It can be very stressful to suffer damage to a car you rented. Without the right collision and liability insurance, you could find yourself in a financial crisis. There are many things to consider when settling damages to a rental car.
You will typically have insurance when you rent a vehicle. This could be through your car insurance policy or through your credit card. You should be aware of any limitations attached to your credit card’s rental car insurance policy. Some rental car insurance policies include comprehensive coverage but may have limits on how much or what they cover.
You must complete a series of steps to submit a claim. These actions are outlined in your policy. Although the process may vary depending on your insurance policy, it is generally the same:
1. You will need to contact the insurance company directly if your insurance is provided by your credit card company or rental car insurance agency.
2 Each company will provide a separate form for you to complete. The company will need the completed form along with all supporting documents. You can download and fill out some forms online for insurance companies.
3 In order to claim damages or loss to your rental car, the following information must be provided:
- The rental agreement must be accompanied by proof. (Submit a copy).
- Before renting a car, you must inspect the rental car. This includes the car rental company’s walk-around report to determine any damage or scratches.
- A copy of the police investigation
- After the car was returned to the rental agency, a copy of the damage inspection was taken.
- It will include a copy of the damage estimate or repair invoice from the rental agency. It will also include an itemized repair checklist
- Receipt for repairs
4. You will receive a mailing address to mail your claim in order to pursue your rental car damage claim.After the costs and damages are determined, the insurance company will cover the claim.
Repair charges may be in dispute. A claims adjustor can be sent by an insurance company to inspect the vehicle before it is repaired, or disposed off. A rental company is able to repair the car if you don’t have insurance.
You should be aware that you could incur additional expenses if your insurance does not cover you adequately. Some rental car agreements require that the renter reimburses the entire car’s value. Make sure to check your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. Some agreements may require immediate damages reimbursement, and they could immediately charge your credit card.
Other expenses may not be covered. These could include administrative fees, storage fees and towing costs. To ensure you are fully informed about your insurance coverage, it is essential to carefully read all terms and conditions.
If you are suddenly involved in an expensive car accident, having the right insurance can make all the difference. Make sure to inspect your vehicle for any damage before you return it to the rental agency. You will feel more at ease when you’re on the road. It will make it easier to deal with an accident if you are aware of the steps that must be taken.