Rental cars are everywhere on the road, used by vacationers exploring new destinations and business travelers on tight schedules. With so many rental vehicles in circulation, accidents involving them aren’t uncommon.
These accidents often come with added complications, including multiple layers of insurance coverage, rental company policies, and potential disputes over who should pay.
Whether you’re driving a rental car yourself or are hit by someone else driving one, understanding your rights is essential for protecting yourself and getting compensation to cover your losses. For legal counsel, contact our skilled car accident attorney in Washington DC for a free consultation today.
Understanding Rental Car Insurance Layers
When a rental car is involved in an accident, figuring out which insurance applies can be incredibly confusing. There are often several potential sources of coverage, and they may overlap or conflict depending on the details. Knowing how each option works can help you understand who might pay for damages or injuries.
Driver’s Personal Auto Insurance
If the person driving the rental owns a car and has their own auto insurance, their policy may extend to rentals. This often covers liability for injuries or damage to other vehicles, but the details vary by policy.
Rental Company’s Liability Coverage
Rental companies must carry basic liability insurance to meet minimum legal requirements. This coverage helps pay for injuries or property damage caused to others if the rental driver is at fault. However, the limits can be very low, sometimes just enough to comply with state law, so it’s rarely enough for a serious crash.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
SLI is an optional policy renters can buy at the counter or when booking. It gives higher liability coverage limits than the basic package included with the rental. This extra layer can be helpful in accidents with significant injuries or damage, but it only applies if the renter actually purchased it before the crash.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Also called a Loss Damage Waiver, CDW is not technically insurance, but rather a contractual agreement that the rental company will cover repair or replacement costs for the rental vehicle itself if it’s damaged or stolen.
Credit Card Benefits
In some cases, credit cards give rental car protection if they are used to book and pay for the vehicle. This coverage may be secondary, meaning it only kicks in after other insurance is used. In many cases, it covers damage to the rental car but doesn’t pay for injuries or damage to other vehicles.
Because several types of insurance may apply at the same time, figuring out which one pays and in what order can be complicated, making it essential to speak with a Washington DC personal injury lawyer right away.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Rental Car Accident
Accidents involving rental cars can be incredibly complicated. Here’s how a lawyer can help you protect your rights and make sure no source of compensation is overlooked.
Finding All Available Coverage
A rental car accident attorney can sort through every possible policy that might apply to your case. That includes the driver’s personal insurance, rental company coverage, add-on policies, and any benefits from your own insurer. By identifying every option, they can help ensure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Rental car claims can involve multiple adjusters from different companies. Each one may try to avoid paying by pointing fingers at the others. A lawyer takes over these conversations so you don’t get caught in the middle, and so you can avoid making statements that might weaken your claim.
Building Your Case with Evidence
Strong claims require evidence of what happened and who’s responsible. Your lawyer can gather accident reports, witness statements, photos, expert opinions, and financial records showing the impact of the crash on your life. This evidence is what gives your claim leverage in negotiations or in court.
Taking Your Case to Court
If settlement offers aren’t enough, an attorney can take your case to court. By knowing the process and fighting for your interests, they help ensure you’re not pressured into accepting less than what your losses are worth. If you tragically lost a loved one in a car accident in Washington DC, contact our wrongful death attorney in Washington DC to discuss your case today.
If you’ve been involved in a rental accident and need help getting what you’re entitled to, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident injury lawyer.