How to Get a Fair Auto Accident Settlement in a Rental Car

Before you go anywhere in a rental car, you will need to be properly covered by insurance, so you can get a fair auto accident settlement if the worst does happen, and you are involved in a collision with another car when you are driving. In order to get the best from your car insurance in this event, you have to check you are authorized to drive a car other than that which is named on your policy. Failing to do this will result in your getting nothing in the event of an accident, and you may even be charged with driving without proper insurance, which is an offense. There are a few ways in which you can ensure you get a good deal in the event of an accident, even in a rental car.

Step 1 - Check Your Policy

Before you sign your insurance policy, and make it a legal document, check that it has all the coverage you will need for driving. Driving someone else's car relies upon them to be insured (usually called third party insurance). Though this is more complicated where a rental car is involved, as you will be taking the car out of their control and using it as if it were your own. If you are not happy with the terms of the policy, refuse to sign it, and ask for a chance in the terms before you agree.

Step 2 - Check Your Rental Agreement

When you are at the car rental desk, read the agreement before you sign it. Somewhere in your rental agreement, there will be a Conditional Damage Waiver. This means any damage to the car while it is under your control is your responsibility, but the companies have a certain power to waive your obligation to cover any repairs. You will probably be charged a fee for this waiver, and both the amount of the fee, and the percentage of obligation you are relieved of, will be determined by the individual company.

Step 3 - Making a Claim

If you are unlucky enough to have a rental car accident, then you will need to contact both companies to ensure all of the repair costs are paid by both sides. If your policy allows for a larger rental car insurance settlement, then you may also be able to put in claims for any medical treatment you received. Though, most rental car firms will not cover this aspect to an accident involving their car.

Getting a Fair Settlement

The fairness of the settlement depends very much upon who was at fault when the accident happened. The other party's car will cover any costs if they are at fault, but if it is your responsibility, you may struggle to get a fair deal out of your insurance company. In a two-car accident involving a rental car, there are usually at least three insurance companies involved, so you may have to wait for your money for a while.