You got into an accident, now what? Day to day life doesn’t stop during a time of crisis, even if it seems like it does. You still have to go to work, get around town, or do anything that involves you getting from one destination to another. What most drivers are not aware of is that the majority of auto insurance does not cover a rental car in the case of an accident. Although some policies include the option to cover the rental cost, most people overlook this to get a lower premium cost. Even if the premium does cover a rental, it may take a while before it is distributed out. So the pain of getting into an accident gets amplified when you have to struggle to find a rental car, not only in a short time frame but one that doesn’t make you pay a fortune.
Right after an accident occurs, it is important to make sure you remember these steps:
- Collect the other driver(s) information, take photos of the accident including your car and any other cars involved.
- Make a claim with your insurance company.
- Obtain a police report.
All of these actions will help when it comes to receiving a rental car. This will also aid the insurance company in filing your claim faster in order to ensure that the cost of your rental is covered.
Here are a few tips when it comes to renting a car:
- If you don’t need a lot of space in your vehicle, then it’s a better bet to opt for an economy vehicle rather than an SUV.
- Try browsing around online for coupons or you can even receive corporate discounts depending on which rental company you choose.
- Take pictures and account for any damages to the car and where the gas gage is at before taking it off the lot. This will help diminish the chances of getting any additional fees.
- Steer clear from the additional add-ons that may be offered.
- Make sure you meet the requirements that the rental company advertises on their website including things such as meeting the renter location minimum age, a valid driver’s license, and providing an acceptable form of payment.
In the case that the negligent driver’s insurance is covering your car rental there are a couple of things to keep in mind. If your car is completely totaled be aware that the adjuster will most likely only authorize the rental for a few days or a week at most after they settle your claim. Afterwards, it is up to you to arrange another car rental or acquire another vehicle to use.
If you find yourself in this situation, we’d be happy to help you move through the process! Simply give us a call at (305) 908-5545 or simply request an appointment online here.