Follow These Steps for Expedited Rental Car Reimbursement
With an A rating, Toronto is one of the best cities in Ontario for drivers. “Safe” does not, however, imply “accident-free.” In the year 2020, 5 drivers were involved in accidents that resulted in fatal injuries. A car accident may not injure the driver, but it will frequently impair the functionality of your vehicle. If your car is involved in an accident, you can get a rental car from your insurance company if your policy includes rental coverage (also known as loss of use). If you were not at fault in the accident, discuss your rental needs with the adjuster. They can advise if the claim covers a rental. You can also report non-collision damage to your auto insurance company. Continue reading to find out how.
What is Rental Car Reimbursement?
Rental car reimbursement is a rental coverage provided by insurance companies to assist car owners in providing transportation while their vehicle is being repaired as part of a covered insurance claim. The driver’s insurance company will cover these costs by providing the affected vehicle owner with a rental vehicle or transportation. If the other driver is at-fault, you will still go through your own insurance agent. The insurance companies of all drivers involved will discuss the accident and work things out behind the scenes, but all claims will be paid out by each driver’s own insurance company.
If your insurance company and a car rental company have a close relationship, it is best to get a rental car from that company to avoid upfront costs. A B2B agreement between a rental car company and an auto insurance company allows for direct billing for rental cars without charging the auto insurance policyholder any upfront fees.
How to Get Reimbursement from Your Own Insurance Company
In the event of an accident, you can file a claim with your insurance company for car repairs, rental car coverage, and reimbursement. The insurance company may send a loss adjuster to inspect the damage and determine whether you can get a rental car while your vehicle is undergoing repair.
According to insurance laws, you are entitled to a rental car that is compatible with your damaged vehicle. City Car & Truck Rental has a large fleet of cars from which to choose. Find out if they work with your insurance company to expedite the process.
Follow these steps to protect yourself and enjoy stress-free rental car claims;
1. Photograph any damage
In the event of an accident, photographic evidence strengthens your case. To avoid tampering with the evidence, videotaping or photographing the damage should be done as soon as possible.
2. Get the other driver’s insurance information
Your insurance company will need to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Being able to provide the other driver’s contact and insurance information directly to your insurance company can help speed up your claim resolution and the contact information will assist you in resolving any issues you may encounter while following up on the claim or repairs.
3. Get a police report
Contact the Toronto police department within 24 hours of a car accident. The police report is critical in determining the validity of your claim. They will examine the scene, the damage, your report, and photographic evidence to determine what caused the accident and who was to blame. (Even though Ontario has “no-fault” insurance, that only means you will deal only with your own insurance provider for all aspects of the claim and reparations. The insurance companies and the police will still decide which driver is at fault – or what percentage of the accident was caused by each driver. The “no-fault” insurance method helps Ontario insurers to simplify and speed up your claim payout by avoiding court cases, etc.).
4. Document how the accident occurred
Report the accident to the police and the insurance claim adjuster as accurately as possible. Make a note of it to avoid confusion and jeopardizing your rental coverage claim.
Rental Car Insurance for Non-Collision Damage
Your car can sustain damage without colliding with another vehicle or being hit by another driver. Your auto insurance policy will state whether or not you are covered. If you have comprehensive auto insurance and your car sustains non-collision damage, you can file a claim, check your coverage limit, and select a rental car from a trusted car rental company. If your claim is approved, you can travel without worry while your vehicle is being repaired.
Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage Limits
Always consider the insurance limits when looking for car rental reimbursement coverage. The coverage limits are determined by your insurance policy and the cost of renting a car. A typical coverage limit would be $30 or $50 per day for 30 days. However, higher coverage would mean higher premiums on your insurance policy.
Alternatives to Rental Car Reimbursement
If your insurance policy does not include rental reimbursement, you can try alternative solutions while your car is being repaired. Furthermore, selecting the alternatives below will help you keep your financial obligations low.
1. Public Transportation
You can cruise around the city by bus, trolley, or subway. Public transportation is relatively cheap in comparison to Uber and Lyft.
2. Pay for a Rental Car Out-of-Pocket
City Car & Truck rental company provides low-cost car rentals throughout Ontario. You can go directly to them; if necessary, they will help you obtain reimbursement from your insurance company.
Looking for a rental vehicle in Toronto? Call 1-888-777-9202 for Speedy Help
Offsetting the cost of your damaged car’s repairs can be costly. Rental car reimbursement coverage can help you avoid car repair costs and meet your daily transportation needs without stress. City Car & Truck Rental understands how a lack of transportation can paralyze you. Our car rental fleet has the most car models. We also collaborate with the Toronto Police Department and local insurance companies to make your car rental process as seamless as possible. To get started, dial 1-888-777-9202.