Accidents are situations that most people would rather avoid than to experience. Unfortunately, many motorists will get into at least one accident during their lifetime. As a matter of fact, the insurance industry expects everyone who drives will experience at least one accident every 17.9 years.
Honestly, it is a rare thing for a motorist to never experience some type of collision in their vehicle. Keep in mind that many collisions are classified as minor “fender benders”. In other words, they are only simple accidents where both vehicles receive minor damage.
After drivers exchange information and/or talk to the police; they can usually drive their vehicles away from the scene. However, there are some accidents where at least one car is totaled or receives heavy damage. In situations such as these, drivers will have their cars towed to a repair shop. If a driver does not have a second form of transportation to use, they will have a hard time getting around.
Thankfully, many insurance companies offer rental car coverage for their clients. According to Enterprise rental car company, a driver’s insurance might contain a clause that will allow them to get a rental car while their vehicle is being repaired. In some situations, the clause will provide rental coverage for motorists whose vehicle has been completely totaled until they can get a new form of transportation.
When a motorist has to figure out who pays for the rental coverage after an accident has been caused, the best way to answer this question is to determine who is at fault. Findlaw is an online legal service company. The company states that if a driver causes an accident, they will be legally required to pay for a rental car for the driver who is not at fault.
If another driver strikes a policy holder’s vehicle, then the other driver will usually be held responsible for paying for rental coverage. However, it will depend on the type of insurance that the other driver will have on their policy. Keep in mind that some drivers, do not have any type of coverage for their vehicle.
When a driver is at fault in an accident, insurance companies will begin to settle claims on their behalf. The insurance company of the at fault motorist is usually required to pay for things such as rental car coverage. They are also required to pay for rental car coverage when a driver must search for a new vehicle because of the accident.
Insurance companies are going to do everything in their power not to extend rental car coverage to the victim of an accident. Remember, their job is to pay out as little as possible for policies, even though their policy holders are clearly at fault. A motorist will have to press the issue when they talk to the claims adjuster about rental car coverage. In some cases, they will probably have to get an accident lawyer to get this benefit.
There will be some situations where an at fault motorist does not have any insurance coverage. In situations such as these, the victim of an accident will be required to use their own policy for coverage. They can then hire an accident lawyer to go after the guilty party to receive compensation. Ultimately, the person who caused an accident will be required to provide the cost of rental car coverage and other damages when they are at fault.
