If you've been in a car accident in Utah, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. One important aspect to consider is rental car coverage. Understanding your options and knowing what steps to take can make the process less stressful.
At True North Injury Law our Utah personal injury lawyers know that having a car is a must. We also know that paying out of pocket for a rental car is not at the top of your list when you’re dealing with accident-related medical bills. Below is a guide to navigating rental cars after an accident.
Rental car coverage covers the cost of a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after an accident. It's crucial to know whether your insurance policy includes this coverage and what it entails. Many people choose not to include this coverage to reduce policy premiums. So, you will want to find out if you have it or not. Here’s a guide to help you navigate obtaining a rental car after an accident in Utah.
Key Points:
There are pros and cons to running property damage and your rental through the at-fault insurance. The pro is that you get a rental car quickly if you have rental car coverage. The con is that you have to pay your deductible. However, once the property damage is resolved, your insurance company will pursue the at-fault insurance company to recuperate the money they have spent. So, you will eventually get that deductible back. If you’re in a hurry, using your own rental car coverage might be the best option.
When you're involved in an accident, follow these steps to ensure you can utilize your rental car coverage effectively.
If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover your rental car expenses. Here’s how to proceed:
Sometimes instead of getting the rental car set up for you, an insurance carrier will tell you to go get a car and keep the receipts and they will reimburse you. This is not ideal because it leaves the door open for them to refuse to pay or only partially pay later. But it is not uncommon and is worth pursuing if that’s the company’s policy.
There are also pros and cons to using the at-fault insurance to get your rental car. The pro is that you don’t have to pay anything. The con is that the at-fault insurance has 30 days to conduct an “investigation.” So, they often drag their feet. If you have time to wait, this might be your best option.
Navigating insurance claims and rental car coverage can be complicated. The Utah personal injury lawyers at True North Injury Law can help ensure you receive the compensation and coverage you're entitled to.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer:
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you manage rental car coverage after an accident:
Dealing with rental car coverage after an accident in Utah can be stressful, but knowing your options and taking the right steps can make a significant difference. Ensure you understand your insurance policy, report the accident promptly, and let the Utah personal injury lawyers at True North Injury Law help you navigate the process. Doing so will allow you to focus on recovering from the accident while your rental car needs are taken care of.
Call our office at 801-849-3664 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and help you mark out the next steps so that you walk out you know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there.
Photo: Cheap car rental by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free