If you have had a car accident in Georgia, you likely require some kind of repairs, but then you are left without a vehicle until you can get your car back. Rental cars can be expensive, and in the days following an accident, the insurance company responsible for paying may still be undecided, leaving you to figure out how to pay for the rental.
If you have questions or concerns about who pays for a rental car after an accident, you can speak with our Kennesaw car accident lawyer at Piedmont Injury Law. You can reach personal injury attorneys 24 hours a day by phone.
Does insurance pay for a rental car after an accident?
Yes, insurance is responsible for paying for a rental car following an accident if the policy includes that coverage. Following a car accident in Georgia, insurance providers should pay any expenses related to the crash, including a rental car.
The insurance company may pay the rental costs upfront if it quickly accepts liability, or you may need to submit the invoices for reimbursement when you negotiate the final settlement amount.
Whose insurance company will pay for a rental car after an accident?
Determining the responsible party following a Kennesaw or Georgia car accident can sometimes be complex. Georgia observes a tort system regarding insurance liability, meaning the policy covering the at-fault individual is responsible for paying for the rental car after an accident.
While this process ensures that innocent drivers are not penalized for the negligent behavior of others, it does sometimes extend the time required to receive insurance benefits. If the insurance company accepts liability for the accident without delay, you can contact the company and request that they make arrangements for your rental car.
Some rental car agencies may still request you provide a credit card to keep on file. However, this is not always the case. You may find yourself pushed to pay the upfront costs.
How do I get insurance to pay for my rental car?
Following an accident, each driver should notify their insurance company that the accident happened. Once the at-fault driver does this, you can contact their insurance provider to arrange the rental. They may have a specific company they work with, or they may give you the rates they will cover, and you connect them to the rental agency of your choice when you set up your rental. This specific process will vary depending on the insurance company.
What if insurance does not accept responsibility for the accident when I need a rental car?
When you need the car sooner than insurance is willing to pay for it, you have a couple of options. The first is to pay for the upfront costs, keeping your records to present as damages for your final settlement agreement. Most policies only cover rentals for vehicles similar to the damaged one, so itโs inadvisable to select a more expensive car while yours is repaired. Many providers have daily and per-accident limits, so you should rent something within those limits for the best chance at full reimbursement.
Your second option is to contact your insurance company. If you have rental assistance, you can take advantage of that benefit to resolve things quickly. If you have concerns about how to pay for your rental car due to insurance delays, take the time to contact a Piedmont Injury Law attorney who can help you expedite the process.
Can I do anything to make a quick payout for my rental car more likely?
Unfortunately, much about your claim is at the mercy of the legal process. However, a couple of things you can do after a car crash may offer support for a quick claim. First, avoid apologizing or admitting any kind of fault to the other driver or to the insurance company representative. This may provide grounds for insurance to delay or deny your claim.
Second, dial 911 to call the police to the scene so they can document what happened. They will often write a citation to the at-fault driver, and while this does not necessarily determine insurance liability, it will often sway the decision.
Contact a Kennesaw car accident lawyer today
If you have specific questions or concerns about your car accident, you may benefit from our legal support. Navigating a car accident can be frustrating and stressful if insurance is not holding up its end, but we can help.
Contact us online or by calling (678) 909-0770 today for a free case consultation to discuss your needs and learn how we can provide the appropriate legal support.