Renting a car can be a great way to move around, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the place. However, if you experience an accident in a rental car, you may not be fully covered.
That’s why it’s important to know what happens if you wreck a rental car and what to do. You may worry about the damage cost or whether your insurance will cover it.
Read on to find out your options in case of a wrecked rental car. It’s essential to know your rights before you hit the road. So, stay calm and follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to getting everything sorted out.
What Happens if You Have An Accident in a Rental Car
If you’re involved in an accident with a rental car, you should first pull over to a safe location and call the police. Once the police have arrived and filed a report, you’ll need to contact the rental car company to let them know what happened.
If you don’t have insurance or your coverage is insufficient, you could be liable for damages to the rental car and any third-party property damage or injuries.
Who Is Responsible for a Rental Car in an Accident?
If you have caused an accident in a rental car, you’ll be liable for any damage to the vehicle and other property or injuries.
So, what happens if you damage a rental car and have insurance? In that case, the insurance should cover the damage.
What Happens if You Crash a Rental Car Without Insurance
Having an accident in a rental car is never a fun experience, but it can be additionally stressful if you don’t have insurance. When you rent a car, you are responsible for the damage you cause to the vehicle.
So, what happens if you crash a rental car without having insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, you will be responsible for paying for the repairs out of your pocket. The cost of the rental car damage repairs can quickly add up, and in some cases, it can even exceed the value of the car itself.
In addition, you may also be liable for any damage you cause to other property or people. As a result, it is always best to purchase insurance when renting a car. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at the time, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
What Happens if You Crash a Rental Car With Insurance
Rental car insurance is a type of insurance that covers damage in case of an accident in a rental car. It is usually offered by a rental car company and can be purchased when renting a vehicle. A great company offering this insurance is Allstate.
So, if you worry about how to handle rental car damage, having insurance definitely helps.
If you crash a rental car with insurance, you should first contact your insurance company. Once you’ve done that, the next step is to contact the rental car company and let them know what happened.
It probably has its process for dealing with accidents, so following its instructions is essential.
How to Get a Rental Car From Insurance Claim
If the other driver is at fault, their insurance should cover the damages. To ensure you don’t have to pay anything, follow these steps:
- Call the police and ask them to file a report. Failing to report an accident isn’t a smart choice.
- Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
- Collect proof of how the accident happened by taking pictures of the damage.
- Contact the other driver’s insurance issuer and file a claim.
So, if you are not at fault in an accident with a rental car and do all this, you shouldn’t have to pay anything out of pocket. Don’t let an accident ruin your day—follow these steps, and you should be fine.
What Happens if You Total a Rental Car
If you total a rental car, you’re still responsible for paying the remaining balance on the lease. After learning what happens when you crash a rental car, especially if you total it, we can see why it’s so important to have good insurance coverage.
If you have coverage, your insurance company will reimburse you for the car’s value. However, you’ll be stuck with the bill if you fail to obtain it.
What Happens in Case of a Rental Car Hit and Run
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident while driving a rental car, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, the rental company will probably request proof of insurance from you.
Even though 15,577 car rental businesses exist in the US, each will ask this from you.
If your policy doesn’t cover the hit-and-run rental car, you may be held responsible for paying the rental company’s loss of use expenses—the money it would have earned from renting out the vehicle if it hadn’t been damaged.
Additionally, after an accident with a rental car, the rental company has the right to repair the vehicle as soon as possible. However, in the case of a hit and run, it may be a while before you find a responsible person.
People Also Ask
Who is responsible for a rental car in an accident?
A rental car driver is typically responsible for any damages in an accident. Fortunately, if you have insurance, it should cover the rental car accident damage.
How much does it cost if you damage a rental car?
If you are unfortunate enough to damage a car, it will likely cost you between $500 and $3,000, depending on the damage severity. In addition, you will be liable for the costs if there is evidence that you caused the damage.
Can you refuse to pay for rental car damage?
No, you can’t. When you sign the rental agreement, you agree to pay for any damage to a rental car while in your possession.
How do you dispute a claim for rental car damage?
If you think the company’s damage estimate is significantly higher than you should pay, you can dispute their rental car insurance claims.
First, try to submit your dispute online. If you fail, don’t worry. You can call the rental car company’s customer service line or draft a written letter.
Does an accident in a rental car abroad affect my insurance?
If you want to know what happens if you hit a rental car abroad in terms of insurance, keep in mind that it depends on your insurance policy. Many policies cover a car rental accident, but some exceptions exist.
Does an accident in a rental car affect my insurance?
Yes, an accident in a rental car can affect the insurance. For example, if you are in an accident and wreck a rental car and your insurance company finds out, it may raise your rates or even cancel your policy.