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Have you been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma? If so, your vehicle may be too damaged to drive safely. A wrecked car can complicate your busy life, leaving you without reliable transportation to get to work or take the kids to school. You may need a rental car to drive until your car is in the shop.
Rental car coverage is not required as part of basic auto liability insurance in Oklahoma. Car rental reimbursement is an optional coverage that may be added to a car insurance policy. It pays for a set amount of daily expenses associated with a rental car while your car is being repaired.
The process of obtaining insurance authorization for renting a car after a crash isn’t always as easy as it should be, especially when another driver was at fault. An experienced car accident lawyer at Edwards & Patterson Law can help. We can pursue full compensation for your injuries and other losses, and help you find reliable transportation while your vehicle is being repaired. To learn more about how we can help after an Oklahoma car accident, contact us for a free initial consultation.
Who Pays for a Rental Car After a Car Accident?
Who will cover the cost of your rental car after a car accident? It depends. The following factors can all play a role in determining who pays for a car rental after your vehicle is damaged in a crash:
- Who was at fault – If the other driver was at fault, the other driver’s insurance company should be financially liable for your accident-related expenses, including the cost of your car rental. However, if you were partially at fault or it’s unclear who was to blame, you may have more difficulty getting the other driver’s car insurance company to pay for a rental car.
- How the damage occurred – In some cases, it’s clear that a vehicle was damaged in a car crash. If the accident was relatively minor and resulted in only small scrapes or dents, proving the damage was caused by the accident can be more of a challenge.
- The other driver’s insurance policy – If the other driver is insured, the other driver may have rental car coverage. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your options may be limited unless you decide to take legal action.
- Your insurance policy – If the other driver is uninsured or their provider refuses to pay for your rental, you can always look to your own rental reimbursement policy. If you have rental reimbursement coverage, filing a claim against your own auto insurance may be the quickest way of getting a rental car.
Keep in mind that even when the insurance company covers the cost of a rental car, they may not pay for it directly. You may need to pay for the rental fees yourself and then seek reimbursement. You may be waiting weeks for the other driver’s insurance carrier to authorize a rental car for you.
If our attorneys at Edward & Pattern handle your accident claim and can show that the other driver was at fault, then we can seek to recoup the expenses you or your insurer incurred to drive a rental car after an accident.
What Documents Do I Need to Rent a Car?
Rental companies will not allow just anyone to use their vehicles. You will likely need to present the following types of documentation before you can rent a car
- Proof of identification – You will need to provide a valid driver’s license to show proof of your identification, your legal license to drive, and verify your age. Many rental companies have policies that prohibit the company from renting cars to drivers who are under the age of 25.
- A credit card – No matter who is paying for the rental car, the company will likely ask for your credit card information. If the car is still in good condition when you return it, you will not have any additional charges on your card.
- Proof of insurance coverage – Be sure to bring a copy of your auto insurance policy showing full coverage including comprehensive and collision. Many policies extend your coverage to include rental cars.
May I Choose the Type of Vehicle I Want to Have?
If the other driver’s insurance is paying for the car rental, they will likely choose the car for you.
You are typically entitled to a vehicle that is comparable to yours in terms of age, capacity, and other factors. If you have several options, it’s best to avoid choosing a vehicle that is significantly larger or more luxurious than your usual car. The insurance company may refuse to cover it.
Insurance companies typically pay a limited amount per day for a rental car such as $30 per day for 30 days. If you rent a luxury car, one that is more expensive than the daily coverage limit, you may be responsible for paying the difference.
Can I Let Other People Drive the Rental Car?
Rental agreements are typically specific about who is authorized to drive the rental car. If you are the only person who is listed in the rental agreement, then you are the only one who is allowed to drive the rental car.
You may be able to add another driver to the rental agreement for an extra fee. It’s best to speak with the rental company about your options so you do not violate the terms of the rental agreement.
Do I Need to Buy Additional Insurance for the Rental Car?
You typically do not need to purchase additional insurance when you rent a car. If you have comprehensive or collision coverage as part of your existing insurance policy, a rental car should be covered just like your own vehicle would. It’s best to double-check your current policy to be sure.
Even if your insurance policy doesn’t cover rentals, you may be able to rely on other coverage. For instance, many credit cards offer their members special benefits, such as rental car coverage. Check all possible sources of coverage before you agree to pay the rental company for something you already have.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Oklahoma Today
When you need legal assistance after an Oklahoma car accident, turn to Edwards & Patterson Law for help. Our dedicated lawyers are here to make your life easier after a car accident. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you with a free initial case review.
