Who Pays for My Rental Car After a Car Accident in Georgia?

If your vehicle isn’t drivable after an accident, you may need a rental car. But who will pay for it? Under Georgia law, the insurance company of the driver at fault for the accident is responsible for covering the accident victim’s rental car. Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for denying claims and fighting payouts, so having a skilled attorney on your side is critical to asserting your rights and getting back on the road.

How Do I Get a Rental Car After a Georgia Car Accident?

Have you been in a car accident? Here’s how you can start the process of getting a rental car:

Contact Your Insurance Company

After any car accident, regardless of who is at fault, you should report the crash to your insurance company. By reporting the accident early, you can ensure you do not accidentally waive any insurance coverage you may have under your policy. Give your company the other driver’s name and insurance information along with the very basics of the accident so your company can start its investigation. But be careful not to say something by mistake that might suggest you were at fault.

Document the Damage to Your Vehicle

Photograph your vehicle’s collision damage and itemize any personal property that was damaged or lost in the accident. Your insurance company will likely tell you to take your vehicle to a repair shop for an estimate.

Consult an Experienced Georgia Car Accident Attorney

A lawyer can help you with all aspects of your car accident claim, including reviewing your car insurance policy to determine whether you have rental car coverage and if the other driver’s insurance company may be responsible for paying your rental car costs. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of the crash to determine who is at fault and responsible for paying for your rental car.

Select a Rental Car

Choose a vehicle that fits your needs and meets the coverage limits. Generally, insurance will pay for a car of comparable make and model as the one it’s temporarily replacing. Save any related paperwork, including the rental agreement, for your claim. Contact our Athens car accident lawyer for a free case review today.

What Happens If the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Won’t Pay for the Rental Car?

If the other driver was at fault for causing the accident, their insurance company should pay for the cost of your rental car. Unfortunately, the company might try to save itself the expense by denying your claim or arguing that their policyholder was not to blame. If this happens, you may still have options for getting the rental car you need.

Georgia law does not require its residents to carry car rental insurance. Instead, it’s an optional benefit you may purchase in addition to your legally required liability policy. If you have car rental insurance, you can file a claim with your provider to use that coverage when the other driver’s insurance company will not pay for your rental car. Your insurance company will likely pursue reimbursement from the at-fault driver for the money they had to pay under your policy.

What If the Other Driver Had No Insurance?

If the at-fault driver did not have insurance at the time of the collision, you and your attorney should review your insurance policy to determine whether you have rental car insurance. If you are involved in an uninsured motorist accident, your rental car coverage may be available to pay your rental car costs. Review your policy with your attorney to determine the maximum coverage amount available for your car rental. You will want to coordinate with the repair shop to ensure your vehicle can be repaired within the timeframe you have coverage. Otherwise, you may have to pay for your rental car expenses out of pocket.

How Do I Know If My Insurance Policy Covers a Rental Car?

Insurance policies can be confusing to read and interpret. Your car accident attorney can review your policy to determine whether it covers the cost of a rental car. They will take the time to explain the relevant parts of your policy. A lawyer can also handle all communication and negotiations with your insurance company concerning rental car coverage.

What Type of Rental Vehicle Can I Get After the Accident?

Car insurance companies provide specific guidelines and requirements for car rental insurance coverage. Your attorney will review the applicable insurance policy and advise you on the maximum the company will pay and whether the insurance company has a business relationship with any rental car companies that could offer you a better rate. That way, you comply with the terms of your policy and should not have to pay anything out of pocket for your rental car.

How Long Can I Keep My Rental Car?

Car rental provisions in insurance policies typically specify how long you can keep your rental car. Rental car insurance usually covers the time necessary to repair your vehicle up to a specific number of days. However, if the repair is delayed for parts or the repair shop needs more time to complete the repairs, your attorney can try to negotiate additional covered rental days with the insurance company.

Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

At R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, we understand how a car accident can put an emotional and financial strain on you and your family. If you were injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, we want to help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve and the rental car you may need. We know the strategies insurance companies use to minimize your settlement and how to beat those tactics so you demand your maximum payout.

Contact us today to speak to an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer. Your initial consultation is always free, so there is no risk to you. Call us today to get started with your case.