Whether you’ve been in a rental vehicle and involved in an accident or been affected by a negligent driver inside of a rental vehicle, you may need legal assistance from a car accident attorney in Phoenix. Unfortunately, claims involving rental vehicles can become challenging, particularly when dealing with insurance carriers you may not be familiar with.
Who Pays After a Rental Vehicle Accident?
One of the first questions people ask after a rental car accident is: Who pays for the damages? Determining liability and understanding which insurance policy will cover the costs can be confusing, especially when multiple policies are in place.
In Arizona, if you are driving a rental vehicle and an accident occurs, several layers of insurance may come into play, including:
- Your personal auto insurance. If you have an auto insurance policy of your own, it may provide coverage for damages to the rental car, as well as liability for any injuries or damages to others involved in the accident. This coverage depends on the terms of your policy, so it is important to review your coverage before renting a vehicle.
- The rental car company’s insurance. Rental car companies typically offer optional insurance coverage when you rent the vehicle. This can include a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW), which can cover damage to the rental vehicle, and supplemental liability insurance (SLI), which can protect you from claims made by others involved for their injuries or property damage. If you opted for this coverage, it may step in to cover the costs of the accident.
- Credit card insurance. Some credit card companies provide rental vehicle insurance as a perk for cardholders. This coverage is usually secondary, meaning it will only kick in after your personal auto insurance or the rental car company’s insurance has been exhausted.
- The other driver’s insurance. If another driver was at-fault for the collision involving the rental, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses and property damage. However, if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may need to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if available) to recover compensation.
Each of these insurance policies can have limitations and exclusions, so it is essential to understand what coverage applies in your case. If you are unsure about which policy to rely on after a rental car accident, consulting with an attorney can help clarify the situation.
Do You Need to Report a Rental Vehicle Accident Claim in Phoenix?
Arizona law requires that all vehicle accidents resulting in injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage be reported to the police. In the case of a rental car accident, you must report the incident both to the authorities and to the rental car company as soon as possible.
The rental car company may require specific documentation, including a police report and details of the accident, to process any claims related to the damage to the vehicle. Failing to report the accident to the rental car company could lead to complications in recovering damages, or you could even be held liable for the entire cost of the rental car’s repairs.
Additionally, your personal insurance company and any other insurance providers involved, such as the credit card company or rental car insurer, will need to be notified. Understanding the specific reporting requirements for each policy is important to ensure that your claim is processed smoothly.
Contact an Arizona Car Accident Attorney Today
If you have been involved in a rental car accident, navigating the insurance and legal process can be challenging. At Sargon Law Group, our experienced Phoenix injury attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us by filling out our contact form or calling (623) 552-2571 for a free consultation.