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Many drivers need a rental car after an Oklahoma car accident. In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance covers this cost for the injured driver. However, if there is a dispute over who caused the crash, the injury victim may need to find other options to pay for a rental.
At Edwards & Patterson Law, our Oklahoma car accident lawyers understand the frustrations of needing and paying for a rental car after a collision someone else caused. If the other driver’s insurance won’t cover this cost, we can help you take legal action to pursue compensation for your rental car and other losses.
How Do I Get Rental Car Costs Covered After a Crash?
In Oklahoma, the at-fault driver’s insurance usually covers the cost of your rental car after an accident. If the other driver is clearly at fault, their insurance should pay for your rental while your vehicle is being repaired. However, the process can take time, especially if there are questions about who caused the collision.
While the insurance companies are figuring out who is responsible, you might need to cover the rental cost upfront on your own. If you have rental car coverage through your auto insurance, you can use that to pay for the rental in the meantime. This coverage helps ensure you have a car to drive while everything gets sorted out.
However, keep in mind that many insurance companies will not cover the cost of a rental indefinitely. If your repairs take a long time, you might have to pay for part of the cost of your rental until you can resolve the liability questions and bill the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Another option is to contact the rental car company directly and ask them about billing the insurance company. They might be able to work out a deal with the insurer so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. If the other driver’s insurance company later accepts fault, they should reimburse you for any rental expenses you had to cover.
How Soon Can I Get a Rental Car After the Accident?
How long it takes to get a rental car after a collision varies from case to case, depending on several factors. If the at-fault driver’s insurance accepts liability right away, you likely can get a rental car within a few days. However, the process could take longer if there are questions about who is responsible for the crash. You might have to wait until the insurance companies figure out who should pay for the rental.
If you’re relying on your insurance to pay for a rental while the at-fault party’s insurance company figures out your claim, another factor is whether there’s a rental car company nearby that works with your insurance. If your insurance has partnerships with local rental agencies, it could speed up the process. However, if you’re in a more rural area or the rental companies nearby don’t work with your insurance, arranging a vehicle might take longer.
What If the Other Driver’s Insurance Will Not Pay for My Rental Car?
You still have options when the at-fault driver’s insurance won’t pay for your rental car. If the insurance company is dragging its feet because the claim is ongoing, you can use your own insurance if you have rental reimbursement coverage included in your policy. Then, if the other driver is found at fault, your insurance company can seek reimbursement from them.
You might need to pay for the rental car out of pocket if the at-fault driver’s insurance flat out refuses to pay and you have no rental car insurance coverage on your own policy. If this happens to you, keep all your receipts and records of any rental-related expenses. You can seek reimbursement through a personal injury claim or lawsuit if you can later prove the other driver caused the crash.
How Can I Prove the Other Driver Is At Fault?
The evidence you collect at the scene of a collision can make a big difference in showing who caused the crash. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be when dealing with insurance companies. Some key types of evidence to collect include:
- Photos and videos – If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and any road signs or signals. Videos can capture the scene from different angles and help show how the crash happened.
- Witness statements – If there are witnesses, get their contact information and ask them to describe what they saw. Their statements can support your version of events.
- Police report – A police officer at the scene will usually write a report about the accident and who they believe caused it. This report can be persuasive evidence for your claim.
How Much Does Rental Reimbursement Insurance Cost?
Rental reimbursement insurance typically costs around $2 to $15 per month, depending on your insurer and coverage limits. This small monthly fee can save you a lot of money and hassle if you ever need a rental car after an accident. Check with your insurance company for exact pricing.
Can I Choose My Rental Car?
In most cases, the insurance company will cover a rental car similar to your vehicle, such as a sedan, if you drive a sedan. If you want a different type of car, like an SUV or a luxury model, you might have to pay the difference out of pocket. Check with the insurer about your options before selecting a rental.
Contact an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
You shouldn’t have to bear the cost of a rental car after a collision you didn’t cause. The Oklahoma car accident attorneys at Edwards & Patterson Law can help you seek compensation for your rental car expenses and any other losses related to the crash. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation about your case.
