What to do after a car accident with a rental car

What to do after a car accident with a rental car

Being involved in an accident in your own car is already quite an inconvenience, but being in an accident in a rental car can be a terrible headache. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you ever find yourself involved in an accident with a rental vehicle.

1. Stay put and call 911. Leaving the accident scene before a police report is done can be considered a hit-and-run accident, so be sure to stay put. Always seek medical attention if either party is injured no matter who is at fault for the accident.
2. Request a police report. Injury or not, if there was damage done to either vehicle, it is important to have a police report to show your insurance company. Even if your car was hit while it was parked, you will need formal documentation to send to the insurance company.
3. Take notes and pictures. Be sure to capture the damage on both vehicles to share with your insurance company and the rental car facility. Take down and record all the relevant information regarding the accident.
4. Exchange information. It is very important no matter who is a fault to exchange information with the other parties. This includes driver’s license info, license plates, names, numbers, and insurance information.
5. Contact your rental car agency. Notify your rental car agency immediately. Do not wait until you return the vehicle. You will most likely need to fill out a report when you return. It is best if they know immediately so they can start preparing the information. If the car is not drivable they will be able to get you a replacement and have the other car repaired.
6. Contact your insurance company. Depending on your policy, your car insurance may cover some of the damage done to the rental. They will also need to know quickly in case they are contacted by other insurance parties. You may also want to consider contacting your credit card company. Some credit cards will cover rental car damage if you purchased the rental vehicle through the card. Before you sign optional rental insurance, be sure to read the fine print. It may end up saving you money or it may not help at all.
7. Contact an attorney. Make sure that your rights are protected in an accident by contacting an attorney.