Renting a car can be a convenient way to travel, but what happens if you’re in a car accident in a rental vehicle? Who pays for the damage? Will your personal insurance cover it, or will you be responsible for the costs?
Accidents involving rental cars can be more complicated than regular car accidents due to multiple insurance policies, rental agreements, and liability issues. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial to protecting yourself financially.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ What to do immediately after a rental car accident
✔ Who is responsible for damages and medical bills
✔ How rental car insurance works
✔ When you need a lawyer to help with your claim
If you’ve been in an accident involving a rental vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
📢 Get a Free Case Evaluation Here 📢
Step 1: What to Do Immediately After a Rental Car Accident
🚗 Whether you’re driving your own car or a rental, the steps to take immediately after an accident remain the same.
1. Check for Injuries & Call 911
🚨 If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately. Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away.
2. Report the Accident to the Police
✔ A police report helps establish fault and is necessary for insurance claims.
✔ Some rental companies require a police report before covering damages.
3. Document the Accident Scene
📸 Take clear photos of:
✔ Vehicle damage (both cars)
✔ License plates and rental car details
✔ The accident scene, including traffic signs/signals
4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
✔ Name and contact details
✔ Insurance provider and policy number
✔ Driver’s license and vehicle registration
🚨 TIP: Let the rental company know about the accident as soon as possible.
Step 2: Who Pays for Damages in a Rental Car Accident?
Figuring out who pays for what in a rental car accident depends on multiple factors, including:
✔ Who was at fault for the accident
✔ What type of insurance coverage you have
✔ Whether you purchased the rental company’s insurance
Here’s how coverage typically works:
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Who Pays? |
| Personal Auto Insurance | Covers damages if rental cars are included in your policy | Your personal insurance company |
| Rental Car Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver) | Covers damages to the rental vehicle | Rental company’s insurance (if purchased) |
| Credit Card Rental Coverage | Covers damage to the rental car but not injuries | Your credit card company (if it provides coverage) |
| At-Fault Driver’s Insurance | Pays for damages if the other driver was responsible | Other driver’s insurance |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) | Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers | Your personal auto policy (if included) |
🚨 IMPORTANT: If you declined the rental company’s insurance, you may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs if your personal policy doesn’t cover rental vehicles.
📢 Speak to a Lawyer About Your Rental Car Accident Claim 📢
Step 3: Understanding Rental Car Insurance
When renting a car, you are usually given several insurance options. Understanding what each covers is essential.
1. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
✔ Covers: Damage to the rental car (not medical expenses).
✔ Who Pays? If you purchased this from the rental company, they cover repairs.
✔ Exceptions: Most CDWs don’t cover reckless driving, driving under the influence, or off-road driving.
2. Liability Insurance
✔ Covers: Damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident.
✔ Who Pays? If you declined the rental company’s liability coverage, your personal auto insurance should cover it (if included).
✔ Limits: Some states require rental companies to provide minimum liability coverage by law.
🚨 TIP: If you don’t have liability coverage through your own policy, purchasing it from the rental company is a good idea.
3. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
✔ Covers: Medical expenses and accidental death benefits for the driver and passengers.
✔ Who Pays? If you opted in, the rental company’s policy covers injuries.
✔ Alternative: Your health insurance or personal auto policy may already cover medical expenses.
4. Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
✔ Covers: Additional liability protection beyond state minimums.
✔ Who Pays? If purchased, this protects you from lawsuits after an accident.
🚨 DID YOU KNOW? Many credit card companies offer rental car coverage—check your benefits before purchasing insurance.
📢 Find Out Who Pays for Your Rental Car Accident 📢
Step 4: When to Sue After a Rental Car Accident
If you were injured in an accident involving a rental vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for:
💰 Medical expenses
💰 Lost wages
💰 Pain and suffering
💰 Property damage
🚨 You may need to file a lawsuit if:
✔ The at-fault driver’s insurance refuses to pay
✔ The rental company denies coverage
✔ The accident caused severe injuries or long-term damage
📢 Speak to an Attorney About Your Case 📢
Step 5: What If You Were Hit by Someone Driving a Rental Car?
If another driver in a rental car caused the accident:
✔ File a claim against their insurance (either personal or rental insurance).
✔ If they have no coverage, you may need to file under your Uninsured Motorist (UM) policy.
✔ If the rental company’s insurance applies, you can file a claim against them.
🚨 WARNING: Rental car accidents can involve multiple insurance companies—making claims more complicated.
📢 Get Legal Help to Maximize Your Compensation 📢
Final Thoughts: Protecting Yourself After a Rental Car Accident
Accidents involving rental vehicles can be complex, but knowing your rights can protect you from paying out-of-pocket.
🚗 Key Takeaways:
✔ Always report the accident to the rental company, police, and insurance provider.
✔ If you declined rental insurance, your personal auto policy or credit card may cover damages.
✔ If you were injured, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
📢 Get a Free Case Evaluation to Protect Your Rights 📢
“Car Accident in a Rental Vehicle”
