Posted on Thursday, June 4th, 2020 at 3:49 am
A Sacramento traffic accident can be inconvenient and frustrating, even if you walk away with no injuries. At the very least, you must deal with car repairs. Car repairs can be expensive and time-consuming. Being without a car can cause a significant disruption in daily life for you and your family.
Who Pays for the Rental Car After a Sacramento Traffic Accident?
If the other driver caused the car accident, that driver’s insurance provider should pay for a rental car. In most cases, California liability car insurance coverage pays for vehicle repairs and a rental car when the insured driver was at fault. However, the insurance company must accept liability for the accident. When an insurance company refuses to accept liability for a Sacramento traffic accident, it will not pay to repair your vehicle or pay for a rental vehicle. You may need to file a claim under your insurance policy to have your vehicle repaired. Whether your insurance company pays for a rental vehicle depends on the coverage you have at the time of the crash. Your insurance company may then pursue a claim against the driver for reimbursement for the cost of repairs to your vehicle and the rental car, if it believes that the other driver caused the accident. Your insurance company may wait until you settle the claim and then seek reimbursement from you for the cost of repairs and car rental fees.
How Long Can I Keep a Rental Car?
In most cases, you are entitled to keep the rental car for as long as it takes to repair your vehicle after a Sacramento traffic accident. When your vehicle is repaired, you must return the rental car. If not, you are responsible for any additional rental car fees.
Should I Purchase Rental Car Insurance?
You are responsible for damage to the rental car even when an insurance company is paying the car rental charges. The rental car agency is likely to try to convince you that you need to purchase rental car insurance. Whether you need insurance depends on your car insurance coverage. Contact your insurance agent before picking up the rental car. Your insurance coverage may cover accidents in a rental car. However, make sure that you discuss what is covered and what is not covered by your insurance policy for a rental car. Also, also about deductibles that might apply.
Can I Choose Any Type of Vehicle to Rent?
Most car insurance companies provide a rental car that is comparable to your vehicle. Therefore, if you drive a minivan, it is unlikely that the insurance provider pays to rent a sports car. On the other hand, if you need a particular type of vehicle because you or your family members have special needs, the insurance company should cover that charge.
Contact a Sacramento Traffic Accident Attorney for Help
If you are fighting an insurance company for fair compensation for a traffic accident, we can help. Our legal team handles all aspects of your case from the accident investigation through negotiations for settlement or a trial. Contact The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our Sacramento traffic accident attorneys.
