Getting into a car accident is a stressful and overwhelming experience. Its aftermath can be just as challenging, especially if you need to rent a car. At the same time, your vehicle is being repaired or replaced. If you have an accident on your record and need to rent a car, you might feel anxious about the process and potential costs. Who pays for rental car after car accident?
Renting a car after an accident can be confusing and expensive. This is especially true if you’re unsure what your insurance covers. You might be wondering whether the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover your rental car costs or whether you’ll need to pay out of pocket. You might also be concerned about how long you’ll need to rent a car and whether you can afford the costs.
At the The Bruner Law Firm, we understand how stressful and overwhelming this situation can be. We know that being in an accident is never easy and that the last thing you want to deal with is figuring out how to get a rental car and pay for it.
Does the At-Fault Driver Pay for the Rental Car?
If you were not at fault for the accident, you might assume the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover your rental car costs. However, this is not always the case. In most situations, the at-fault driver’s insurance will only cover your rental car if they accept liability for the accident and if their policy includes rental car coverage.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover your rental car, you may need to pay out of pocket or use your insurance liability coverage. This is where rental car coverage on your policy can be handy.
Will Insurance Cover a Rental Car After an Accident?
Whether your insurance will cover a rental car after an accident depends on your specific policy. Some policies include rental car coverage as part of their standard coverage, while others require you to add it as an optional coverage.
If you have rental car coverage on your policy, your insurance will typically cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced. However, remember that you may need to pay a deductible before your coverage kicks in.
If you don’t have rental car coverage on your policy, you may still be able to get coverage through your credit card company or through the rental car company itself. However, these options can be more expensive than coverage through your insurance policy.
What Happens if Your Car is a Total Loss?
If your car is declared a total loss after an accident, your insurance company will typically pay you the actual cash value of your vehicle, minus any deductible. However, this payment may not be enough to cover the cost of a new car, especially if you have an older vehicle.
In this situation, you may need to continue renting a car until you can afford to purchase a new one. This is where having rental car coverage on your policy can be especially helpful, as it can cover the cost of a rental car for a more extended period.
How Long Will Insurance Cover a Rental Car?
The length of time that your insurance will cover a rental car after an accident depends on your specific policy and the extent of the damage to your vehicle. In most cases, insurance will cover a rental car for a reasonable amount of time, usually around 30 days or until your vehicle is repaired or replaced.
However, if your car is a total loss, you may need to continue renting a car for longer. In this situation, it’s important to communicate with your insurance adjuster and company and work with them to determine how long they will cover your rental car costs.
What if You Have to Pay Out of Pocket for a Rental Car?
If you don’t have rental car coverage on your policy and the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover your rental car costs, you may need to pay out of pocket for a rental car. This can be a significant expense, especially if you need to rent a car for an extended period.
In this situation, shopping around and comparing prices from different rental car companies is important to find the best deal.
Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help with Rental Car Costs?
If you’ve been in an accident and are struggling to cover your rental car costs, our lawyer can help. An experienced lawyer can work with your insurer and the at-fault driver’s insurance to get the coverage you’re entitled to.
A car accident lawyer can also help you handle the claims process and ensure you get fair compensation. This includes rental car costs and other damages. If you need clarification on your rights or how to prepare filing a claim, consult with a car accident lawyer.
Contact the The Bruner Law Firm Today
Still unsure who pays for rental car after car accident? Dealing with car rental costs can be stressful, especially if you have an accident on your record. You might be worried about how you’ll afford the costs, or whether your insurance will cover them. You might also feel frustrated and unsure about handling the insurance claims process and getting the coverage you deserve.
At the The Bruner Law Firm, our car accident attorneys understand how challenging this situation can be. Being in an accident and figuring out how to pay for a rental car is never easy. That’s why our Panama City car accident lawyers are here to help and give legal advice.
Our compassionate and experienced attorneys have been helping accident victims in the Florida Panhandle for over 30 years. We know the ins and outs of rental car cost coverage. We are also dedicated to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve.
If you’re struggling to cover your rental vehicle costs after an accident, contact our law firm for help. Our team of attorneys works tirelessly to help you get the coverage you need to move forward with your life.
