts as an addition to your existing insurance coverage. It may pay for medical or property damage related to the rental car accident.
Determining Who Pays What
So, what happens if you wreck a rental car? If you have insurance to cover the loss, your insurance should take care of the nitty-gritty details and pay for damages you caused if the crash was your fault. If the crash was not your fault, the rental car company will likely pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance for reimbursement for any rental car damages. Here’s what you can expect from each involved party.
The Car Rental Company
Car rental companies offer two main types of insurance: primary and secondary coverage. Primary coverage starts the day you file a claim. It usually includes the cost of your car and the other involved vehicle. Secondary coverage is meant to be an extension of your insurance, covering whatever fees your primary policy doesn’t include, like a deductible reimbursement.
The At-Fault Driver
If someone else caused your rental car accident, they are responsible for paying damages under Georgia Code §51-1-6, however, rules differ state to state. When this happens, the rental company will contact the at-fault party’s insurance company to pursue payments. While the case progresses, you may still get charges from the rental company. If this happens, you’ll also need to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurer, who should reimburse you.
Several insurance policies may provide coverage for a rental car accident. To determine what the case is with your rental car accident when you’re not at fault, contact Montlick. One of our skilled lawyers will examine your case to determine which policy applies to you.
Montlick Injury Attorneys. The Firm That Gets You Paid—Big Time
If you’ve never been in a car accident before, you’re likely unfamiliar with how insurance companies handle claims and the lengths they’ll go to to minimize their payout. Insurers have been known to use unfair tactics that make victims feel powerless. They’re bullies, and we don’t like bullies. At Montlick, we fight tooth and nail for our client’s rights to compensation. Over the last 40 years, we’ve built an unshakeable reputation founded on that principle.
Dealing with what happens if you damage a rental car isn’t something you should do alone. It’s a confusing time, and companies will try to take advantage of you. Montlick will stop them in their tracks.
For assistance handling your rental car accident case, call Montlick Injury Attorneys. A robot will never answer your call; it will always be answered by a real, compassionate person ready to help however they can.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car?
There is no one answer to the question, “How long will insurance pay for a rental car after an accident.” Insurance will cover the cost of a rental car depending on factors such as your policy limit, vehicle repair times, and who’s at fault. Always check your policy to see what your limit of coverage is so that you are aware.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Rental Car After an Accident?
This depends on your insurance coverage, the insurer’s process, and the rental company’s process. Most insurance companies will investigate the accident before paying for a rental. The general rule of thumb is to give up to 7-10 days to receive a rental car after an accident. This could be longer or shorter depending on the facts of your specific potential case.
What Happens if You Damage a Rental Car From Enterprise?
What happens if you damage a rental car from Enterprise should be clearly explained to you upon picking up the vehicle. If you damage one of their vehicles, you could be expected to pay for their repairs. Prices will vary depending on your insurance. You will likely need to go through Enterprise’s car rental accident claims department, which could be a lengthy process.
