Being in an accident with a rental car can be stressful, but understanding your insurance options can help minimize the financial impact.
Accidents are stressful but can become even more complicated when they involve a rental car. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial whether you are the renter or another party involved in the crash.
If you’re involved in a rental car accident in Missouri and need legal guidance, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm for a free consultation.
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Immediate Steps to Take After a Rental Car Accident
If you’re involved in an accident while driving a rental car, follow these steps to protect yourself legally and financially:
Ensure Safety First
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Call 911 if there are injuries or significant damage.
Contact Law Enforcement
- Even in minor accidents, it’s crucial to file a police report for insurance and liability purposes.
- Obtain the officer’s name, badge number, and a copy of the police report.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
- Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and damages.
- Get contact and insurance information from all involved drivers.
- Collect witness statements and contact details.
Notify the Rental Car Company
- Call the rental company’s emergency number listed on your rental agreement.
- Follow their instructions on how to proceed.
Inform Your Insurance Provider
- Contact your auto insurance provider to report the accident.
- Confirm whether your policy extends coverage to rental cars.
Who Is Liable in a Rental Car Accident?
Liability in a rental car accident depends on who was at fault and what insurance coverage is available.
- If You Are at Fault
- You may be responsible for damages to the rental car and other vehicles as well as injuries.
- Your personal auto insurance, rental car insurance, or credit card coverage may help pay for damages.
- If Another Driver Is at Fault
- Their auto insurance should cover damages and injuries.
- You may need to file a claim with their insurer.
- If the Rental Car Was Defective
- If mechanical failure caused the accident, the rental company may be liable.
- You may need to file a product liability claim.
Understanding Rental Car Insurance Coverage
Rental car accidents are covered under different types of insurance policies. Here’s how they work:
Your Auto Insurance
- If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, it may extend to rental cars.
- Liability coverage may pay for damages to other vehicles and injuries.
- Check with your insurer before renting a car.
Rental Car Company Insurance
Most rental companies offer the following optional insurance:
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers rental car damage but may not cover liability.
- Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS): Provides additional liability coverage.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
- Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): Covers theft of personal belongings from the rental car.
Credit Card Rental Insurance
- Some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you use the card to pay for the rental.
- Coverage typically includes damage to the rental car but not liability for other vehicles or injuries.
- Check your card’s policy for limitations.
What If You Declined Rental Car Insurance?
If you declined rental car insurance, you may still have coverage through:
- Your auto insurance.
- Credit card rental car coverage.
- A third-party travel insurance policy.
- You may have to pay out of pocket for damages and liability claims without applicable coverage.
What Happens If You Get a Ticket or Violate Traffic Laws?
- You are responsible for any traffic tickets or toll violations.
- Rental companies may charge additional fees if they receive a citation on your behalf.
- Unpaid tickets may lead to legal trouble or extra rental charges.
Returning a Damaged Rental Car
- If the car is drivable, return it to the rental company and report the damage.
- If the car is not drivable, arrange a tow through the rental company.
- Expect to fill out an accident report form with the rental agency.
How to Protect Yourself When Renting a Car
- Check your auto insurance policy before renting.
- Use a credit card with rental car coverage.
- Consider purchasing at least the Liability Insurance Supplement from the rental company.
- Inspect the car for damage before driving off and take photos.
- Drive cautiously and follow all traffic laws.
Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm Today
Being in an accident with a rental car can be a stressful experience, but understanding your responsibilities and insurance options can help minimize the financial impact. If you’re involved in a rental car accident in Missouri and need legal guidance, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm for a free consultation. With over 25 years of experience handling auto accident claims, we can help you navigate the complexities of rental car accidents and ensure you receive fair compensation.
