Whether you’re going on a roadtrip or you need a car to drive while your vehicle is in the shop, there will almost certainly come a time when you need to get a rental car. When you rent a car, the company you’re working with will have you sign a contract outlining the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. In most cases, the contract outlines the types of damage you may be liable for, should you get into an accident or misuse your rental vehicle. 

Before signing the rental agreement and driving your new ride off the lot, it’s important to read and understand the terms and conditions you are agreeing to abide by. Your contract might stipulate who is allowed to drive the vehicle, how it can be operated, and any actions that could void your coverage (such as driving the car on unpaved roads). If you are unfortunate enough to experience a wreck, reach out to a Geneva car accident lawyer with experience dealing with rental car collisions.

What Does Insurance Cover After a Rental Car Crash?

It can be very challenging to determine how insurance coverage applies after a rental car collision. In some cases, your personal auto insurance or coverage offered through the credit card you booked the vehicle with comes into play. However, you may have also signed a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) at the time of purchase, which limits or eliminates your financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle. CDWs typically do have some exclusions for misuse and negligence, so not all damage is sure to be covered. In certain situations, purchasing third-party rental insurance before you drive off the lot might offer you the most comprehensive protection in the event of an accident or damage to the rental car. 

Situations Where You Are Likely Liable

There are some instances where you are likely to be liable for damages to your rental vehicle. Damage caused by reckless driving or that occurs while you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs falls into this category. When negligence or illegal behavior causes damage, you are likely to be found partially or fully liable for ensuing damages. 

Allowing someone that is not on the rental contract to drive the car can also make you liable for damage that they cause. Keeping the car for longer than the agreement stipulates may make you liable for anything that occurs after the vehicle should have been returned. Refer back to your rental agreement and make sure you adhere to the terms of your contract carefully. Accidentally breaching the terms of the contract, such as by driving off road or taking the vehicle across state lines when not permitted to do so, may void any coverage. 

What to Do Immediately After an Accident or Damage

As soon as your rental car is involved in an accident or suffers other damage, you need to take action. Document the scene of the incident by taking photos and videos of the vehicles involved, location of any damage, and anything that may have contributed to the situation. Take down the contact information of any witnesses and the other drivers involved in the accident, if any. For a collision or other major damage, file a police report. You should notify the rental company about the incident right away, as any delay or omission on your part can increase your liability or void your coverage. 

Cooperate with the rental company’s claims department and involved insurance companies to get your claim processed. Be honest in your description of the accident, but do not overshare or accept immediate responsibility for the situation. It’s possible that factors outside of your control, such as a poorly-maintained road or mechanical defect, contributed or caused the accident. Getting into an accident in a leased or rented vehicle can be a headache to sort out, so don’t feel bad about seeking the advice of an auto accident attorney to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.

Disputing Liability or Unfair Charges

Some people go through an entire trip with no incidents, only to be surprised by a bill for alleged damages to the vehicle they rented after they turn it in. Should you be accused of damages you are certain did not happen while the rental car was under your car, there are ways to dispute your liability. Begin by getting a third-party estimate for the repairs you were billed for to compare with the rental company’s assessment. If the charges seem inflated or inaccurate, you can file a complaint with the relevant consumer protection agency or dispute the transaction with your credit card company. Seek legal advice if you are being billed for damages that did not occur under your watch.