Most people use rental cars for various reasons, such as business-related traveling, going for holiday or pleasure, among others. The last thing anyone would want is an auto accident, especially when a rental car is involved. Unfortunately, all motorists are susceptible to car accidents, whether you’re driving your car or a rental vehicle.
You might be wondering, among other things what happens if you crash a hired car, and who pays for the damages. Those concerns depend on the insurance policy held by victims of such car accidents. Most people hire a car accident lawyer in Alaska for the evaluation of their cases and legal advice.
Insurance Coverage Options for Crashed Rental Cars
The standard rule is that a person who hires a car is responsible for damages or loss to the vehicle during the rental duration. Even if the damage is caused by a third party, the person who hired the car is considered to be personally liable– the good thing is that your insurance can cover the damages.
When another Motorist Is at Fault
If an accident was caused by another motorist, the faulting driver is liable for the damages–meaning the car rental company should be compensated by the other driver’s insurance although you might be charged by the rental company before such a case concludes. You should be compensated for the charged amount from the other driver’s insurance.
Insurance companies unfortunately rarely play fair, they might try to devalue the claim or entirely avoid liability–that’s why you should involve a car accident lawyer from the start. The lawyer will take up the case and ensure you’re compensated for the loss you incurred.
Invalid Charges added by Car Hire Companies
The rental companies might want to gain undue advantage or profit from your situation by adding extra charges, including:
- Charges for vehicle depreciation;
- Lost income during the repair period;
- Processing fees for the claim
You should talk to a lawyer if you think that the additional charges are unjustified. They will advise you on what is acceptable but the bottom line is that you’re not responsible if you didn’t cause the accident.You can also visit goldsteinlaw.com to know more about this.
What to do After an Accident in a Rental Car
Seek medical attention immediately after an accident, whether you’re injured or not. Some injuries are not painful and symptoms can manifest much later. The next thing is to gather as much data from the scene of the accident to help your lawyer build a strong case and preserve evidence. Finally, contact a car accident lawyer who will initiate legal action to recover damages for your loss. What else can you do after an accident?
- Ensure your passengers are safe– Call 911 for help if possible.
- Make a formal report to the police–the police report will be form part of the evidence to build a strong case.
- Exchanging relevant with the other driver, such as name, contact details, and insurance details.
- Photograph everything related to the accident, including the scene your injuries, and vehicle damage.
- Inform the car hire company. The company will likely tell you what to do with their car, they could advise you on how to handle the situation.
- Record evidence from witnesses. Ensure you get their contact details and request them to attend court sessions if the case goes to trial.
Personal Auto Insurance Policies
Most car hire companies require their clients to have personal auto insurance resource, offering the same services offered by the car hire company’s insurance–meaning you can use your insurance in the event of an accident. However, you should ensure your insurance policy covers car hire accidents before engaging a car rental company. If your policy doesn’t cover rental cars, the car hire company can provide additional coverage.
Most rental car companies offer additional coverage to clients whose policies exclude rental cars–although it’s optional. The coverage can shield you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident. The common insurances offered by car rentals include:
1. Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
LDW covers stolen or damaged cars, the cost of repair or replacement is footed by the car rental company for LDW policyholders. However, LDW does not cover accidents resulting from reckless driving or where negligence is involved.
2. Personal Accident Insurance
Personal accident insurance covers the injuries sustained by the driver their passenger passengers in the event of an accident.
3. Supplemental Liability
Rental company liability caters to bodily injuries and property damage when another driver is at fault.
4. Personal Effects Coverage
This covers personal property lost or damaged during the accident.
5. Credit Card Cover
Credit card users have credit card cover by default, where credit card companies pay damages
You must ensure your insurance policy can cover rental cars before engaging a car hire firm. Additionally, you should consult an accident lawyer in the event of an accident.
