If you have been in an accident, you know that one of your most pressing concerns, after medical treatment, is replacing or repairing your vehicle if the insurance company deems it totaled. Most people use their vehicles every day, whether it be to run errands, go to work, or in case there is an emergency. Fortunately, there are options for you, including obtaining a rental car after a car accident.
After Your Car Accident, Where Can You File a Claim for a Car Rental?
There are multiple options for obtaining a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, or while you wait for a settlement to be negotiated with the insurance company. The options are:
- Negligent driver’s insurance company – Part of the compensation that the negligent driver is responsible for paying you, you are entitled to your car rental fees while you vehicle is being repaired or replaced. Their insurance company would pay the cost as part of your settlement.
- Your insurance company – You are not required to purchase car rental insurance under Rhode Island law. As is the case in most states, rental car companies in Rhode Island provide the minimum state-required liability insurance coverage as a part of their basic contract. However, you can file a claim for your car rental costs, whether the negligent driver had insurance that would pay them or not.
Pros and Cons of Filing a Car Rental Claim with the Negligent Driver’s Insurance Company or Your Own
You will need to decide which insurance company to file a car rental claim with. The pros and cons of each that you should consider include:
- Your claim with your own insurance may be processed quicker, giving you a car to use sooner.
- If the at fault driver admits fault, then the negligent driver’s insurance company will cover it. There is no fixed limit of days for coverage like your own policy.
- The negligent driver’s insurance company will thoroughly investigate the accident before authorizing a rental car. This could leave you without a car for a week or more while this process is completed.
How Long Can You Rent a Vehicle?
Generally, you are entitled to keep your rental vehicle for the duration of time your vehicle is being repaired or until it is replaced.
Knowing What to Do After a Car Accident Injury Can Seem Difficult at First.
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about what to do after a car accident in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making sure you take the proper steps to get the treatment and compensation you deserve.
We make the process of filing a car accident claim in Providence, RI as easy as possible, by walking you through straightforward step by step process.
Step 1 is meeting with one of our experienced car accident attorneys at a convenient time and location.
Step 2 is sharing information about your accident with us, and if necessary, let us refer you to the best doctors we know who have treated accident victims like you who have been in similar situations.
Step 3 is allowing our office to perform an investigation on your case that can include photographs, interviews, obtaining police reports and more. We will speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier so you don’t have to.
When all is said and done, we will negotiate the best possible resolution to your car accident case. If you are not satisfied with the resolution offered to you, we can negotiate further or go to trial for you. Contact us today.
