Travel today is all about flexibility and control, and renting a car puts that power in your hands.
It lets you explore on your own schedule, whether you’re on a business trip or just taking a vacation. That means no more waiting on buses or sticking to tour group timetables.
But even the best plans can hit a snag if you get into a rental car accident. Being far from home and dealing with a car that’s not yours can make things feel overwhelming.
That’s why it’s important to know how your coverage works, who’s responsible, and what steps to take next. Having this knowledge helps you protect your trip and avoid bigger headaches down the road.
Below are five steps to help you navigate the situation with confidence. Knowing this information protects your trip and helps you avoid bigger problems later.
1. Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
The seconds after an accident are crucial. Take a deep breath and check yourself for injuries. Are you feeling pain anywhere? Can you move normally? Once you’ve assessed your condition, check on your passengers if you have any.
If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Remember, your safety comes first. Don’t attempt to move if you’re injured or if moving the vehicle could create additional hazards.
2. Contact Emergency Services and File a Police Report
Even if the accident seems minor, call 911. Police documentation is vital for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
When officers arrive, provide a clear, factual account of what happened without admitting fault.
Request a copy of the police report or at least get the report number before leaving the scene. This official documentation will prove invaluable when dealing with insurance companies and the rental agency.
3. Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly
Your smartphone is your best ally in this situation. Take comprehensive photos of damage to all vehicles involved, the accident scene from multiple angles, road conditions, relevant traffic signs, and your injuries if visible.
If witnesses stopped at the scene, politely ask for their contact information and if they’d be willing to share what they saw. Their testimonies could help establish what happened if accounts differ later.
4. Exchange Information with Other Parties
Approach the other driver(s) calmly and exchange full names and contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance company names and policy numbers.
Be courteous but careful with your words. Don’t admit fault or make statements like “I’m sorry” that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Stick to exchanging the necessary information.
5. Notify the Rental Car Company Promptly
Call the rental company’s emergency number, which is typically found on your rental agreement or on a sticker in the vehicle. Most companies operate 24/7 hotlines for situations like this.
During this call, the rental company will guide you through their specific procedures. They may ask you to fill out an incident report, provide instructions for vehicle towing, or arrange a replacement vehicle. Follow their guidance closely, as failing to report promptly could violate your rental agreement.
Types of Insurance That May Protect You
After addressing immediate safety concerns, the next big question becomes who’s going to pay for the damages. Understanding the different insurance options is crucial for protecting yourself financially.
Your Personal Auto Insurance
Most personal auto insurance policies extend coverage to rental cars. Check your policy or call your insurance provider to confirm what’s covered.
Typically, your liability coverage will pay for others’ damages if you’re at fault, while collision coverage pays for damage to your rental vehicle.
However, be aware of potential limitations or exclusions in your policy. Some policies don’t cover certain vehicle types or rentals in foreign countries. Your deductible will likely apply just as it would with your personal vehicle.
Rental Car Company Insurance Options
When you picked up your rental car, you were likely offered several insurance options that could now prove valuable.
The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) releases you from financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen.
Without this coverage, you’re responsible for the full value of the car.
Credit Card Coverage Benefits
Many credit cards offer rental car insurance if you use them to pay for the rental. This coverage is typically secondary, meaning it kicks in after your personal auto insurance pays its share.
Premium cards might offer primary coverage that takes effect before other insurance policies.
Contact your credit card company to verify what coverage you have through them. The protection varies widely between cards and issuers, so don’t assume you’re covered without confirming the specifics.
Third-Party Liability Insurance
Some travelers purchase separate rental car insurance from third-party providers before their trip. These policies can be more affordable than rental company options while offering similar or better coverage.
If you purchased such a policy, now is the time to review what it covers and contact the provider.
How to Verify Which Coverage Applies to Your Situation
After an accident, determining which insurance applies can be confusing. Start by calling your personal auto insurance provider first to understand your coverage and begin the claims process.
Next, contact your credit card company’s benefits department to verify any coverage they provide. Then review any third-party insurance you purchased specifically for this rental.
Finally, check the rental agreement for coverage options you selected when picking up the vehicle.
Take detailed notes during these calls, including representative names, confirmation numbers, and coverage details. This information will be invaluable when filing claims and dealing with multiple insurance companies.
When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Consider consulting an attorney if you experience serious injuries, disputed fault, or complicated claims involving multiple insurance companies.
Other red flags include receiving settlement offers that seem inadequate to cover your expenses or facing resistance from insurance companies about covering legitimate damages.
An experienced attorney can navigate the complex intersection of insurance policies, rental agreements, and liability laws. They can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure you’re not being taken advantage of during the claims process.
Additionally, they can help calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost wages.
If you need a Boston car accident lawyer, DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers is the best choice. They offer free consultations and a no-win, no-fee guarantee so that you can get expert legal help without any upfront costs.
Final Thoughts
A rental car accident can quickly turn a relaxing trip into a stressful experience—but being prepared helps you stay in control. Knowing your insurance coverage, what to do after a crash, and when to call a personal injury lawyer gives you the tools to handle it smoothly.
Before traveling, review your insurance and credit card benefits. Add extra coverage if needed. A little planning now can save you time, money, and stress later.
Travel is meant for making memories, not dealing with accidents. But if something does go wrong, understanding your legal options helps you get back on track and keep moving forward.
As always, stay safe!
| Christopher DiBella is the founding partner of DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers. He knows the pain of injury from his own family’s experiences.Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree from Boston University, graduating cum laude, and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Among his many awards and recognitions are The National Trial Lawyers Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyer, Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Lawyer, and Super Lawyers Rising Star.With both skill and genuine empathy, Chris is dedicated to helping clients turn their struggles into successful outcomes. |
