Picking up the pieces after a car accident can be particularly difficult if your car has been totaled or needs extensive repairs, leaving you without a vehicle. If you’re stuck without a car after an accident, you can rent one while waiting for repairs to your vehicle or money for a replacement. Getting a rental car can take off some of the pressure in the days immediately after an accident, relieving you of worrying about how to get to work or take your kids to school in the morning.
In many cases, your insurance coverage or the at-fault policy will reimburse you for the costs of a rental car. However, some cases may require legal action if an insurer denies a claim. If you need assistance with an insurance claim after an accident, Gervelis Law Firm can help.
Who Will Pay for the Rental Car?
After an accident, you may have a few options for reimbursement for the cost of a rental car. The choices you have depend on the applicable insurance coverage and the circumstances of the crash.
Using Your Car Insurance's Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Your insurer will cover the cost if you have purchased rental reimbursement coverage under your automobile insurance policy. Rental reimbursement coverage is an add-on to a car insurance policy that covers the cost of your rental if a car accident leaves you without a car. It is typically only available if you carry collision and comprehensive coverage.
Generally, rental reimbursement coverage will pay up to a certain amount per day for a specified number of days after an accident. Rental reimbursement coverage doesn’t usually have a deductible. However, because rental reimbursement is only triggered by an accident that damages your car, the standard deductible will apply to your vehicle’s repairs. You won’t have to spend a minimum amount of your own money to cover the rental, but you’ll still have to pay the same deductible before coverage for the rest of the property damage kicks in.
If you opt to use your coverage, your insurance company will likely use a process known as subrogation to pursue the money it has paid from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.
You can’t add rental reimbursement coverage to your policy after your accident. So, check that you have adequate insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
Having the Other Driver's Car Insurance Company Pay
When another driver is at fault for your accident, their insurance company should pay for a rental car for a certain period.
To have the other party’s insurance pay your rental expenses, you must collect evidence of the accident and file a claim with the insurer. You’ll likely need to negotiate with the insurer to include reimbursement for a rental car as part of a property damage settlement. Thus, a skilled and experienced attorney can protect your interests during the negotiation process and give you the best shot at full reimbursement of your expenses.
The claims process with the other driver’s insurance will always take longer than paying for a car yourself. If you need a rental immediately, you may have to pay for it out-of-pocket and have the money you spent reimbursed afterward as part of your claim.
Pay for the Rental Car Out-of-Pocket
Paying for your rental car out-of-pocket is a last resort for emergencies. If you cannot wait to secure a rental and need one immediately, you may need to pay for it yourself.
If you do choose to pay for a rental car out-of-pocket, hold onto all receipts, confirmation emails, and similar documentation. You’ll submit these expenses for reimbursement as part of your insurance claim.
How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car?
The period that an insurer will cover for a rental car after the accident depends on the policy terms and the rental’s daily costs. While you can’t predict another driver’s coverage, you can check your existing rental reimbursement policy to determine how long your insurance will cover a rental.
Remember that even if you turn to your own coverage, you can still sue the other driver for full compensation. Collecting from your insurance policy for accident-related expenses does not erase the at-fault driver’s responsibility for the costs arising from their negligence.
How To File a Claim With the Other Person's Insurance
To succeed in a car accident claim with the other driver’s insurer requires significant evidence. You’ll need to prove the other party caused the accident, resulting in your damages. You’ll also need proof establishing the extent of your damages. Immediately after the accident happens, try to gather evidence such as the following:
- Photos and video of the scene
- Repair bills
- Receipts for out-of-pocket costs
- Police reports
- Eyewitness accounts and contact information
To help, Gervelis Law’s Rapid Investigation Team can be on-site within 24 hours to investigate the accident and collect evidence.
Later, you’ll likely need to submit more complicated forms of evidence, such as medical records and expert witness testimony from medical professionals and accident reconstructionists, among other proof.
You can pursue legal action if the at-fault party’s insurance denies your claim after an accident. An attorney can help you negotiate with the insurer for a settlement covering the full extent of your losses, including out-of-pocket costs.
You have a limited time to file a lawsuit. The deadline varies by the state where the accident occurred. Be sure to take action quickly so you don’t lose the right to sue.
What Kind of Rental Car Can I Get?
The applicable insurance policy should cover a rental vehicle comparable to your current car. For example, if you ordinarily drive an SUV, the rental car should be an SUV.
Insurance companies often assume drivers won’t know better and will try to fulfill policy obligations with the cheapest vehicle they can find. If your or the other party’s insurer tries to provide you with a car that doesn’t meet your usual needs, you can request a more appropriate vehicle.
Accident Discounts From Rental Car Companies
Some rental car companies offer discounts on their usual rates for customers renting because of a car accident. Enterprise and Hertz have accident-related policies, among other companies. The applicable insurer may also have certain rental companies that provide discounts to policyholders. The insurer can provide you with more information about rental companies that can offer you a discounted rate.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today
If you’ve recently been in an accident and need help filing an insurance claim or settling an insurance dispute, Gervelis Law Firm can help. Our experienced personal injury and insurance attorneys are here for you when you need us most. We’re uniquely positioned to provide aggressive, experienced, and effective legal representation after an accident, handling the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on recovery.
Call 866-622-4096 or contact us online today for your free consultation.
