A car accident doesn’t have to ground you. If your car is totaled or needs a few days or weeks for repairs, then you will benefit greatly from having a rental car. Even if you need one for an extended period of time, you can have the temporary transportation you require to keep your life running smoothly.
How Do I Get a Rental Car After an Accident?
Either your insurance policy will have rental car provisions, or the party who damaged your car will have insurance to get you a rental, assuming they were at fault and have insurance. Having an attorney on your side to deal with the insurance companies can speed the process up and avoid disputed insurance claims.
Coverage of Your Existing Policy
Rental car reimbursement insurance does not automatically come with most insurance policies. It must be purchased separately and added to your existing coverage. With some insurers, you must also have comprehensive and collision coverage if you want to add rental car reimbursement insurance.
If you do have this coverage on your current insurance policy, then you will simply contact your insurance company and file a claim. Read over the provisions of your contract so that you understand the scope of the rental coverage. Many providers have a set daily dollar amount for rentals and definite time limits.
On top of that, certain insurance providers require you to rent vehicles from particular vendors and might refuse your reimbursement request for not doing so. And if some providers suspect you of fault in the accident, they may complicate the process for you.
Rental Car from Insurance Company
Assuming the driver who hit you was negligent, you are entitled to a free rental car after an accident in Houston for as long as it reasonably takes to repair your vehicle or until settlement negotiations conclude. However, this entitlement can be difficult to realize in certain cases when an insurance company is reluctant to honor your claim.
If the situation appears to involve negligence on your part, many insurers will refuse to provide you with a rental car after an accident in Houston, in which case you’ll have to foot the bill yourself. If this happens, a skilled attorney may be able to assist you in dealing with the insurance company.
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Getting the Rental Car After an Accident in Houston
After your accident and approval for a rental, getting a car can be straightforward. But there are some important considerations to remember.
Picking It Up
In some cases, your or the other driver’s insurance company will arrange the rental for you, meaning no out-of-pocket expenses on your part. In other instances, you will be reimbursed after you’ve rented the vehicle. If the car repairs or settlement lasts weeks or months, you may not have the upfront funds to cover the expense.
Required Documents
You need to have a valid driver’s license that shows you are at least 21 years of age. Additionally, you need to buy insurance or provide proof of insurance from the company, and you need a credit card or cash. Many places also accept debit cards.
Choice of Vehicles
You can argue for a rental that is similar to your own car. However, unless you drive a basic vehicle, then you’re likely going to have to fight to get what you want. In some cases, insurance companies will take into account family size or other relevant factors. But often, only standard transportation is on the table.
Consider Hiring an Attorney if Necessary
Cut-and-dried accidents where you’re facing zero liability often mean you will get your hands on a rental fairly quickly. However, you may find problems during the claims process if an insurance company suspects you of negligence. When this occurs, a knowledgeable attorney can help process your claim.
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Contact the Houston Car Accident at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.
Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and community initiatives.
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