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Being in a car accident is scary enough without having to worry about how to get home. For sure, you’ll need a rental car to get around if your car is broken and needs to be fixed. But how do I rent a car after an accident? Who is going to pay? What should you do? This guide will show you how to get a rental car after an accident, how to find out if your insurance or the other driver’s insurance covers it, and how to make sure you don’t have to pay extra money.
Before you worry about a rental car, you should make sure you are safe and properly report the crash.
After taking care of the most important things right away, you can begin the process of renting a car.
After a crash, one of the most important things to know is who will pay for my rental car. The answer rests on who caused the accident and what kind of insurance is out there.
To find out if your rental car insurance will cover anything, you need to know what your insurance policy says.
You can add this to your car insurance policy if you want to cover the costs of renting a car if yours is damaged in an accident that is covered by your insurance.
If you were at fault in an accident, collision coverage may still help, even if it doesn’t pay for the rental car. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers things other than accidents that damage or steal your car.
You won’t be covered for rental cars if you only have liability insurance. You would need to cover the costs yourself or seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance.
Once you know if your rental car insurance covers it, you need to let your insurance company know.
If the driver who caused the accident has insurance that covers your rental car, you may have to wait until their adjuster accepts the claim. You might be able to use your own rental reimbursement policy if you need a car right away.
It’s time to get a hire car now that you know you’re covered.
You’ll have to return the rental car once your own car is fixed or replaced.
You might be able to save money on your rental even if your insurance covers it:
✔ Use a credit card that covers rental cars. Some credit cards cover rental cars, so you don’t need extra insurance.
✔ Get rid of add-ons that you don’t need. For example, GPS, satellite radio, and extra insurance all cost money.
✔ Fill up the gas tank before you return the car. If you return the car with no gas in it, the rental company will charge you more for gas.
✔ Compare Rates: If your insurance doesn’t cover the hire, look online for the best deals on rental cars.
Securing a rental car after an accident can seem overwhelming, but knowing the process helps you stay in control.
By following these steps, you can quickly get back on the road while your car is being repaired. If you’re unsure whether your insurance includes rental coverage, review your policy today to be prepared for any future accidents.
✅ Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary.
✅ Move your vehicle to a safe location (if possible).
✅ Call the police and file a report.
✅ Exchange information with the other driver (name, insurance, contact details).
✅ Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
✅ Contact your insurance company to report the accident.
✅ If You’re at Fault: Check if you have rental reimbursement coverage in your policy.
✅ If the Other Driver Is at Fault: Contact their insurance to see if they will cover your rental.
✅ If Fault Is Undetermined: Consider using your own insurance temporarily and seek reimbursement later.
✅ Confirm the daily rental allowance (e.g., $30/day, $50/day) and coverage duration (e.g., 30 days max).
✅ Call your insurance provider and provide accident details.
✅ Ask if they offer direct billing with rental companies to avoid upfront payments.
✅ Get your claim number (important for renting a car).
✅ If the other driver is at fault, get the at-fault insurance adjuster’s contact info for reimbursement.
✅ Ask your insurance if they have a preferred rental partner (such as Enterprise, Hertz, Budget).
✅ Select a rental company and make a reservation.
✅ Confirm what type of car your insurance will cover (standard sedan, SUV, etc.).
✅ Ask if you need a credit card for security deposits.
✅ Bring these documents:
✅ Keep track of your rental coverage limit (e.g., 30 days max).
✅ If your car repair takes longer, ask your insurer if they will extend coverage.
✅ Refill the gas tank before returning (to avoid high fuel fees).
✅ Inspect the car with the rental agent and get a receipt.
✔ Use a credit card with rental insurance to avoid extra charges.
✔ Compare rental rates online if insurance doesn’t cover the full cost.
✔ Avoid renting a luxury or speciality car unless you’re willing to pay the difference.
✔ If dealing with another driver’s insurance, follow up frequently to ensure timely reimbursement.
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