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The unpleasant reality about car accidents is that making it through a collision unscathed or with minor injuries is only the beginning. In the days after the accident, you'll have to deal with your insurance company, navigate repairs, and confront the reality of life without your vehicle. Depending on the extent of damage to your car and your insurance company's reimbursement process, you may be without your vehicle for days or weeks. Here's what you need to know to make sure you have access to transportation while your auto body repair is being completed.
Disability and Car Crashes
If the accident was not your fault, the other driver's insurance will pay
In some instances, the facts of an accident are clear at the outset. The police may have been on site and made a determination in your favor. The other driver may have simply accepted responsibility for causing the collision. The insurance company may have reviewed the preliminary report and decided to save money and administrative hassle by acknowledging their driver's fault in the crash.
In this case, the other driver's car insurance typically pays 100% of the costs associated with a rental car. Coverage will be in place until your car repairs are completed, or you've been reimbursed for a vehicle that was totaled. A scenario like this is the simplest to navigate.
If fault is unclear, check your own policy for rental car coverage
Another strategy for covering the cost of a rental car is to review your own insurance policy for rental car coverage. The best time to check for this is during your annual policy review; the cost is typically minor and ensures that no matter the context of an accident, you'll have coverage.
If an accident has occurred and you're at fault, utilizing your own rental coverage may be your best option. For situations where fault is unclear and insurance companies are investigating before making a determination, having this rider on your policy is a lifesaver. Your insurance company will cover the cost. If the other driver is at fault, your insurance company will go after the other driver's insurance company for reimbursement.
You might have to pay out of pocket
If who is at fault is not clear in an accident and you don't carry rental insurance coverage, you may have to cover rental car expenses out of pocket. Should the other driver later be determined to be at fault, his or her insurance will reimburse you. Before resorting to this, there are a few avenues that you can consider.
Contact your insurance broker and ask them to pressure the insurance company for a decision. If a crash was serious or you were injured, speak to a lawyer. Involving legal representation may speed up the process and get you rental coverage. Finally, talk to auto body repair shops about rental programs they offer. Some partner with local car rental agencies to obtain a discount for customers. Others have on-site loaners they'll lend to customers while repairs are completed.
Don't assume that you'll be stuck without a vehicle while your car is repaired. Dealing with the aftermath of a crash is upsetting enough, without having to figure out how you're getting to work or transporting the kids to school. Take the time to understand whether either driver's insurance policy will cover a rental vehicle. If not, work with your auto body shop to look for discounts or partner programs that can save you significant money while you're renting.
Benjamin Smith loves to write information that is helpful to readers. For excellent collision repair in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, he recommends Dent Master .
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