Rental Car Accidents: What to Do and How to Protect Your Rights

Accidents are stressful under any circumstance, but when a rental car is involved, the situation can become even more complicated. 

Whether you're the one driving the rental car, hit by someone in a rental, or dealing with insurance issues related to rentals, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential. 

This guide will cover everything you need to know about rental car accidents, including what to do if you’re in a rental car accident, what happens if a rental car hits you, how insurance policies handle rental cars, and how to find the best car rental accident lawyers to protect your interests.

When accidents strike, Morgan & Morgan is here for personal injury victims. If you were involved in a rental car accident that wasn’t your fault, contact us for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

What to Do If You Get Into an Accident in a Rental Car

If you’re involved in an accident while driving a rental car, follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal and financial interests:

Ensure Safety and Call for Help

• Check for injuries: Make sure you and your passengers are safe. Call 911 if there are any injuries.
• Move to safety: If the vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.

Document the Scene

• Call the police: Even for minor accidents, it’s important to have an official police report.
• Take photos and videos: Capture images of the damage, the surrounding area, license plates, and any other relevant details.
• Exchange information: Get the contact and insurance details of all involved parties, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses.

Notify the Rental Car Company

• Call the rental company immediately: Most companies require you to inform them as soon as an accident occurs. This step is crucial to avoid breaching your rental agreement.
• Follow their instructions: They may have specific requirements, such as completing a form or returning the vehicle to a designated location.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

• Contact your insurance: Let your personal auto insurance provider know about the accident. If you used a credit card to book the rental, notify your credit card company as well, as many offer secondary insurance coverage.

Avoid Admitting Fault

• Refrain from making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Let the police and insurance companies determine liability.

Contact Morgan & Morgan

• If you encounter resistance from the rental company or insurance providers, consult an attorney specializing in rental car accidents to ensure your rights are protected.

What to Do if a Rental Car Hits You

If you’re involved in an accident caused by someone driving a rental car, the steps you take can significantly impact your ability to recover damages. Here’s what to do.

Call the Police and Document the Scene

• File a police report: An official report will be important for your insurance claim.
• Gather evidence: Take photos of the damage, note the rental company’s name on the vehicle, and collect contact information from the driver.

Exchange Information

• Driver details: Obtain the driver’s license, insurance information, and rental agreement details.
• Witnesses: Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

• Even if you are not at fault, inform your insurance company about the accident. They can help guide you through the claims process.

Understand Liability

• Rental company liability: Rental car companies are typically not liable for damages caused by the driver unless negligence on their part can be proven (e.g., renting to an unlicensed driver).
• Driver’s insurance: The driver’s personal insurance or the insurance purchased through the rental company will usually cover damages.

Contact Morgan & Morgan

• If the driver’s insurance or the rental company disputes your claim, a lawyer experienced in rental car accident cases can help you navigate the process and seek fair compensation.

How Insurance Handles Rental Cars

Insurance coverage for rental cars can be complex, involving multiple parties, policies, and agreements. Understanding how insurance applies can help you avoid unexpected expenses.

Types of Insurance Coverage for Rental Cars

• Your personal auto insurance: Many personal policies extend coverage to rental cars. Check with your provider to confirm the extent of coverage.
• Rental car company insurance: Companies offer optional coverage such as collision damage waivers (CDWs), liability insurance, and personal accident insurance.
• Credit card coverage: Some credit cards provide secondary insurance for rental cars if you use the card to pay for the rental.

Common Scenarios and Coverage

• Accident in a rental car: If you’re at fault, your personal insurance or the rental company’s optional coverage may apply. If not at fault, the other driver’s insurance should cover damages.
• Rental car hits you: The driver’s personal insurance or the rental company’s policy will typically cover your damages.
• Rental during repairs: If your car is being repaired due to an accident, you may be entitled to a rental vehicle through the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Tips to Ensure Proper Coverage

• Review your policy: Understand what your personal auto insurance and credit card cover.
• Purchase supplemental coverage if needed: If your existing coverage is insufficient, consider buying additional protection from the rental company.
• Keep records: Maintain copies of your rental agreement, insurance policies, and all communication related to the accident.

Ensuring You Get the Right Rental During Repairs

If your car is being repaired after an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance should provide a rental vehicle that matches your needs. Here’s how to ensure you receive fair compensation:

Understand Your Rights

• Comparable replacement: You’re entitled to a rental vehicle comparable to your own car. For example, if you drive an SUV, you shouldn’t be given a compact car unless you agree to it.
• Duration of rental: The rental should be available for the duration of your car’s repairs.

Work With the Insurance Company

• Provide documentation: Submit repair estimates and proof of your car’s size and features.
• Negotiate if necessary: If the insurance company offers an inadequate rental, don’t hesitate to push back.

Ask Morgan & Morgan for Help

• If the insurance company denies your request for a comparable rental, consult a lawyer to ensure your rights are upheld.

Where to Find the Best Car Rental Accident Lawyers

If you’re struggling to resolve issues related to a rental car accident, a qualified attorney can make all the difference. 

When looking for the best car rental accident lawyer, look for experience in rental car accident cases. You will want to choose a lawyer who specializes in car accidents, particularly those involving rental vehicles. Be sure to research the attorney’s success in obtaining favorable settlements or verdicts. At Morgan & Morgan, we have over 35 years of experience and over 55,000 five-star reviews of happy clients.

Now, consider the attorney’s resources—this can dictate their capacity to help you. Larger firms may have more resources, while smaller firms might offer more personalized attention. As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, Morgan & Morgan has unmatched resources to help our clients, and with offices in every state across the country, we can offer localized and personalized care, remaining available to answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.

Lastly, you'll want to get an initial consultation with the lawyer to determine if they’re a good fit for your specific case. Morgan & Morgan offers free, no-obligation case evaluations to learn about your legal options.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we have decades of experience handling car accident cases, including those involving rental vehicles. Our team of dedicated attorneys understands the complexities of rental car accidents and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Rental car accidents can be complicated, but understanding your rights and responsibilities can make the process less daunting. 

Whether you’re driving a rental car, hit by one, or dealing with insurance claims, taking the right steps can help protect your interests. And if you need legal assistance, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. Don’t navigate this stressful situation alone—let our experienced attorneys guide you every step of the way.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.