There is no way around it: Being in a car accident is inconvenient. Not only are you likely injured, but you have property damage to deal with. If your vehicle is out of commission entirely, then a rental car could certainly come in handy – especially if you have doctors appointments, physical therapy appointments, and other accident-related appointments to get to. What you may not realize is that you may be eligible to have your rental car paid for.
Keep reading to get answers to questions we often get asked about rental cars after car accidents. If you need assistance navigating this sometimes-complicated field, or if you would like to know if you have grounds for a personal injury claim, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 and request a free legal consultation.
When Am I Eligible for a Rental Car?
Whether or not you will be eligible for a rental car will depend on the insurance company you are dealing with. Your personal injury attorney has worked with many different insurance companies and knows how to help you get a rental car if applicable.
What Do I Do if My Insurance Policy Includes Rental Car Coverage?
A representative from your insurance company should rent the car or help you rent it within a few days of the accident. If you are not sure if you have this coverage, just call the company and ask them. Note that you will not be able to add rental car coverage after an accident and then use it immediately.
What Do I Do if My Insurance Policy Does Not Include Rental Car Coverage?
If another driver was at fault then their insurance company will be the one to approve your rental car. They will investigate the accident to first establish who was at fault. If they determine that their insured was at fault then they should authorize a rental vehicle for you. This can take a week – or even longer – in the event that the at-fault party denies it was their fault.
Does an Insurance Company Have to Provide a Rental Car?
If your policy includes rental car coverage or another party is found to be at fault for the accident then you are entitled to coverage for your rental care but there are options. First, the insurance company can provide the rental car to you and cover all expenses so that you have no out-of-pocket costs at all. Another option is for them to have you pay the fee upfront and then repay you. This can be a financial issue for many people when rental cars can cost up to $100.
A third option is for them to pay a “loss per day” amount. This is the rate that they determine to be reasonable and pay you whether you have gotten the rental car or not. This is rare – most car insurance companies only want to pay for actual costs you have incurred. If you have additional questions, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
