How to Get a Rental Car After an Accident
After a car accident, getting a rental car can jump-start your routine again, making it possible to get to work, get the kids to school and carry on with your life. But figuring out who pays for a rental car after an accident can sometimes be more complicated than it needs to be. If you’re in an accident where you know you were not at fault, you have a few options to get the rental car you need.
The At-fault Driver’s Insurance Company Pays
First of all, you’ll want to contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Hopefully, they’ll accept liability and an adjuster will reserve a rental car for you. If you need a pickup truck for work or an SUV to carry your family, ask for one. You’re entitled to a rental car that’s similar to your own vehicle.
Your Insurance Company Pays
But what if the insurance company doesn’t accept liability right away? You can’t afford to go weeks without a car while they investigate the claim. Many drivers carry rental reimbursement coverage to make sure they can get a rental car immediately after an accident. Check with your insurance provider to see if you have coverage. If you do, just make sure you stay under the per-day rental limit—anything above that comes out of your own pocket.
You Pay Up Front
If the at-fault insurance company denies liability or takes weeks investigating the claim, and you don’t carry rental coverage, you’ll have to pay for the rental car yourself. This can be a huge financial hardship in an already stressful time. Skilled legal representation from Macon injury attorneys Buzzell, Welsh & Hill can help the process move faster. This means you spend less time on the hook for your own rental car. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company eventually accepts liability, you’ll be reimbursed for your rental costs.
Document Everything
From the moment of the accident to when you pick up your repaired or replacement vehicle, be sure to document everything. You’ll want to make note of every interaction you have with adjusters, ideally in writing.
How Long Can I Keep My Rental Car After the Accident?
If your car was totaled and you’ve accepted the fair market value offered by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you have just a few days to find a new car and turn in your rental.
Buzzell, Welsh & Hill
Macon personal injury attorneys Buzzell, Welsh & Hill can help you get past the roadblocks of denied claims and difficult insurance companies. If you’ve been in an accident that was not your fault, we’re here to help. For your free consultation, contact our office in Macon today.
