No one ever wants to have a car accident, but having a wreck in a rental car is even worse. You may not know who is responsible for the damages between your regular liability auto insurance, any protections you have through the credit card you booked with, and any extra insurance you purchased at the time of the car rental. In many instances, some insurance coverage will cover the accident. However, there are some situations where you may be personally liable.
Navigating the maze of insurance companies can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you do not have to do it alone. A lawyer who handles rental car accidents in Phoenix, AZ, can help you get the coverage and compensation that you deserve. Reach out to the Phillips Law Group today to speak with a dedicated local advocate.
There are three ways to have rental car insurance coverage — purchase a separate policy, have coverage through a regular insurance policy, or have coverage through your credit card. Liability coverage only covers damages to the other person’s vehicle. It does not provide coverage for the person’s own car — or, in a rental car situation, for the rental car. That can leave Phoenix renters personally responsible for any damages to a rental car if they are at fault in a wreck.
Before assuming that they are personally responsible for damages, a renter needs to examine all of their insurance policies. Many insurance policies, especially comprehensive or full coverage policies, may have options to cover damages to rental cars. In addition, some credit card companies offer automatic coverage for damages to rental vehicles. Our attorneys could look for all potential sources of coverage.
The most straightforward option is supplemental insurance policies that rental companies offer at the time of the rental. For an additional fee, they provide coverage for damages to the rental car in the event of an accident. The terms and conditions of these policies vary, but they can provide an additional layer of protection for renters.
If the renter was not at fault in the accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover damages to the rental car. Of course, this assumes the at-fault driver has insurance and their company acts in good faith. Sometimes, a renter’s insurance company may subrogate the loss. This means the insurer may pay the rental car company for damages and then seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.
Not all policies have a subrogation clause, and some insurers may make these decisions on a case-by-case basis. A lawyer handling Phoenix rental car accidents can help negotiate with the insurance companies and the rental company.
Our team could help hold the other driver responsible for the renter’s expenses. Those expenses may include the cost of repairs or replacement for the rental car, which will satisfy the obligation to the rental company. In addition, it should cover traditional damages that injured motorists can get after a car wreck — medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.
There are some similarities between dealing with a car accident in one’s own vehicle and a rental vehicle. However, there are enough differences to make the process much more complex. An Arizona rental car accident attorney could help establish a case by gathering the necessary evidence. This often includes:
In addition to evidence gathering, our team could handle communication and negotiation with insurance companies.
When you get in a wreck while driving a rental car, paying for damages to that car may become a priority. However, it is a mistake to focus solely on those costs. You still need to get money to cover your expenses. An attorney who handles rental car accidents in Phoenix, AZ, could guide you through the process. Schedule a consultation to find out more from a local legal team who has been serving the community for over 30 years.
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