What To Do When You Have An Accident In A Rental Car
Most people enjoy traveling and being a tourist in unfamiliar places. It is common for tourists to rent a car when on vacation. A rental car is more convenient for exploring your vacation destination. Unfortunately, a car accident can even occur while you are on vacation. You should handle an accident in a rental car in the same manner as your own vehicle. However, it helps to follow proper procedure to avoid extra paperwork and to avoid confusion. Read on to find out what to do when you have an accident in a rental vehicle.
Contact A Lawyer
It helps to contact a tourist car accident attorney, such as Cok Kinzler PLLP. This attorney has experience with dealing with tourists, rental companies, insurance companies and drivers. He or she can tell you how to proceed. You will need help with filing claims, gathering documents and with filling out paperwork. It helps to have the support of an attorney when in an unknown city or country.
Call Your Rental Company
You want to call the car rental company as soon as possible. A sticker is usually located in your glove box with an emergency number for the company. Your rental company should tell you what to do after the accident. You should also inform your current auto insurance company about the accident.
What Happens When You Purchase Extra Insurance?
You have the option to buy extra insurance from your credit card company or from the rental company. If you do not get the extra coverage, then you will just have coverage from your regular auto insurance.
You should read the fine print and details when buying extra coverage. Accident claims are usually handled in a different way when getting this insurance. Some rental insurance policies provide complete coverage if the premiums are paid. With this policy, it would pay for the other driver's car and for the rental car damages when you are at fault. However, you may have to pay a deductible to your regular car insurance company depending on the limits of your extra coverage.
It is never fun to get in any type of vehicle accident. When an accident occurs, you want to make sure everyone is not hurt. It also helps for everyone to stay collected and calm. You do not want to make things difficult. Further delays prevent you from enjoying your vacation and from leaving on time to return home.
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