Being on vacation and meeting with an accident is something bad that could ever happen. By driving a rental car and going through unfamiliar roads, chances of a car accident are possible. Handling an accident in a rental car is similar to what happens in your vehicle. Apart from the car rental agreement, rental car insurance comes up with more complexities that you should be aware of.
What to Consider in a Rental Car Accident?
● Check all are safe
Before moving to anything else, check all are safe. Lookout at the surroundings and other vehicles too. Move the vehicle to the side with the help of others and call an ambulance for any serious issues and try to clear the area if there is any case of the explosion.
● Give your personal information
Once you have seen that everything is safe, now it is time to exchange the insurance and contact information with the other person involved in the accident. Information like name, address, phone number, email address, insurance company, policy number, license number, vehicle registration, and license plate of your vehicle is to be exchanged. Witness contact information is also essential. Be polite while conveying your statements about the accident. Also, it is always better to talk with the other party involved in the accident after the police arrive. Don't allow the other party to know that you are driving a rental a car. This is because they may take advantage of you and put the entire blame for the accident on you.
● Make use of notes and pictures to document the accident
Always collect the information and necessary documents related to the accident. Take photos and notes about the incident. Gather the year and model of the car rental, the location of the collision, and how the accident happened should also be included in the document.
● Talk to your car rental company
If it is a monthly car rental or long-term car rental, contact them on the emergency number and tell them about the accident. They will provide you with an incident report. Fill them up and look for the next procedures.
● Talk to the insurance company
To establish the damage claim, talk to your insurance company about the rental car accident. Ask them whether they will take care of the accident with the police or should you carry it. Ensure whether there is any collision coverage in the policy. Find the necessary deductible from your side as you hire car .
● Check out who is responsible for paying
Know what your insurance company might cover, claim covers, and what the lease car Company covers. If you have booked the rental car through a credit card and if it has rental car coverage, they may pay the damages in the event of the accident. If you are not the one responsible for the accident, the insurance company will take the issue and get your amount reimbursed