Have you been in an accident in a rental car in Minneapolis, Minnesota? Any car accident can be stressful enough, but when you add to that stress the fact that the rental car isn’t yours and the reality that most rental cars are brand new, the anxiety individuals can face after a rental car crash can be understandably high. Fortunately, individuals who have been involved in these accidents may have a range of options when it comes to protecting themselves from the costs of repairing or replacing the rental car. If you purchased insurance through the rental car company or if you purchased a loss coverage waiver, the rental car company might have you covered for damages and losses. Even if you didn’t not purchase a loss coverage waiver or insurance from the rental car company, your own personal insurance may cover you for most, if not all, losses. And finally, if your personal insurance has a deductible or if your coverage doesn’t take care of all the costs, your credit card company may also provide you with coverage if you rented the car using a credit card. Moreover, if the other driver was responsible for the crash, his or her insurance might be responsible, or the driver him or herself may be responsible for covering losses.
All of this can sound very complicated. If you purchased rental car insurance through the rental car company, this coverage will likely kick in first. One of the benefits of this type of insurance or these types of waivers is that they protect you from having to make a claim with your personal car insurance-which can save you money in increased premiums due to making a claim. However, if you have to make a claim with your personal car insurance because you didn’t purchase rental car coverage, other issues may come into play. For example, some credit card companies might provide you primary coverage while others might provide you secondary coverage. The difference is that your credit card company might be able to cover losses before your car insurance needs to kick in, but only if your credit card company offers primary insurance. Every credit card company’s insurance policy differs, so you may need to contact your credit card company to learn more. If you have secondary coverage, this coverage can still be useful. For example, if your car insurance has a deductible, your credit card coverage may be able to pay for the deductible. Finally, what happens if the other driver is at fault for the crash? His or her insurance may be responsible. And, if you are at fault, then third-party insurance can suffice for all the expenses. If you have such insurance, you can easily be compensated in the event of an accident and when you are unable to shoulder the financial responsibility. Additionally, if you live in Australia and encounter similar circumstances, you might want to contact CTP insurance South Australia team first. It is possible that they may be able to offer you assistance during the whole legal and financial process.
Have questions about your rights after a rental car accident? The car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino in Minneapolis, Minnesota may be able to help you with your claim. Our attorneys can review the details of your case, review the various levels of coverage you might have, and can help you take steps to protect your rights.
What Steps Can You Take After a Rental Car Accident in Minneapolis, Minnesota?
Most of the steps you can take after a rental car accident in Minneapolis, Minnesota will be the same as the steps you should take after any crash. Seek medical attention for yourself and anyone else who is injured. Call the police and make a police report. Exchange contact information with other drivers and take photos of damages if you can do so. But with a rental car involved, there might be additional steps you should take. These can include:
- Contacting the rental car company about the accident. If you have purchased coverage through the rental car company, you may also need to contact these insurance providers. Read over the materials provided when you purchased your rental car coverage, because these materials may provide you with information about your policies and next steps.
- Contact your car insurance company. If you have car insurance, you may want to let your car insurance carrier know that an accident took place. Even if you don’t ultimately make a claim, letting your insurance know an accident happened may be required and can protect you if you need to make a claim later.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer. If you have questions about your coverage, settlement amounts, or if you or someone else was seriously injured in your crash, a car accident lawyer like the attorney at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino in Minneapolis, Minnesota may be able to assist you.
In some ways a rental car crash must be handled like any other car accident. In other ways, a rental car accident may involve more parties, including the rental car company and its insurers. Having trouble navigating the claims process, or have questions about the claims process after your rental car accident? Martin T. Montilino is a car accident law firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota that may be able to help you. Contact our lawyer today or reach out to USAttorneys.com to get matched with one of our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible.