How to Get a Rental Car After an Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident in Louisiana, one of your immediate concerns might be: How do I get a rental car? Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to securing reliable transportation while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced. At Big River Trial Attorneys in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we understand how vital a rental car can be for maintaining your daily routine. Here’s what you need to know about getting a rental car after an accident.

1. Using Your Own Insurance for Rental Car Coverage

One of the easiest ways to secure a rental car after an accident is through your own insurance policy—if it includes rental car reimbursement coverage. Many policies offer this optional coverage, which pays for the cost of a rental car up to a certain daily limit and for a specified number of days.

• How it works: You pay for the rental upfront, and your insurance company reimburses you. Alternatively, some insurers will work directly with the rental car company to cover the cost.
• Check your policy: If you’re unsure whether you have rental car reimbursement, review your insurance policy or call your agent.

Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, relying on your own insurance to secure a rental car can expedite the process. You may later recover these costs from the at-fault driver’s insurance.

2. Making a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

If another driver caused the accident, you have the right to request a rental car through their insurance. Louisiana law requires at-fault drivers to cover the damages they cause, including providing a rental vehicle while your car is out of commission.

• File a claim: Contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company and provide the necessary details about the accident. Once liability is established, they should arrange for a rental car.
• Challenges you may face: This process can be delayed if the other driver disputes fault or if the insurer is slow to act. In these cases, you might need to involve an attorney to advocate on your behalf.

3. Your Rights to a Rental Car After an Accident in Louisiana

In Louisiana, you are entitled to reasonable compensation for a rental car if your vehicle is damaged in an accident caused by someone else. This includes the cost of renting a vehicle comparable to your own. However, “reasonable” can be subjective, so disputes over the type of car or length of rental are not uncommon.

• Comparable vehicle: The at-fault party’s insurer is generally required to provide a rental car that’s similar in size and function to your own.
• Duration: You’re entitled to a rental car for the time it reasonably takes to repair or replace your vehicle.

If you experience pushback from an insurance company, contacting an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

4. Paying Out of Pocket and Seeking Reimbursement

Sometimes, securing a rental car through insurance can be delayed due to administrative hurdles. If you can’t wait, you may choose to pay out of pocket for a rental car and seek reimbursement later. Here’s how:

• Keep receipts: Save all documentation related to your rental car, including daily rates, taxes, and fees. These records are critical for reimbursement.
• Include it in your settlement: If you’re pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, your attorney can include rental car costs as part of your demand for damages.

This approach requires some upfront expense, but with proper documentation, you should recover the costs when the case settles.

Why an Attorney Can Make a Difference

Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to get back to normal after an accident. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make the process smoother and ensure you’re not taken advantage of.

• Negotiation expertise: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An attorney can advocate for your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
• Faster resolutions: With legal pressure, insurance companies are more likely to act quickly, whether it’s approving a rental car or settling your claim.
• Comprehensive compensation: Your attorney will ensure that all accident-related costs, including rental car expenses, are included in your claim.

Conclusion

Getting a rental car after an accident doesn’t have to be a stressful process. Whether you use your own insurance, make a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, or pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement, knowing your rights is essential. At Big River Trial Attorneys, we’re here to help Baton Rouge residents navigate these challenges and secure the compensation they deserve.
If you have questions about your case or need assistance dealing with an insurance company, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll fight to ensure you’re not left stranded after an accident.