Call us!  (912) 461-6798
Call us!  (912) 461-6798

If you weren’t at fault for a car accident that damaged or totaled your car, the at-fault party’s insurance company will be responsible for paying for a reasonable replacement rental car while yours is being repaired.

However, it’s not uncommon for their insurer to be difficult to work with, including delaying making such payments. If you’re unable to locate the at-fault driver or if you caused the accident, your insurance company will pay for the rental car if you have rental car coverage in your policy.

who pays for rental car after accident

If you feel that you’re being mistreated by an insurance company, Athens car accident lawyer Mike Rafi might be able to help you because he has considerable experience working with insurance companies and forcing them to do the right thing, including paying full and fair compensation.

Mike is ready to put his skill and knowledge to work for you—use his online contact form or call (706) 995-7547 to schedule your free case evaluation.

In the meantime, here’s some helpful information regarding rental cars and insurance coverage following an accident.  

Comprehensive and collision car insurance coverage

If your car was damaged by a cause that falls under comprehensive coverage, such as a tree fell on it during a heavy wind storm, then you’re responsible for the costs of a rental car unless you have rental car coverage in your auto policy. This coverage is optional, but it could save you money if your car is out of commission due to an accident.

If your car was damaged in an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurer will be responsible for paying for a comparable rental car. Some rental car companies will send the bills directly to the insurer, however, some won’t. If you need a rental car right away and have rental car coverage in your policy, you can choose to use your coverage while the claim is pending, and your insurer will seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

What to do when liability is disputed

It’s not uncommon for the other party’s insurance company to dispute liability, even if it’s crystal clear in your mind that they were at fault. When liability is disputed but you need your car repaired right away and you need a rental car in the meantime, you can use your insurance coverage and they will seek reimbursement after liability has been established. 

Even if you think there’s no way that the other side can claim you caused the accident, they will. It’s always best to hire an Athens car accident lawyer immediately after your accident because the insurance company might delay payments or might downright refuse to pay your claim, but they’re less likely to play games if you have an experienced attorney on your side. 

How credit cards can cover rental expenses

Even if an insurance company is paying for the rental car, rental car companies will require that you provide them with a credit or debit card before they give you a vehicle for a security or damage deposit which will be refunded when the car is returned. This is going to be frustrating because it’s money out of your pocket and you weren’t to blame for the accident, but it’s required as a level of security for their car. 

Seeking reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier if out-of-pocket expenses occur

If you pay any out-of-pocket costs that are related to your accident, the at-fault insurer will reimburse you for those expenses when they issue your settlement or as part of your award if the case goes to trial. The insurer is much more likely to push back on your reimbursement requests and try to invalidate them if you don’t have competent representation.

Talk to Mike Rafi for More Information

You don’t deserve to deal with the hassle and expense of paying for a rental car out of your own pocket if you weren’t at fault in the first place. Athens car accident lawyer Mike Rafi will do everything he can to bring your case to a speedy and fair conclusion. Don’t wait–contact Mike online or call (706) 995-7547 to schedule your free consultation today.

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