With the summer travel season in full swing, many people are taking to the roads. An unexpected accident can really ruin the fun and an accident while driving a rental car can be even more complicated. Having a plan for this unexpected situation can help relieve your stress and protect your rights.
The steps you take after a rental car accident are very similar to the steps you would take in your own vehicle. Additionally, you will have to deal with what is written in your car rental agreement and the car rental insurance you purchased for the trip. To be prepared for any surprises that may come up, make sure you take all of the following steps after a rental car accident:
Step 1: Ensure that No One Is Hurt.
The first thing to do is ensure that no one is hurt in your vehicle. Then, you can check the people in the other cars. If you can do so, move your vehicle over to the side of the road. If someone needs medical attention, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you believe that the automobiles could explode, move everyone to a place of safety.
Step 2: Take Pictures of the Damages.
Take several pictures of the damage to the vehicles. Also, write down everything you remember about how the collision occurred. The most important information includes the make, model and color of all vehicles involved in the collision and the exact location where the collision took place, such as the lane and the name of the street.
Step 3: Exchange Contact Information.
Now that everyone is safe, you can exchange contact information. You will need the names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration and license plate numbers for every driver and vehicle. Also, gather the contact information for the witnesses. Exchange your insurance company name and policy number with the other drivers.
If the police arrive at the scene, be ready to show them your driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration. However, you should not say that you believe you are responsible for the accident. If you do, your insurance company will not be able to protect you. Instead of saying, “I’m sorry,” say, “Are you okay?”
If someone is belligerent at the scene, wait until the police arrive to engage with them. Refuse to sign anything giving you responsibility for the collision or promises to pay for the damages. Don’t sign it even if the other party is offering to pay for the damages or your deductible. Most importantly, do not tell anyone you are in a rental car. This may cause them to try to take advantage of the situation.
Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company.
If you are using the insurance coverage you have with your auto insurance company, call them to report the accident. If you purchased an additional insurance policy just for the rental car, inform your insurance company. When a rental car is involved in an accident, several different parties may be responsible for the costs, including your personal insurance, insurance purchased through the rental car company, coverage provided by the credit card you used and the rental car company itself. Navigating this process can be complicated and you may want to consider consulting with a lawyer.
Step 5: Call the Car Rental Company.
You will need to call the car rental company because there are other steps that the rental company must take when someone has an accident in their vehicle. You can find this information in your car rental agreement. The rental company may want to fill out an accident report that gives them the information that you recorded earlier.
Whether you are determined to be responsible for the collision or not, the rental company will require you to pay the deductible. This is so they can have the car fixed as quickly as possible. Then, your insurance company will pursue the at-fault party so that they can reimburse you.
