What Happens If You Crash A Rental Car? Things To Know

Car rental services are becoming more popular every day because of the convenience and affordability they provide. No matter if you want a limo, sedan, or economical car, you can have it by filling out a small form provided by car rental companies. However, with the benefits, there are also various doubts that come to one's mind, especially when it's their first time renting a car. The common doubts include what will happen if you mistakenly crash a rental car. 

Dealing with a rental car accident is almost the same as handling your own car in an accident. But it involves several added levels of paperwork and complexities that one should prepare for. If you are clueless about what happens if you crash a rental car and how to tackle it, here we have compiled full information to help you deal with it. 

Things To Do After A Car Crash 

A car Crash is surely a very frustrating situation to be in. It can damage and hurt both the car and the people inside it. But not panicking and keeping your calm is the first thing one can do in such a situation. Let's find out the ways and methods to tackle such situations sensibly. 

Exchange Contact Data

Once you determine that the situation is safe now, exchange the contact number and insurance details with the other car owner if involved. The details should be shared comprises:

• Name of the car owner

• Home Address

• Contact number & email ID

• Insurance Provider & Policy number

• Driver's License number, vehicle's license plate and vehicle registration details

• Collect the contact details of the witnesses, if any

Also, keep in mind that it will be great for you if you won't admit your fault for the car crash while interacting with other parties or the police. Even if you think that your rental car crashed because of your fault, just don't admit it, as it can use against you in further procedures. Also doing so, your insurance company can deny giving you protection against the damages. Be cautious interacting with other car drivers, and do not sign any paper offered by them. Also, do not mention to the other party that your car is rented, as hearing it, others can place the blame on you. 

Call Your Rental Company 

After collecting every detail of the accident that occurred, it's time to contact your rental company and inform them about it. Go through your rental agreement and dial the helpline number mentioned in the form. Your rental company might ask you to fill out a report consisting of all the information you have already collected. 

What About Rental Car Insurance?

Whenever you visit any car rental company, the provider asks you to take rent coverage with it. People often decline to take such coverage to save themselves some bucks. But they don't know how important these coverages can be in specific situations. So next time you visit a car rental, reconsider taking insurance coverage with it. You can ask for different insurance policies that rental car companies offer, including liability insurance, personal accident insurance, collision coverage, and more. 

These coverages might cost you a bit initially but also will be your savior when insurance cannot cover damage or the other party is uninsured. Be cautious while reading the rental agreement form and check if the coverage matches your needs.

Primary Insurance

Primary insurance is a type of insurance that the majority kicks in first just after you file a claim. As long as you pay the premium, few insurance policies offer full coverage in a mishap. It means they cover both the damage to your rental car and the other car that you hit if the fault is on you. 

Who Is At Fault For The Car Crash?

After a car crash, it is important to figure out a liable party whose fault leads to the accident. It will help detect people that will pay for car damage and a person's treatment if anyone has been hurt in an accident.

Another Party Is Liable For The Cause 

If you are not liable for the accident and the other party is, then they must pay for all the loss. This loss includes damage to the rental car and a person's injury if anyone is hurt. In such a situation, the rental car damage will be covered by his insurance. Also, remember that rental car companies do not offer cost coverage for deluxe or luxurious rental cars. 

How To Prepare For A Potential Rental Car Accident?

Accidents are very unpleasant situations that can inconvenience you on your way and ruin your trip. But there are a few measures that, if taken priorly, can help you deal with the potential accident. 

Buy Rental Car Insurance 

If your current insurance policy does not include car rentals and you are not willing to buy insurance from the rental company, you can choose another way too. You can buy rental car insurance from a third-party rental car insurance company.