When a Rental car accident occurs, it is important to understand that no matter who or what caused the damage to the rental vehicle, the renter and all listed drivers are liable for any damage to the vehicle, towing and storage charges, loss of use, and diminution of value. This is why you should fully understand what type of coverage your insurance carrier extends to rental vehicles, as well as what types of additional coverage you are able to obtain from the rental car company.
Rental agents may try to pressure you into purchasing additional insurance, which may or may not be something you should consider. However, many of these policies overlap with what your primary insurance company already provides, meaning that you would simply be wasting your money. Thoroughly reading through your primary insurance policy is the best way to determine if you need additional coverage. It is also advisable to consult with your insurance agent prior to signing the rental agreement.
Exercising Caution
Renting a car usually means you will be driving an unfamiliar vehicle on equally unfamiliar roads. These factors alone increase your chances of being involved in an accident. Add into the equation the fact that you will most likely be checking your GPS for directions and may be distracted by inadvertent sightseeing; you can see why it is so important for you to exercise extra caution in these types of situations.
What To Do When An Accident Occurs
When you are involved in an accident driving your own vehicle, you know what to do—provide emergency aid to the injured as soon as possible, call the police, file an accident report, exchange information with the other driver(s), and take pictures and document witnesses’ information if applicable. If you are injured, you may be transported directly to the hospital, leaving someone else to handle these details, at least for the time being. However, what happens when the same accident occurs and you are driving a rental car?
Being involved in an accident while driving a rental car involves all the same steps as above, with a couple of additional tasks: You will need to contact the rental car company and let them know about the accident. Next, you should contact both your own insurance carrier and the credit card company of the card you used to book the rental—they may provide additional insurance or roadside assistance coverage.
Contacting a Reliable Attorney
If you become involved in an auto accident involving a rental car, it may be advisable to consult with a knowledgeable Chicago car accident attorney. This is especially important if anyone was seriously injured. Because there are multiple parties involved, these types of cases can be extremely complicated.
Our highly-skilled accident attorneys at Shea Law Group have handled thousands of accident cases, many of which involved rental cars. We understand how complex these cases can become and we also know how important a positive outcome is to the financial future of you and your family. To book your free, no-obligation consultation, give us a call at (877)-365-0040—we are here to help.
