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If you’re in an accident while driving a rental car, you’re responsible for the damage. But whether or not you need to pay for extra coverage depends on what insurance you already have.
Make sure everyone is OK in any vehicle involved in the accident. If anyone is hurt or if there are any flames, call 911— or the local emergency services number if you’re traveling out of the country.
If the vehicle can be driven and nobody inside is seriously injured, move your car to the closest safe area that doesn’t obstruct traffic.
If the car can’t be moved, put the hazard lights on and use flares and/or safety triangles to alert other drivers there’s been an accident. Then, if people aren’t too injured to move, get any passengers or pets out of the car and to a safe place.
If you didn’t call 911 earlier, you should call the non-emergency number for local police to report the accident.
Then exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, telephone number and license plate number – and give them your information. If you hit a parked car, leave your details in a note under the windscreen wiper.
If you damaged property, try to find the owner. Leave your information somewhere visible, like tucked into their front door, if nobody is home.
You’ll also want to take notes and photos of the scene so you can’t be blamed for damage you didn’t do. Record:
Take a look at the rental agreement and find the rental company’s contact number.
Call and try to calmly explain what’s happened. Depending on how damaged the rental car is, they will then handle any repairs, recovery or replacement.
Call your rental car insurance company and let them know what’s happened. You may have some protection under your own policy, even if you were driving a rental car.
Who is responsible for paying for the damage depends on what insurance coverage you have.
While a rental car is in your possession, you’re responsible for any damage to it. But the right insurance policy can make sure you don’t end up in debt after a fender bender. Compare car insurance policies to find one with the right coverage for your needs.
Image source: Getty Images
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