How to Get a Rental Car After an Accident

If you have just been involved in a car accident that left your car totaled or in need of repair, you may find yourself in need of a rental vehicle. Every situation is unique and the answer on how to obtain a rental car after your accident will depend on your specific situation. Here are several things to consider when renting a car after a crash.

Paying for the Rental Car

It is possible that your rental car may be covered by the insurance company. In this case, the insurance company will either reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses associated with the rental, or the insurance company will pay the rental car company directly.  If the insurance company will not cover the rental costs, you will have to pay out of pocket. You can then ask your car accident lawyer to make a claim for these out-of-pocket expenses.

What Kind of Rental Car Will I Get?

Depending on what is available, the rental car you receive may be smaller and a different make and model than the car you normally drive. Hopefully, the rental vehicle is comparable to your own car, but sometimes the rental company is limited in what it can rent because of limited insurance allowances.

Deposits

It is possible the rental car company will require a credit card number before they deliver the vehicle. This is typically done to ensure they don’t lose money if there should be any problems during while you are renting the vehicle. For example, if you return the car damaged, the rental company may hold on to some or all of your deposit.

Scheduling a Rental Car Pickup

If your car is drivable, but needs repairs, you may want to consider scheduling to pick up the rental when you drop your car off for repairs. This will keep you on the road, and you will not be left without a vehicle for any amount of time. If you cannot drive your car, you may need a rental as soon as possible. This may require some coordination between you and the rental car company.

Extending the Rental Car

Sometimes car repairs take longer than originally expected. When this happens, you may want to consider contacting the rental car company to let them know what is happening. If the rental vehicle is covered by insurance, the rental car company may work with the collision shop and the insurance company throughout the process.

Hurt In A Car? Call William Mattar.

At the William Mattar law offices, our car accident injury lawyers can help you after your car crash.  Contact our experienced car accident lawyers to file a claim now at 844-444-4444.