Despite having some of Canada’s safest roads, Ontario had 23,689 car accidents in 2020. Driving in a rented car can be a terrifying experience if there is an unexpected accident. Physical damage to your rental car is possible, as are physical injuries to you. This is why it’s critical to plan for the unexpected before renting a car. Car rental insurance can protect you from the cost of an accident.
What to Do After a Rental Car Accident
Your agreement with a car rental company has its own complexities. If you rent a car and unfortunately get involved in a minor damage or an accident, here is what you should do:
Access the Situation
Make sure everyone at the accident scene is okay, and if not, contact the paramedics as quickly as possible to save those lives. Be prompt and analytical when seeking medical attention after a crash, because those doctors will help you when claiming damages from the insurance company.
Exchange Contact Information
If another driver is involved, or at fault, swap contact and insurance information. Obtain the response officer’s badge information as well as the accident issue numbers. It is common for other drivers to blame you after learning you are driving a rental car. Keeping this in mind, avoid mentioning that you are driving a rented car, as this information is superfluous. If there are no other drivers involved in the accident, seek assistance from bystanders and other witnesses.
Take clear pictures and possibly a video of the accident
When filing an insurance claim or seeking other damages following a rental car accident, detailed information is critical. Take several photos and possibly a clear video of the accident scene. Noting the make, model, and color of the vehicles involved in the accident can also help you prove your case.
4. Contact your rental car company
Layers of paperwork accompany rental cars. It is critical to contact your rental car company immediately following a collision so that they can provide you with any necessary documentation. Use the emergency phone number listed on the car rental agreement. The car rental company will advise you on what to do.
5. Call Your Insurance Provider
Rental cars are typically covered by most auto insurance companies. In order to receive compensation, you must notify your insurance company of the incident. A call to their help desk will help you determine whether your policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Give them all of the information they request while remaining as clear and consistent as possible. Insurance companies value timely claims with accurate information. If you have credit card insurance, you must be more punctual.
Establish the Party Responsible for Paying Your Claim
Collision, comprehensive coverage, and liability insurance extend to damages on rental cars. If your policy does not include the aforementioned, you need a collision waiver from your rental car company. Otherwise, auto insurance is a must for every driver unless you want to foot the expenses directly from your pocket.
Pay Attention to the Deductibles
You must pay a certain percentage of the loss. This payment is made to the rental company to cover car repairs. In contrast, your insurance company will assist you with reimbursement.
What Not to do After a Rental Car Accident
Many drivers are aware of what to do in the event of a rental car accident. However, not everyone understands that doing the wrong thing can revoke many privileges and leave you with a hole in your pocket. Avoid doing any of the following after a damage to a rental car:
1. Flee the accident scene. Hit and run drivers are everywhere, but you do not want to be one. Whether you are at fault or not, fleeing from an accident scene can put you on a financial and legal hook. Whether you have valid rental car coverage or not, you may end up paying for the damage out of pocket.
2. Stay composed and assume innocence. It will be difficult to win a claim if you panic and start telling everyone that you are to blame for the accident when you may not be. Avoid accepting responsibility for the accident, no matter how terrified you are, or if you are being pressured by others involved. A declaration like this can be recorded and used against you in court. Also, refrain from discussing the accident with anyone who inquires; you may reveal information that will work against you.
3. Do not overlook minor injuries. A minor injury could have serious consequences. Most of the time, minor accident injuries result in serious health risks. After the accident, go to the hospital for an evaluation to rule out any internal injuries.
4. If possible, do not contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company without involving your lawyer. An accident attorney can assist you in navigating the maze of insurance claims. They will prepare the best statement to present to the other driver’s insurance company and may even negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Does Crashing a Rental Car Affect Your Insurance Coverage?
Dangerous driving is risky, and risky drivers pay more for auto insurance. Every time you are involved in a crash, you become a higher risk in the eyes of an insurer. A rental car accident can raise your insurance rates, especially if you are at fault. On average, most insurance companies raise your rates by up to 43%.
You must understand primary and secondary coverage in order to better understand rental car insurance. When you file a claim, primary coverage kicks in, while secondary coverage protects you from expenses and costs that primary coverage does not cover. The success of secondary coverage is dependent on a properly filed primary claim. Go for secondary coverage to get your deductibles refunded.
What Happens When you Have Coverage?
Auto insurance policies cover car rentals, but insurance companies are skilled at due diligence. Before approving any compensation, they will check your coverage limits and deductibles. The financial protection you receive from collisions and other liabilities is determined by your coverage.
Some credit cards will provide rental car insurance. However, this only works if you pay the car rental company with the card. Your best options are liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance policies, which help cover damages without affecting your liquidity.
What Happens When You Are Not Covered?
You are liable for the rental car’s damages if you do not have rental car accident coverage. In this case, you will have to pay for the repairs, medication, and personal injuries out of your own pocket. The car rental company will try to reach an agreement with the other driver’s insurance company for reimbursement if they are at fault.
In Ontario, it is illegal to drive a rented car without insurance. As a result, before renting a car, try to obtain coverage. Once you have your driver’s license in Ontario, you can purchase automobile insurance from a rental car agency or use a premium credit card that includes all the relevant coverage.
Relevant Insurance Policies in The Event of a Rental Car Crash
Below are the types of insurance policies available on rental cars;
- Liability coverage
- Personal accident insurance
- Loss damage waiver
- Cover for your personal items
What to Do Before You Rent a Car
The checklist below will give you easy rides on rental cars;
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Make Sure You Have Your Paperwork Right
Rental car agencies will need your driving license to initiate an arrangement. Forgetting yours at home will stall the agreement process.
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Check the Car Exteriors and Interiors for Damages
Point out any prior dents before driving the rental car.
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Familiarize Yourself With the Car
Get to understand the car model by adjusting the seat and steering wheel to match your preferences. Make sure you are aware of the type of fuel your rented model uses.
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Stay on the Road and be Cautious about Where you Park.
Do not take your rented car on rocky safaris as this may give it unavoidable dents.
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Make Sure You Have Valid Insurance Coverage
Even if you are confident in your driving abilities, the insurance coverage will come in handy in the event of an accident. If you want to venture into the world of car rentals, work with a reputable insurance company to ensure complete coverage.
Looking for An Insurance Company to Cover Your Rental Car? City Car & Truck Rental Have a Solution
Driving a rental car is comfortable and welcoming when you have insurance coverage. However, it can be a source of pain if you don’t have the right coverage. City Car & Trucks Rental Company has partnerships with various insurance companies to ensure that you are fully covered while driving your new rental car. Visit our fleet vehicles to explore the available fleet and get in touch for help with insurance coverage.
