A Breakdown in a leased car can be the worst nightmare. And it can awfully distract you from the purpose you are heading to. However, Car Rental agencies generally keep their collection of cars in a functional and safe condition, but still, the situation of Car Breakdown can be created even if the car has a minor issue. 

Thus if you are someone who frequently rents cars for corporate or traveling purposes, you should know how to deal with a "rental car breakdown." Proper knowledge of rental car breakdowns and their norms can help you make an informed decision on time and escape this awful situation. Let's dig in to learn all about the concept. 

What To Do If Your Rental Car Breaks Down?

We all know that situation of Car Breakdown can be pretty bad. But one can easily escape this awful situation if one knows what to do next. Let's get into the steps that one should follow if their rental car breakdowns in the middle of nowhere.

Get Out Of Busy Road

The first thing you can do after the Car Breakdown is to get aside from the busy road. If there is any parking lot near you, drag your car into it, or if not, pull the car as far as you can. Also, you can leave the car's front wheels pointing off from the road. This way, your car will not bounce out into traffic if other runs into it. 

During the Car breakdown, get everyone out of the car and alert others by turning on hazard lights. Also, pull on a reflective jacket if you have any. Place the triangle-shaped warning signage about 50 meters behind the car. And if your car is on the motorway's hard shoulder, don't put the warning sign as it's too risky. If you think that getting out of the car is dangerous, then just keep your seatbelts on, turn on the hazard light, and immediately contact the police. 

Dial Emergency

If you are in the mid of the journey and your rental car gets involved in an accident or breaks down at night, you can consider dialing "911" for emergency service. Also, you can call roadside assistance of your insurance company depending on the severity of the issue. 

Vehicle Inspection

As you have dragged your car to a safer area now, you can inspect the car by yourself to figure out what issue cause the breakdown. And if you detect that the failure is mechanical, call the rental agency and inform them about the situation. Also, tell them you are not the one at fault and thus not liable to pay for the repair. If the faults and damages in the car are visible, click its pictures and send them to the agency. And if you know that you are responsible for the Car Breakdown, unfortunately, you have to pay for the damages. 

Go Through The Rental Agreement

To get a clear picture, you should read through the rental agreement that you signed before renting the car. This agreement consists of clauses that describe under what conditions you will be responsible for the car breakdown. Also, it states the process to follow if you require to pay for repairs.

Generally, if you are not directly at fault, you don't have to pay. But it's better to review this agreement before signage as it can help you with information about such circumstances. Big rental companies might be trustable and ethical. But the smaller agencies may sneak in clauses and give you full responsibility for all damages.

Contact Rental Agency For Help

Once you review the rental agreement, contact the company and explain your situation. Because generally, the responsibility of towing down the broken car and providing its replacement lies with the Rental company. So if any time your car faces a breakdown, you will still have another car to drive. Although, some rental companies might argue over this policy. Also, it's very important to contact the agency within the time mentioned in the agreement. Otherwise, it will put you at risk of paying significant charges.  

Keep A Record Of Repair Receipts

The Rental Car Agency might ask you to reimburse for towing service and related repairs as per the contract. And they reimburse you the amount later when you return that car. So it's important to keep a tab of every penny you spend on its repair to get reimbursement from the company accordingly. 

Who Pays For Rental Car Repairs After Car Breakdown?

Cars in rental agencies indeed undergo a full technical inspection. But sometimes, these rental cars still break down on the way. That is why the very minimum count of rental car agencies offers rental car costs with breakdown assistance. Thus, when the rental car experience breakdown, its cost reimbursement is decided after evaluating whose actions are responsible for the situation. Either one or both parties, the renter or the rental company, pay for the rental car repair once the liable party is detected.  

If The Blame Is On You

If, during the technical diagnostics, it has been found that the car malfunctioned because of its improper operation, then the blame is on the renter. The rental agencies mostly deduct the repair amount from the renter's deposit after the car breakdown. However, by purchasing insurance coverage for mechanical breakdown rental, you can eliminate extra payments.

If The Breakdown Is The Fault Of the Car Rental Company 

If, in your route, you observe even a little sign of malfunction in your rental car, like lower controllability and uncharacteristic sounds. First, you should inform your Car Rental Company and ask them to send their technical team to repair or provide another car. You won't be charged if you have bought a mechanical breakdown. Also, if you have purchased a full package of rental car coverage insurance, the mechanical breakdown is included in it. 

Furthermore, keep in mind that till the time the technical team of your agency visits the site, don't try to fix faults on your own. Because if you do so, the company might turn the blame on you.    

What Is The Rental Car Breakdown Insurance Coverage?

Whether it's your own car or a rental one, no one can fully rely on it as it is a complex of interlinking parts. Cars often experience breakages due to technical flaws and manufacturing defects. Car rental agencies offer Breakdown Insurance coverage to their clients while renting the car. The services under every Breakdown Insurance coverage, like Roadside Service, Roadside Assistance, Roadside cover, and Breakdown assistance, depend on the specific agencies. 

Basically, Car Rental Breakdown covers protection against dead batteries, lockout services, flat tires, fuel delivery, and compensating winching and towing for their clients. If the reason for the car breakdown is not any of the mentioned cases, then call your agent for recommendations. Other issues of breakdown can involve broken brakes, trouble in the engine, oil leakage, and other related problems. Repairing a rental car under Breakdown Insurance Coverage may take some time, but the good thing is you can demand compensation from the rental company.

Tips To Avoid Car Breakdown On Your Route

Well, after learning how to deal with a rental car breakdown, you shall also know how to prevent falling into the situation. Thus, you can avoid all the hassle and expenses that come with a rental car breakdown. 

Pre Inspection Of Rental Car

While renting a car, always do the proper inspection of the car both inside and out. Check and consider even a small dent and scratch in the car and tell your supplier. Pre-informing about the car's condition is the first thing that will save you from the blame of a breakdown in the future. Also, do check under the bonnet to ensure things like if the washer fluid is filled up or not. 

Click Pictures

It is a must to take pictures while renting a car as they are key to proving the state of the car in which it has been provided. Just ensure they are time-stamped.

Check If The Lights And Systems Are Functioning

Before finalizing any car for leasing, ensure its lighting system works properly. Also, double-check the condition of other systems, like radio and navigation, Air conditioners, and Wipers. Moreover, do check the tires to see the tread. And if you find any issue with any system, immediately report it to the rentee so they can get it fixed. 

Check If the car Is Driving Smooth

It is very important to take a car test drive before renting it. So whenever you choose any rental car, focus on how the car drives. If the car is not handling properly or making any unusual sound while driving, head back to your rentee and inform him about the issue.

Read Through Car Rental Agreement

Most things get already clear when you go through the supplier's document and book of norms. These papers help you understand your responsibilities and rights while renting a car. Also, they help you figure out what you can do in unexpected circumstances like Car Breakdown. 

Now that you know how to minimize the risk of being in a rental car breakdown and what to do if you find yourself in that situation, you know everything you should before renting a car. So don't wait; let your car-renting journey start.