What Happens if I Crash a Rental Car in Florida?

Rental cars are common in Florida. They are convenient for tourists, visitors, and residents who need temporary vehicles. Unfortunately, rental car accidents happen. Therefore, knowing what to do if a crash occurs in a rental car in Florida is essential.

Steps to Take Immediately Following a Rental Car Accident in Florida

The moments after a car crash are confusing. When you are driving a rental car, additional questions may be on your mind. You may think, “Who is liable for the damage to the rental car?” or “Will insurance cover damages for a rental car accident claim?”

Knowing what to do after a rental car accident can help you protect your rights. Steps to take after a crash in a rental car include:

• Check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical services for anyone who could be injured. Florida law requires drivers to report car accidents to the police if the crash results in injury, death, or property damage over $500.
• Exchange information with the other drivers. If the police respond to the accident scene, they generally collect the information for the crash report.
• Gather evidence at the accident scene. Take photographs and make a video of the vehicles and the accident scene. Ask witnesses for their contact information.
• Seek medical attention for your injuries. It is best to be examined by a doctor as soon as possible after a car wreck. You may have injuries you are not aware of until hours or days after the crash. Medical records help prove the accident caused your injuries.
• Report the rental car accident. Explain the situation to the rental car agency and your insurance company.

It is also wise to contact a Florida car accident lawyer. Rental car accident cases are complicated personal injury claims. One or more parties may be liable for damages.

Furthermore, insurance and personal injury laws can be confusing, especially when a rental car is involved in a head-on crash or other accident. An attorney’s advice and guidance can help you recover the compensation you deserve and defend you against contributory fault allegations.

Insurance Options for Rental Cars

There could be an overlap in insurance coverage for rental cars involved in head-on crashes and other collisions. Your personal car insurance policy may cover some damages for a rental car accident. Some credit card companies offer insurance coverage if you use the car to rent a vehicle. Additionally, car rental agencies offer several insurance options you can purchase when renting a vehicle.

The different types of insurance coverage that could apply in a rental car accident include:

• Liability insurance coverage compensates accident victims when a covered driver causes an accident. Drivers may have personal liability car insurance that might apply, and they may purchase additional liability insurance from the rental agency.
• Collision damage waiver (a/k/a car rental insurance) pays for damages to the rental vehicle because of accidents, theft, or vandalism. You can pay for CDW when renting the vehicle. A deductible might apply if you are involved in an accident.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required in Florida because it is a no-fault state. An accident victim’s PIP coverage pays for a portion of their medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault for the crash.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from head-on crashes or other accidents. It could cover a rental car if you add rental coverage to the policy when you purchase it.
• Personal effects coverage pays for the loss of personal property and is available from the car rental agency.
• Personal accident insurance is another type of insurance offered by the rental car company to pay medical bills for the driver and passengers in a rental car accident.

Insurance coverage for a rental car accident can be confusing. A clause in the policy’s fine print could result in no coverage for the accident. Experienced Florida rental car accident lawyers understand the complex nature of these policies. An attorney can review each insurance policy to determine which policies apply in your case.

Who Is Liable for Damages Caused by Rental Car Accidents in Florida?

Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents. Therefore, minor injuries are covered by PIP insurance. However, an at-fault driver could be liable for your economic and non-economic damages if your injuries exceed the serious injury threshold.

Other parties could also be liable for damages caused by rental car accidents. The rental car company could be liable if its negligence led to the accident, or the car manufacturer could be responsible for defective car parts.

If you need help proving who is liable for a rental car accident, talk with a Florida car accident lawyer and learn about your legal options during a free consultation.