How Do I Get a Rental Car After My Car Accident?

After being involved in a car accident, there could be so many thoughts running through your head. one of the most common questions that our clients ask us is: Could I get a rental car after a car accident? If your car was severely damaged, you may not have access to your vehicle for months after an accident. Your property damage could range from simple repairs to having the entire vehicle being replaced.

After an accident, you may have several different types of medical appointments that you will need to visit, especially if you are returning back to work. The good news is that there are several different ways you could get a rental vehicle after being involved in an accident. In certain circumstances, you are all so able to get compensated for the amount you are paying to drive the rental vehicle. If the accident was caused by another negligent party, you have the right to get compensated by the negligent party and hold them responsible.

What Is A Rental Car?

A rental car is a car that you could rent out while the car you were driving during the accident is being repaired or replaced. In the majority of cases, the at-fault party’s insurance company or your own insurance company will cover the cost of the rental car while your car is being repaired or replaced.

Do Rental Car Companies Have Restrictions?

Yes, rental car companies in Los Angeles may have a variety of restrictions, requirements, and policies that you should know before renting a car. Keep in mind that there are other types of restrictions that may not be listed here:

  1. Age restrictions: Most rental car companies may require that vehicle renters be at least 21 years old. Other companies may also have an additional fee for renters under the age of 25. Check on the age requirement on the website, or call the office prior to visiting the rental car company.
  2. Driver’s license requirements: You will need a valid driver’s license to rent a car. Some rental car companies may also require you have a driver’s license for that specific state. Other companies may run a credit check under your name.
  3. Insurance requirements: Rental car companies usually require that you have valid (and not expired) car insurance, either through your own policy or through the rental car company’s insurance. If you don’t have insurance, the rental car company may offer insurance for an additional fee. Make sure you understand what the insurance covers prior to purchasing the company’s car insurance.
  4. Mileage restrictions: Rental car companies may limit the number of miles you can drive the car. If you exceed the mileage limit, you may be charged an additional fee for each mile.
  5. Fuel policies: Rental car companies may require you to return the car with a full tank of gas. If you don’t, you may be charged an additional fee.

It’s important to read the rental agreement carefully before renting a car to understand the terms and conditions, including any fees or restrictions.

How Do I Get A Rental Car After A Car Accident?

  1. Check Your Insurance Policy.
    It is required that all drivers in California have car insurance. the majority of car insurance policies have rental vehicle car coverage, which allows you to rent out a vehicle in the event of a car accident. Your car insurance will compensate you for the certain number of days that you rented out the vehicle. The payment could be a lump sum, or could be calculated based on the daily rates of your specific vehicle. To determine if you have coverage for rental cars after an accident, contact your insurance agent.

  2. Contact the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
    If the accident was caused by another negligent party (bus driver, car driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist), you may be able to get a rental car by filing a claim through the other party’s insurance company. Usually, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy may include rental car coverage. But, sometimes it is very difficult to get a hold of the other party’s car insurance company, especially because the other car insurance company may try to deny liability involved in the accident. Instead, they may blame other parties for causing the accident.

  3. Rent a Car Yourself
    If you do not have rental car coverage through your insurance policy and the other driver’s insurance company has not agreed to provide you a rental car, you may need to rent a car yourself. There are many car rental companies in Los Angeles, and you can typically rent a car for a daily, weekly, or monthly rate. At first, you may have to pay for your rental vehicle out of pocket. You could later get this compensated and reimbursed after filing an accident against the negligent party.

  4. Use a Credit Card Rental Car Benefit
    Some credit card companies have rental car benefits. One of the most common benefits included for high-end credit cards are rental car coverage. with this benefits, you are able to get a rental vehicle without having to pay for any costs out of pocket. Contact your credit card company to see if this policy is included with your benefits.

  5. Use a Ride Share Program
    Uber and Lyft can be a convenient way to get around if you do not have access to a rental car. These companies offer ridesharing services that can be cheaper than renting a car, and they are often available on short notice.

There are several different steps you could take to get around after a car accident. But, the most important is to note that the compensation will depend on the party at fault. You most likely will have to pay for all of your out-of-pocket expenses if you were responsible for causing the accident. But, if the other party was responsible for causing the accident, then they will essentially be held responsible and will have to compensate you through their insurance, or through a lawsuit.

Car Accident Attorneys

It could get very tricky when renting a car after an accident. Give our car accident attorneys a call today to discuss the different types of options you may have, and what the best way for you to move forward may be.

Our car accident attorneys at Megeredchian law are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the car accident you were involved in. Keep in mind that these benefits are not just for car accidents, but are available to other victims who have been involved in motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, taxi cab accidents, bus accidents, train accidents, Metro accidents. the accident does not necessarily have to be an Auto v Auto collision.

How Much Do Our Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

Our attorneys work through a contingency fee agreement, and will only get a proceed of the compensation when we win a settlement or a judgment in your favor. We want to make sure that all our clients feel comfortable hiring us as an attorney before we begin the process. That is why we offer free no risk consultations to any of our potential future clients.

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