There are many expenses after a car accident, ranging from medical bills to property repairs or replacement. Extensive property damage can leave your car in the shop for days or weeks, which can be incredibly stressful, especially when you need reliable transportation. Who pays for a rental car after a car accident? How much rental car coverage do you have? It all comes down to fault and liability.
Dealing with Disputed Fault After a Car Accident
Determining fault after a car accident is critical for all car accident claims in Georgia. When you know who was at fault for the crash, you know who will be responsible for paying for accident-related injuries and other expenses. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine fault in a collision, delaying claims and potential payouts.
While this process of determining fault and pursuing a compensation claim continues, you may need a car to get to work and school reliably. If there’s an ongoing dispute over fault and liability after a car accident, you may not receive money to cover car rental costs immediately, forcing you to pay out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement later.
Regardless of who’s paying for the rental car, it’s critical to track your rental expenses for various reasons, including:
- Documentation for Claim – Your losses related to the accident aren’t just those that occur at the crash site. Getting a rental car after a collision is part of your claim. You can pursue compensation for rental car expenses, but this typically requires proof that you rented a car.
- Verification for Coverage Limits – Some insurance policies limit rental car coverage, and going beyond these limitations can lead to additional charges for which you can’t recover compensation.
Does the At-Fault Driver Pay for the Rental Car?
If you are not the at-fault party, who pays for a rental car after a car accident can either be the driver responsible or their insurance company. If another driver is responsible for the accident, their insurance company will usually pay for all costs associated with the accident, including your rental car. This means you’re dealing with the at-fault driver’s auto policy, coverage, and limitations.
Remember that the insurer may still be trying to deny that their driver had any liability for the accident. Before you talk to them about anything, contact your car accident attorney. Your attorney may determine that the best course of action is to include your rental car expense in your demand for compensation rather than trying to get them to pay for it before settlement.
What to Look At Before Contacting Your Insurance Company
These are some critical elements to keep in mind when dealing with a paying insurer, including:
- Pre-Approval Requirements – Check if you need pre-approval from the insurance company before renting a car. Failing to get pre-approval could result in the insurance company refusing to pay for the rental, leaving you to cover the cost in the meantime.
- Rental Period – The rental period depends on the policy limits, and insurance companies may attempt to limit the rental period further to cut costs and save money, leaving you stuck and still requiring reliable transportation. Confirm how long you have the rental car with the rental company and whether it aligns with your car repairs. You might need to ask for an extension, especially if your vehicle is a total loss and you must look for another one.
- Coverage Limits – Understand the coverage limits, which include a maximum daily rental rate and total rental car coverage amount. Ensure the rental vehicle you choose fits within these parameters, as a car that’s non-comparable to yours might not qualify for coverage under their policy. The type of coverage also matters as the liability coverage and liability insurance may not be applied to your situation.
- Reimbursement Process – If you pay upfront for the rental, keep all receipts and rental agreements. The insurance company typically requires these documents to reimburse you.
Will My Insurance Cover the Rental Car After an Accident?
For at-fault parties, who pays for a rental car after a car accident can either be you or your car insurance company. If you’re responsible for the accident, your comprehensive and collision coverage may include rental car coverage. Depending on the terms of your personal auto insurance policy, you might also need to use your auto policy coverage. This is if the at-fault driver’s policy doesn’t cover all the rental car costs or if they’re denying the claim. There are a few essential factors to consider when using your rental car coverage, including:
- Coverage Duration – Rental car coverage may limit the number of days or the total amount paid for the vehicle. Check your policy limitations before renting so you can stay within your policy limits.
- Vehicle Selection – Your insurer will cover a rental car comparable to your own, and selecting a vehicle more expensive than your existing car may result in additional costs you’ll need to cover.
- Policy Deductibles – Your comprehensive and collision coverage might have a deductible for rental car expenses. Determine your deductible amount, as you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in for the remaining rental car costs.
- Preferred Company – Your insurer might have several rental car companies they recommend renting from, making it easier to secure a rental and help the claims process go smoothly.
How to File for Rental Car Cost Reimbursement
The claims process involves several steps, including:
- Build a Claim – You’ll want to collect all evidence about the accident, including police reports, medical records, and receipts demonstrating expenses, including those for your rental car.
- Communicate with Insurers – You’ll need to communicate with the insurance adjuster to make sure they understand your insurance claim, and then you’ll negotiate a settlement from the at-fault party’s insurer that includes your rental car coverage.
- Get Legal Guidance – A personal injury attorney can provide crucial assistance throughout the claims process. They can help interpret essential insurance policy details, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue the total compensation you could receive for your losses. An attorney can also represent you in disputes or if legal action becomes necessary to resolve claim issues.
Contact an Augusta Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, you’re vulnerable and looking for a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately, insurers take advantage of this and attempt to pay as little as possible, even when you need it the most. The Augusta car accident attorneys from Chris Hudson Law Group have years of experience helping injured Georgians. Our team of legal experts look out for our clients, protect them against greedy insurance companies, and fight for the compensation they deserve to cover their losses. Learn how our Augusta personal injury lawyers can help you file a claim to get the best results, too. Call us today at (706) 863-6600 or contact us online for your free consultation.
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