Who Pays for My Damaged Rental Car After an Accident?
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | February 20, 2025 | Car Accidents
Were you involved in a car accident in California while driving a rental car? If so, one of the questions you must address is who pays for a rental car after an accident. The answer depends on several factors, including fault for the accident and insurance coverage.
Who Pays for My Rental Car After an Accident in California?
Car accidents can cause significant property damage. A minor car crash could result in thousands of dollars in damage to a vehicle. Moderate to severe collisions can total a vehicle. Fault generally determines who pays for the damage to a rental car after an accident.
California is a fault-based state for car accident claims. The driver who caused the accident is usually responsible for the economic and non-economic damages caused by the crash, including property damage. Therefore, you can file a claim with the other driver’s liability insurance company for the property damage to the rental car.
However, proving fault can be challenging. The insurance company may dispute fault and deny your claim. If so, you may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover the damage to the rental vehicle.
Until you recover compensation for a property damage claim, you are responsible for the damage to the rental car. Therefore, you may need to pursue other options to pay for the damage to a rental car after an accident in California.
Does Insurance Pay for Damage to a Rental Car After an Accident in California?
You may have multiple options for insurance coverage after a rental car accident. Options to pay for damage to a rental car include:
Personal Insurance Coverage
Your personal automobile insurance coverage might cover damage to a rental car after an accident. You can check with your insurance agent or a car accident attorney if you cannot determine from your policy whether your insurance coverage extends to a vehicle you rent. Typically, coverage will extend to a rental car unless there is an exclusion in the policy that denies rental car coverage or limits the coverage.
Insurance Purchased From the Rental Car Company
When you rent a vehicle, the car rental company will likely offer a Loss Damage Waiver or Collision Damage Waiver. The waiver is an additional cost but provides coverage for damage to the vehicle during your rental period. Depending on the terms of the agreement you purchase, the rental car company waives or reduces your liability for damages to the rental car.
If your personal car insurance does not extend to rental cars, you might want to consider rental car insurance. However, these waivers have restrictions and exclusions. Therefore, read the entire agreement to ensure you understand what is and is not covered by a Collision Damage Waiver.
Credit Card Coverage
Some credit card companies include protection for damage to a rental vehicle when you use the credit card to pay the rental fee. As with other sources of coverage for rental car damage, your credit card company may have exclusions and restrictions. Read the terms carefully before relying on your credit card company to protect you in case of a rental car accident.
Paying a Deductible for Insurance Coverage After a Rental Car Accident
Even though you may have insurance or other coverage for damage to a rental vehicle, you may be required to pay a deductible. Deductibles may total thousands of dollars.
When reviewing your insurance policy and other agreements, pay attention to the language about deductibles. If you cannot afford to pay the deductible, you might talk with the company about a payment plan or consider a personal loan to avoid collection actions by the car rental company.
Tips to Protect Yourself in Case of a Rental Car Accident
The steps you take after a rental car accident can reduce your liability for property damage and other claims. Steps to take after an accident involving a rental car include:
- Carefully review the Rental Car Agreement before signing. Never assume anything about the agreement. If there is something you do not understand, ask for clarification.
- Before leaving the rental car lot, examine the vehicle. Take photographs of any dents, dings, scratches, or other damage.
- Research insurance coverage to ensure you understand the coverage available and whether you need to purchase additional coverage to protect yourself.
- Document the accident scene by taking photographs and videos of the vehicles and the accident scene.
- Ask eyewitnesses for the names and contact details.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries.
- Do not admit fault for the car accident. Tell the police what happened without making assumptions about who caused the crash.
A California rental car accident lawyer can help you take additional steps to protect your rights after an accident. Rental car accidents can be extremely complicated. You may have to deal with multiple insurance companies, the rental car company, and other parties. An experienced lawyer on your side gives you a significant advantage.
Learn More About Car Accident Claims in California
Accidents in a rental car can be challenging to settle. Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our California car accident lawyers. We handle all types of car accident claims to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact the Car Accidents Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032
We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000
