Damage a Rental Car? What to Do After a Car Accident Involving a Rental Car

All car accidents are stressful, but if you are in a rental vehicle and get in an accident, the situation may become even more overwhelming. Many drivers don't know who is responsible for damages when they get into a car accident in a rental car. Is it their own liability coverage? Is it the at-fault party? Is the rental company's car insurance company responsible? Understanding this is essential for protecting health, safety, and legal rights. 

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Call for Help After an Accident in a Rental Car

The first thing to do is to ensure everyone involved in the accident is safe. All drivers and passengers should check themselves for injuries and call 911 if medical assistance is necessary. Every damaged vehicle should also be moved out of traffic, if possible. 

Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement - You Need an Accident Report

Even if damage seems minor, it's still important to contact police. If you're driving a rental car and someone hits you, you will want to have a police report. This is an official account of the accident, and it includes a description of the scene, the names of everyone involved, witness statements, and sometimes even an opinion about who may be at fault. 

As any claim moves through, this report will be a valuable piece of documentation. Without it, there can be disputes and liability in a rental car accident may be very difficult to determine. 

Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene - Note the Rental Car Damage

It's also important to get as much information as possible following an accident in a rental car. Do the following: 

• Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident location, weather conditions, and visible injuries

• Collect contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information from all parties involved

• Get witness names and phone numbers

• Write down the make, model, and license plate of all vehicles

Evidence is especially important in rental car accidents because multiple insurance companies may be involved in determining coverage.

Step 4: Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s) - Including Insurance Coverage

When handling an accident in a rental car, it's important to exchange contact information with all drivers involved. However, if you have rented a car, you should share that this is a rental car. 

It's also important to even admit fault, don't apologize for anything, and don't speculate. Law enforcement, insurance adjusters, and attorneys will determine fault. They can also help with what to do after a car accident caused by bad weather.

Step 5: Notify the Rental Car Company - Car Rental Companies Must Be Informed

When you first sign paperwork at a rental agency, you sign contracts that state you must report an accident quickly. Most rental car agencies have an emergency number you can call. You may need to search the vehicle after an accident for the number, or it might be in your paperwork. 

The rental company will explain what to do next. They might explain the rental coverage you have, direct you to a repair shop, arrange for a replacement vehicle, or open a claim for loss or damage to the car. If you don't do this, you could be breaking the rental contract. 

Step 6: Contact the Insurance Company to File a Claim

Once you notify the rental car company, you should contact your own insurance company. You don't usually need special rental insurance or other types of extra insurance. Most car insurance companies extend coverage to include a rental. However, the amount of coverage depends on the policy. Some possible coverages include:

• Liability insurance: Covers injuries or property damage caused to others.

• Collision coverage: Pays for damage to the rental car itself.

• Reimbursement coverage 

• Comprehensive coverage: May apply if weather, theft, or other non-collision factors caused the damage.

If the driver purchased additional rental car insurance at the counter, that policy may supplement or replace personal insurance coverage.

Step 7: Review Credit Card Protections - Some Offer Coverage if You Damage a Rental Car 

If you have a credit card that you used for the rental, it might cover your rental in the case of an accident. Some credit cards provide rental car coverage as a perk, particularly for collision damage. However, this coverage usually applies only if the rental was paid for with the card and the driver declined the rental company’s insurance.

Credit card coverage is often secondary, meaning it only applies after your personal auto insurance has been used. However, if your card includes rental car coverage, you need to file a claim there, too. 

Step 8: Seek Medical Care Quickly

Health and safety are also important following a rental car accident. Even if injuries are minor, you should get checked out. This way, the injuries are linked to the accident. Many times, an insurance provider will try to manipulate things so they don't have to pay as much. 

Step 9: Understand Liability in Rental Car Accidents 

Liability in rental car accidents can be complex. Several parties may be involved:

• The rental car driver: If negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, caused the accident, that driver may be held liable.

• Another motorist: If another driver caused the collision, their insurance may be responsible.

• The rental company: While less common, the rental company could be liable if the vehicle was improperly maintained or unsafe.

Determining liability requires careful review of accident reports, insurance policies, and rental agreements. Oftentimes, there are other things involved, too. For instance, if you signed a collision damage waiver, you may have to take financial responsibility.

Step 10: Avoid These Common Mistakes When Renting a Vehicle and Getting Into an Accident

After a rental car accident, many drivers make errors that create financial or legal complications:

• Not reporting the accident to the rental company right away

• Assuming personal insurance will cover all damages without checking the policy

• Accepting responsibility at the scene before an investigation is complete

• Ignoring medical symptoms or delaying treatment

• Posting accident details on social media

Avoiding these mistakes helps protect both financial interests and legal rights.

Step 11: Consider Legal Representation

Because multiple insurance policies may overlap, and because rental companies often try to recover costs aggressively, legal guidance can be especially valuable in these cases.

A personal injury attorney in Des Moines can:

• Review rental agreements and insurance coverage

• Negotiate with insurance adjusters and the rental company

• Pursue claims against at-fault drivers

• Ensure victims receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Local legal representation is particularly important for Iowa drivers and visitors alike, since state laws can affect claims and liability. For more information, hire an accident attorney in Des Moines.

Hire a Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving rental cars can create confusion, but knowing the right steps can prevent costly mistakes. By prioritizing safety, contacting law enforcement, gathering evidence, notifying the rental company and insurers, and seeking medical care, drivers protect their health and financial well-being.

Because liability in rental car accidents can be complicated, legal representation is often the best way to ensure fair treatment. Tom Fowler Law in Des Moines provides the experience and support needed to handle these cases, giving clients peace of mind while they focus on recovery. Call now for a free consultation.