Accidents with Rental Cars
If you have had an accident
with your rental car, make sure you get a police report and
any other necessary local documents you may need. Call your
rental agency at the same time as well to report the accident
and rental car damage, and get their emergency road assistance
or service if necessary. You will also be required to fill
out an accident or damage report with your rental company,
and may need to supply copies of the police report.
Sometimes a rental car is
stolen and damaged in the process. Again, call local police
and file a report, then contact your rental car agency even
if the car has not been found. They will help you get on the
road again. You must also alert your own insurance company
to find out if they cover stolen rental cars. This also applies
to break-ins and vandalism.
Remember that is it possible
to void insurance waivers that you have purchased through
the rental agency be engaging in prohibited behavior. If you
drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or engage
in a crime while using the car, your agreement is void. Also,
if you leave the car or trunk unlocked, the windows down,
or the keys in the ignition, your will not be covered. Make
sure you know the rental company’s rules before you drive
away with a potential liability.
When you rent a car, you
are still responsibly for obeying all driving laws and rules.
Make sure you don’t void your agreement by breaking these
traffic laws and getting into accidents because of them. If
you tend to speed, slow down when using your rental car; if
you sometimes don’t come to a complete stop at a stop sign,
start doing so. Make sure you follow all the rules so that
you’re covered if damage occurs to the vehicle.
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