Posted on Thursday, February 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
Depending on the damage to your car after a crash, it might need to stay in the repair shop for several days or weeks. While renting a car can help you get to work and anywhere else you need to go, an extended rental can be expensive. This raises an obvious question: Who pays for the rental car after a car accident?
The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs wants you to have all the information you need regarding rental car coverage after an accident. In this blog, our Washington State car accident lawyers explain everything you need to know and how to avoid paying for a rental yourself. Read on to learn more.
Does the At-Fault Driver Pay for a Rental Car?
If you have compelling evidence to support your claim, the other driver’s insurance will likely cover your rental. You can include your rental costs in your losses when you file a claim against the other driver. So, even if you or your insurance initially paid for the rental, you can get that money back from the other driver. However, the other driver’s insurance won’t pay for a rental if they dispute your claim. A car accident lawyer can help you with your claim and pursue compensation for your rental car expenses.
Will My Insurance Cover the Rental Car?
The answer to this question depends on your insurance policy. If you have rental car coverage in your policy, your insurer will likely cover the cost. Unfortunately, many insurance companies only cover the first week or so. If you need a rental for an extended period, you might have to pay out of pocket for some of that time. This situation is more likely if your car is a total loss, and you need a new vehicle. You can include your out-of-pocket rental costs in an insurance claim against the other driver.
What If I Want to Rent a Luxury Car After an Accident?
Some people opt for a luxury rental after a crash, as it offers a chance to enjoy a nicer car without long-term financial commitments. While there’s nothing stopping you from renting a luxury vehicle, don’t count on your insurance to pay for it. Even if your insurance policy includes rental car coverage, it likely will only cover the cost of a basic rental. If that’s the case, you’ll have to pay for the difference between a standard vehicle and a luxury rental out of your own pocket. And if your insurance does not cover rental cars, you must cover the entire cost yourself. But who pays for rental car after car accident?
What If the Other Driver or Their Insurance Disputes My Claim?
Insurance companies don’t want to pay any more than they have to after an accident. If they think they can avoid paying your claim, they’ll dispute it. A disputed claim could lead to you having to pay for your rental car, not to mention the other expenses related to a crash.
I’m Too Young to Rent a Car. Can I Still Get a Rental After a Crash?
That depends on your age, your insurance company, and the company you want to rent from. In many cases, insurers and rental companies will make exceptions for drivers who are too young to normally rent a car or charge additional fees for people under a particular age. However, don’t assume that you’ll be able to get a rental in your situation. Review your policy and consult an attorney if you’re in this situation.
How Can We Help
At the Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs, we understand how crucial it is to have reliable transportation after a crash. We’re here to make sure you don’t have to handle this situation alone. Here’s how we can help:
- Explain Your Rights: We’ll review your insurance policy and make sure you understand your rights after an accident so you know about all your options.
- Deal with Insurance Companies: We handle the tough talks with insurance companies on your behalf to see that they cover the costs of your rental car, if that coverage is included in your policy (and we’ll pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer if it is not).
- Gather Necessary Evidence: We collect all the evidence needed to support your need for a rental car, taking the burden off your shoulders.
- Negotiate Terms: We’ll negotiate on your behalf for the best terms for your rental car.
- Help You Avoid Out-of-Pocket Costs: With our team on your side, you can often avoid paying out-of-pocket for a rental car, saving you money when you need it most.
Let us take the wheel on this issue so you can focus on what’s most important: your recovery. Call the Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs today at (253) 588-6696 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
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