When traveling, most individuals choose to rent a car rather than driving their own automobile. Renting a car protects your vehicle from the wear and tear of long excursions.
Getting a rental car is not a tough process. Simply locate a car rental business and search for the days you will require the vehicle. If your desired date is available, select a day and place that meets your requirements. After you have confirmed the date, you must provide your personal information.
Bring your driver's license, ID card, and credit card with you on the day of your rental. These also aid in proving your identification and protecting the company from any theft.
You must sign a rental contract with the company after you have confirmed your documents and payments. When you have completed the entire process, you will be given the car keys and will be able to drive away.
Choosing the Right Rental Company
For various reasons, you must exercise caution while selecting a rental firm. First and foremost, reputable automobile rental businesses ensure that the vehicles are constantly in good condition. This eliminates the possibility of the vehicle breaking down during the rental period.
A competent rental car company will also assist you in dealing with difficult situations, such as accidents, without incident. You also don't have to worry about trustworthy rental providers making fraudulent claims.
A decent car rental firm should also have the following characteristics:
Insurance Options
Before giving you the automobile, certain rental companies may require you to obtain rental car third-party insurance or another kind of coverage. This is useful in case the car is damaged during the rental period.
For example, if you typically rent automobiles from a specific business, you can make insurance arrangements. Then, if an incident occurs, they will assist you in sorting out the costs and taking care of any additional losses.
Also, if you are hurt in a car accident, you may be wondering if you should take legal action against the at-fault party. Yes, taking legal action is the best approach to recuperate any damages, deductibles, medical fees, and lost wages incurred as a result of the accident.
Furthermore, it is critical to contact your car accident attorneys as quickly as possible following the collision. An experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyer will have vast expertise dealing with rental car accidents. By contacting an attorney as soon as possible, you will improve your chances of winning your case and collecting the compensation you deserve.
Customer Care Services
A decent automobile rental company should provide exceptional customer service. When you encounter problems with the car during your rental period, contact customer care. For example, if your automobile breaks down, customer support should be able to walk you through the next stages.
Customer support should be available to answer any questions you have concerning refunds, insurance policies, and care damage records.
Good Reputation
Always read other people's feedback about rental firms. The reputation of the car rental company is an important consideration to consider when selecting a rental company. You may learn about the different insurance packages as well as the company's terms and conditions from the evaluations. You will also find information on their customer service and how satisfied their customers are with it.
Flexibility
It is best to go with a corporation that is adaptable. A flexible rental firm will have multiple locations where you can pick up or drop off your rental vehicle. That means you can obtain help from the organization fast if an issue arises. In the event of an accident in which the rental automobile is rendered undrivable, a car rental firm with multiple locations can easily dispatch a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle. Furthermore, if you are eligible for a refund, you will receive a replacement to continue your journey as soon as possible.
Rental Car Accidents
An accident is the worst thing that might happen to somebody in a vehicle. Accidents are horrible events, whether in your own or rented vehicle. They may cause serious injury or automobile damage. Unfortunately, some accidents are the result of our negligence, while others are not. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident involving a rental car, it is important to contact a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Causes of Rental Car Accidents
Accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, as follows:
- Using a rental car that is not in good condition
- Before or while driving, drinking alcohol, or using drugs
- Driving over the safe speed limits
- Not respecting pedestrians and road signs
- Not having enough sleep before you drive
- Not keeping a safe distance from other cars
- Using your cell phone or paying attention to other things while driving
- Ignoring traffic laws
- Driving in unfamiliar surroundings
- Driving an unfamiliar car model
If You Have an Accident in a Rental Car, Here are the Steps to Take
If you ever have an accident with a rental car, do not panic. All you need to do is follow the following steps to handle the situation.
1. Assess the Situation
The first step is to ensure that everyone in the vehicle is safe. If someone is harmed, dial 911 immediately and transfer everyone to the nearest hospital.
It is generally a good idea to keep emergency phone numbers handy while going to another nation. This is due to the fact that different countries have distinct emergency phone numbers. After you have secured everyone's safety, contact the police to report the occurrence.
2. Collect Details of the Accident
It is critical to document the details of the accident. Then you can request a copy of the accident report from the police officer. Get the officer's name, badge number, contact information, and accident case number as well. You should also:
- Take as many images as you can of the wreckage and the crash location. This will be used as evidence in the event of a bogus damage claim.
- If you struck a parked car and the driver does not appear, place your contact information on a note under their windshield wiper.
- Obtain further information, such as the color and type of any vehicles involved.
- The accident's date and time
- Weather conditions, road conditions, and street illumination
- Description of injuries suffered by others in the accident
3. Contact the Rental Company
The following step is to contact the rental company and explain the situation. The rental company will instruct you on what to do with the vehicle next. Keep in mind that the car is your responsibility during the rental duration.
If the vehicle is operable, the rental company may request that you return it to the rental office. If the car cannot be driven, the rental company will arrange for it to be towed to a repair facility.
If necessary, rental car companies are usually responsible for repairs and replacement of the rented vehicle. You must, however, submit a report with the company and provide facts about the accident.
It is important to note that you will not receive a refund from the rental company unless you have previously approved it with them.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
The amount you must pay for any damage to the rental automobile is determined by your auto insurance policy.
You should notify your auto insurer as soon as possible. The insurance company may deny your claim if you file it late.
You have three options for rental automobile insurance.
Collision Damage Waiver
If the vehicle's bodywork gets damaged during your rental period, a collision damage waiver will cover it. Note that this likely doesn't cover damage affecting other parts of the car.
Third-Party Rental Car Insurance
A third-party liability rental car insurance pays for damage to other people's property. For instance, if you hit someone else's car, this insurance will cover it.
Theft Protection
This insurance will cover the cost of a new car if the rental car gets stolen while in your possession. Note that you will likely have to pay some money towards the cost.
Check the Rental Car Thoroughly
Before you depart with the car, make sure you thoroughly inspect it. The rental business can provide you with a vehicle history report. This way, you'll be aware of any harm and potential difficulties.
Check that they use a check-out and check-in form to evaluate the vehicle. This should be done both before and after you leave the car.
This allows you and the rental company to keep track of the state of the car when you take it and return it.
It is recommended that you take images and video of the car before transporting it. Take photographs with a time stamp if feasible. These will be used as evidence in the event of an accident. It will also shield you from any fraudulent damage claims.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
The most common types of car rental insurance coverage are described above. It is preferable if you obtain insurance before beginning to rent cars.
The most common type of car rental insurance is third-party insurance. This is due to the fact that the majority of accidents involve a third party. Car rental insurance, personal effects coverage, and personal accident insurance are some of the other types of rental car insurance.
Conclusion
Accidents in rental cars are unplanned, but they must be handled appropriately if they occur. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in West Palm Beach, we will fight relentlessly on your behalf and will not be compensated until you obtain a favorable decision or settlement. Contact us online or call us at (561) 671-5995 to set up a consultation today.
