Who Pays for a Rental Car After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a car crash, you might need a rental car to get around. But who pays for the replacement vehicle, and how do you get a rental car? Here’s how the process works in Texas.
Who Pays for a Car Rental After an Accident?
It all depends on who caused the crash.
Texas is known as an “at fault” state. This means that if someone causes an accident, they’re responsible for paying for the resulting damage.
- In Texas, you must be able to prove that you can pay for any damage you cause. For most people, this means they need auto liability insurance.
- You must have at least $25,000 of cover for property damage. But if it’s a significant crash, this might not be enough to cover all the damage.
How do you go about securing a rental car, though? You have two options. You can file a claim with your own insurer or the other party’s insurance provider.
Does My Insurance Pay for a Rental Car After an Accident?
Your insurer might pay for a rental car if:
- You have rental car coverage on your policy.
- You can prove that you’re not at fault for the crash.
Unfortunately, many people think that insurance companies pay for rental cars automatically. This is not the case. Unless you have rental car coverage, your policy may not cover the cost. You should check your policy to confirm your coverage level.
Will the Other Driver’s Insurance Pay for My Rental Car?
If the other driver is to blame, then yes – their insurer should cover the costs. However, there are a few issues to be aware of.
- You need to prove the other driver caused the crash. Proving liability is not always easy. You’ll need evidence such as a crash report and photographs to make your claim.
- Even if the insurer accepts liability, the claim could take days, weeks, or even longer to settle. This is, most likely, too long for you to wait for a car.
Although you can claim through the at-fault party’s insurance, it’s not a simple process. It’s often easier to contact your own insurer first – but you should always seek legal advice before filing any claim.
Can You Add Rental Car Insurance After an Accident?
You’re always free to upgrade or change your insurance policy. This includes adding rental car cover. However, the coverage won’t extend to the accident in question.
In other words, insurers will not retrospectively cover the crash. Your rental car coverage will only apply to future incidents.
How to Get a Rental Car After an Accident
If you need a rental car after a crash, here’s what to do.
- Contact your insurance company. Stick to the facts – don’t imply fault, even if you’re worried that you’re partially responsible for the crash.
- Gather evidence to support your claim. This might include repair estimates, photographs, and a crash report.
- Call the Alexander Law Firm. If we take your case, we’ll cover your rental car costs while your claim is ongoing.
Claiming for a rental car can be stressful. Our accident attorneys make the process simple. You can focus on recovering from the crash – we’ll handle the paperwork for you.
What if I Need a Rental Car Right Away?
If you need a car right away, you have two choices:
- Pay for the car out of your own pocket and claim back the cost.
- Contact the Alexander Law Firm. We will immediately get to work on your case – which includes getting you a rental car.
It’s not convenient to wait days or weeks for a rental car. We will do everything possible to speed up the process and get you back on the road.
How Long Can I Keep a Rental Car?
It varies. Your insurer will usually approve a rental car based on the predicted repair timeframe. For example, if repairs will take a week, the insurer will approve a rental car for a week.
What happens if you need a car for longer? Your insurer will try to limit what they pay for. Call our accident attorneys to discuss your rental coverage rights.
What if My Car Is Totaled?
Sometimes, insurers will declare your car “totaled”. This means they won’t cover the costs of a rental car. Instead, they’ll try to offer you a fair market value for your vehicle.
The sum offered might not be a true reflection of what your car’s worth. Insurers are notorious for trying to settle claims quickly – don’t settle without getting legal help first.
Let the Alexander Law Firm Cover Your Rental Car Expenses
Do you need a rental car after an accident? We can help.
If our attorneys take your case, we’ll pay for your rental car while the claim is processed. Get the help you deserve after a car crash in Texas. Schedule a free consultation with us today!