Ending up in an accident while you’re driving a rental car is the last thing you need on your vacation — but it happens.
Here’s what you need to know about rental car accidents in order to protect yourself:
1. Check with your insurance company before you rent.
You’ll be offered supplemental insurance from the rental company. If you only have liability on your own car, you probably want the supplemental policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy may cover any damage to the rental car from accidents.
Play it safe. Call your own insurance company before you rent so that you know what coverage you’ll have. If an accident happens, you’ll be relieved that you don’t have this issue to be concerned about.
2. Worry about your safety first and everything else second.
If anyone is hurt in the accident, call an ambulance before you do anything else. Then call the police.
If possible, try to move the vehicle out of traffic to someplace safe. Stick to the main street, however, where you are in full view of others — especially since you are in an unfamiliar area. You don’t want to become a crime victim in addition to being an accident victim.
3. Follow the normal post-accident procedures.
Once you’re in a position where you can safely handle the situation, treat the situation like any other car accident:
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the damage to both cars and anything that might be relevant to the accident, including stop signs, traffic conditions, weather conditions, debris in the road and skid marks.
- Do not say anything that the other driver could use as an admission of guilt for the accident.
4. Notify all the appropriate parties.
Call the rental company and report the accident. Generally, the rental company will handle towing the car, if necessary, and help you find a replacement vehicle.
Call your own insurance company and report the accident as well. If the other driver is at fault for the accident, make sure that you give your insurance that information.
Keep in mind that no one involved in the accident is necessarily looking out for your best interests. If you’re hurt, a Florida car accident attorney can help you understand your ability to make a claim and protect your rights.