Finding yourself in a car accident can be jarring. Your vehicle may be damaged or undrivable, leaving you stranded without transportation. Getting a rental car quickly is often essential so you can resume your regular routine. Don’t let the chaos of a crash keep you off the road. Use these tips to smooth the process of securing a rental car.
Assess The Damage
The first step is to assess the damage to your vehicle. Is it drivable or will it need to be towed? If the vehicle is operable, you may be able to continue using it until repairs can be made. However, if the damage makes the car undrivable, then you’ll need alternate transportation immediately. With over 12 million car accidents occurring in the United States in 2019 alone, resulting in millions of injuries, having a plan for getting a rental car is crucial.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident right away. The company will walk through the claims process with you and can help arrange for a rental car. Most insurance policies include rental car coverage for a certain timeframe, such as 30 days. Your claims adjuster can provide details on your rental coverage.
Make sure to ask how to go about getting the rental car and if you need to pay any fees upfront. Some insurance companies work directly with rental car agencies to transfer coverage. In other cases, you may need to pay out of pocket and submit receipts for reimbursement.
Consider A Rental Car Agreement
If you don’t have rental coverage through your insurance, you may want to consider a rental car agreement from the rental company. This provides insurance coverage for the rental vehicle in case you get in an accident. Rental car agreements range in cost but can provide peace of mind.
Research Rental Car Companies
You’ll want to research rental car companies and compare prices. Since there are currently 3362 rental car companies to choose from you’ll need to narrow it down. Look for a company that has a convenient location with flexibility to pick-up and drop-off the vehicle. National chains like Enterprise, Hertz and Avis are common options. But you can also check with local companies which may offer lower rates.
Book The Rental Car
Once you’ve selected a rental car provider, book the vehicle. Be sure to ask:
- If they have a vehicle available for the timeframe you need it. You may need to check multiple locations for availability.
- What documents and payment they require at pick-up. You’ll likely need a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a credit or debit card.
- If you can pick up and return the vehicle after hours. This adds flexibility if the rental location has limited hours.
Getting Back On The Road
Getting in an accident and dealing with a damaged vehicle is never ideal. But securing a rental car quickly can help restore normalcy after a crash. Work closely with your insurance and rental car provider to make the arrangements. Before you know it, you’ll be back on the road!
Consult A Car Accident Attorney
If injuries were involved, hire a car accident attorney. With approximately 2 million people suffering permanent injuries from car crashes annually, having legal guidance is important if you need to file an injury claim. An attorney can advise you on the best actions to take and represent your interests. Their guidance can make a big difference in your case’s outcome. An attorney may also assist with rental car arrangements if needed. Don’t hesitate to seek legal expertise after a crash.
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