• Sep 29, 2023
• / by admin

What Happens If I Crash A Rental Car?

Have you ever been in a tragic incident like a car crash? Car crashes are unpredictable and can happen anytime, anywhere, no matter how good you are at driving. While driving a rental, you need to be more careful, as a car crash can leave you in a more complicated scenario. As a renter, you might  have to pay a lump sum amount to bear the cost of the damages caused by the crash.

The following write-up is everything regarding what happens if I crash a rental car. Get answers to all your questions and learn more about various scenarios that might take place with the mishap.

What All Is Considered A Rental Car Damage?

Car rental service providers adhere to certain guidelines to define damage to a rented car. Typically, damages are referred to as any dent, scratch, or crack that may be about two inches or more.

What Are the Repercussions Of A Rental Car Accident?

A rental car accident can be both traumatic and overwhelming for the sufferers. They may endure a series of burdens while being far from their home. They may have to deal with the car rental company or insurance company. So, what should they do after a car crash? Let us find out.

What Should You Do If You Crash A Rental Car?

Take a look at all these steps as they will help you in handling a challenging situation like a rental car accident:

Get to a safer side

Firstly, you must get to a safe spot, away from the traffic, following an accident. See whether you have incurred any personal injuries. After that, check whether all the passengers in your car are safe.

Call the police

Informing the police is an important step regardless of the extent of the accident. The cops will arrive at the accident site and file a report. But this depends on the situation. There are states where it is mandatory to call the cops after a car crash. 

Collect important information

It will be great if you exchange certain information with the other driver. Gather information like their name, license plate number, contact number, and other details. Ensure to keep the interaction short and never admit your fault. 

Document the scene

Capture photos of the accident scene. You must also click photos of the damages incurred to your car or nearby property. While doing so, make note of the time, date, and location.

Also Read: Can You Add Rental Car Insurance After An Accident? Explained!

Inform your car rental provider/company

Reach out to your car rental provider to know what happens if I crash a rental car. Your provider will generally ask you to file a report that tells everything about the mishap.

Inform your lawyer or insurer

Your insurer will typically ask you to reach them post-accident. It is a necessity to inform your lawyer and let them have a conversation with your insurance company. Most often, insurance companies try to show low interest in such scenarios. However, a lawyer can guide you well about the essential steps to take following a rental car crash.

Who Is Held Responsible After A Rental Car Crash?

Determining the person liable for the rental car crash depends on various factors. These may include whether they have taken out insurance coverage from the rental company or have their own coverage plan. Whether any of the coverage plans offer protection against a certain type of incident is another factor. But, as per a general thumb rule, here is what you can expect:

Repairing Of Your Car Rental

Check whether your personal insurance cover offers accident coverage for car rental. This signifies that your insurance plan will cover the repair cost after an accident. An accident cover is likely to be limited. So, you must know beforehand what you are gaining after acquiring this coverage plan. 

Repairing Of The Other Vehicles Involved In The Crash

Liability insurance can cover this. Also, the procedure of elimination seems identical to that we explained above. However, it is good to double-check that. If you buy liability insurance from the car rental service company, you’ll get a cover for repairing other vehicles. 

Implication Of Rental Car Insurance In A Crash

Do you have your own insurance coverage that includes both collision and comprehensive coverage? If you have, then it may offer coverage for any damages to the rented car after an accident.

What if your plan does not include collision or comprehensive cover? In such a case, you must buy a collision waiver from your rental service provider. If you lack an insurance cover, you will be liable to pay for any damages to the rented car. 

If you possess a liability insurance cover, it may include coverage for damages incurred to other vehicles. But, in case you don’t have this, you can buy supplemental liability insurance before getting your hands on a rental car. You can reach out to a rental company to buy liability insurance. This will really help you cover the damages or injuries caused by a rental car crash.

Preventions To Avoid A Mishap

There is an old saying, "prevention is better than cure.” Check whether your insurance covers rental car damage beforehand. You do not want to start learning about whether you are lacking coverage while the bills are piling up.

So, it is a good idea to contact your insurer before leaving for your trip. Discuss your existing insurance plan and how that will provide you with coverage. If you feel that it is not adequate for you, it may be better to upgrade your policy or get some add-on coverage and other extras.

Conclusion

So, you have probably learned everything about what happens if you rent a car and have an accident. If you have crashed your rented car, see whether you and your passengers are safe. Call the police if you have incurred any injuries.

Do not try to run from the accident scene after the car crash. Escaping may result in lawbreaking or misdemeanor charges, and nobody wants that. Stay wherever you are and wait for the police officials to come to the spot.

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