Articles, Car Accidents
Who Pays For My Rental Car After A Collision in Virginia?
Car accidents are stressful enough – And that’s before considering the added hassle of securing alternative modes of transportation while your vehicle undergoes repairs, and it’s an absolute headache.
That said, if the accident wasn’t caused by your negligence, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the costs of a rental car. In this blog post, we’ll outline who’s responsible for your rental car reimbursement after a collision in Virginia.
If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we are here to help. Sharif Gray has won millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
Understanding Your Insurance Options
Every car accident is different. As such, there are varying options available for rental car reimbursement, depending on the circumstances:
The Other Driver’s Liability
Suppose the other driver caused the accident. In that case, their insurance company is typically responsible for your rental car expenses. This principle flows from the idea that they should make you whole again after their negligence damaged your vehicle.
However, proving the other driver’s negligence will typically require the expertise of the best car accident lawyers in Virginia.
Your Auto Insurance Policy
Depending on your coverage and the circumstances of your accident, your own insurance company may offer rental reimbursement coverage as part of your auto insurance policy.
Be sure to check with your insurance agent about your coverage and its limits. There may be a maximum number of days or total cost your insurance provider will cover.
Credit Card Coverage
As a last resort, some credit cards offer rental car coverage as a perk. However, you should carefully review your card agreement for details and potential exclusions.
When The Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes make the claims process incredibly difficult, even when the other driver is clearly at fault. They may try to:
- Dispute who actually caused the accident, even when it’s clearly their clients fault
- Minimize your need for a rental car
- Delay payment or offer an unreasonable reimbursement rate
Don’t Let The Insurance Company Leave You Stranded
If you encounter resistance (which, in most cases, you will), you have a few options:
- Persistent Negotiation: Continue communication with the insurance adjuster, providing evidence of the repair timeline and the necessity of a rental car.
- File With Your Own Insurance: If you have rental reimbursement coverage, consider filing with your own insurer and letting them pursue the other driver’s insurance for reimbursement.
- Consult an Attorney: A Virginia personal injury attorney can handle all negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure you get fully compensated.
How Much Rental Car Reimbursement Can I Expect?
If you were not at fault in an accident, the other driver’s insurance company should generally cover your rental car reimbursement. This means getting a comparable rental vehicle (not a luxury upgrade) for a reasonable amount of time while your car is in the repair shop.
Be aware of these factors:
- Policy Limits: Your own policy’s rental reimbursement coverage might have a daily or total cost limit. Thus, you might have to pay a deductible.
- Additional Costs: Sometimes, additional costs (i.e., gas or rental fees) may also be covered. Check with the insurance company.
- Uninsured Motorists: If the other driver is uninsured, it gets even trickier. Consider your own policy’s uninsured motorist coverage or taking legal action.
- Disputes: Insurance companies might dispute the need for a rental or the rate. Be prepared to negotiate or seek the help of a personal injury attorney.
Example: Suppose your sedan is hit due to another driver’s negligence. In that case, their insurance should normally reimburse you for renting a similar vehicle while yours is being fixed. On the other hand, your own policy might have a limit like $50 per day for up to two weeks.
If you feel blocked, unable to get fair reimbursement, or face disputes, consult an attorney as soon as possible.
Navigating a Difficult Situation? RVA Trial Lawyers Can Help
Dealing with insurance claims, damaged property, and the disruption of your transportation routine after an accident is overwhelming – To say the least. At RVA Trial Lawyers, we understand how frustrating this process can be and seek to make it as easy as possible for you.
When you work with us, our experienced attorneys will:
- Determine who’s liable for your damages, including rental car reimbursement
- Fight aggressively with insurance companies for your fair compensation
- Ensure you receive a rental that suits your needs
- Work to recover other damages you may be entitled to, such as medical expenses or lost wages.
Don’t Pay Out Of Pocket When You’re Not at Fault
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of rental car fees. We’re regarded as one of the best personal injury lawyers in Richmond, Virginia for a reason, we get results.
Contact RVA Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve and help get your life back on track.
“We Get Justice For Injured People, and We Love What We Do”
We are not settlement lawyers. Sharif Gray has proven that he can and will get results in court, and the insurance companies know that. If you have suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we can help.
Sharif is committed to trying cases well. Because of that, he does not handle hundreds of cases at a time. He is selective in the cases he takes so he can get justice for the people he represents. In every case, he has three goals:
- Hold the responsible corporation or individual fully accountable.
- Make the community safer, so others are not also harmed.
- Compensation that recognizes the full and fair value of what was taken from your health and quality of life.
We love what we do, and we are proud of the positive impact we have had and will continue to have on the people we represent and the community we live in.
If we can be of help to you, please do not hesitate to call us at (804) 915-1611 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will get justice for you.
