Posted in Car Accidents on December 31, 2020
If you or somebody you care about has been involved in a car accident caused by the actions of another driver in California, you may not be able to drive your car due to the damage caused in the incident. This can create incredible frustration and inconvenience for your life, particularly when you need your vehicle to get to carry out your daily activities. Here, we want to discuss whether or not you have the right to a rental car after an accident and who will be on the line for paying for the rental.
Possible Coverage Through Your Insurance
In California, drivers can choose to opt-in to rental car reimbursement insurance with their auto insurance policy plan. When a driver chooses this option as part of their coverage, they can receive compensation for a rental car in the event they are involved in an accident, regardless of who caused the incident. This will allow a driver to get a vehicle while their car is undergoing repairs. However, rental car insurance coverage is not usually part of a standard insurance policy plan. You will have to specifically request to have this type of coverage on your policy, but the good news is that it is not terribly expensive.
It is also important to keep in mind that rental car reimbursement coverage is often limited. There may be daily limits on how much the insurance carrier will pay for the rental, and there will almost always be a limit on the number of days of coverage the insurance carrier will pay out.
Possible Coverage Through The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If your insurance coverage will not cover a temporary rental, and if another driver was at fault, it may be possible to open a claim with their insurance company to arrange for a rental option on your behalf. However, there are various reasons why an at-fault party’s insurance carrier may not cover rental costs upfront. This will particularly be the case if fault is disputed in the case. Typically, an at-fault driver’s insurance carrier is not going to want to pay any compensation until the liability of their policyholder has been unequivocally determined.
Out-of-Pocket Payment for a Rental
It may be necessary for you to pay for a rental out-of-pocket, at least until the fault of the other driver can be proven, and a settlement is paid out for the claim. It is crucial that you save all rental car receipts and invoices so that you can submit them to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier when negotiating a final settlement.
Work with a Skilled Attorney for Help with Your Case
If you or somebody you care about has been involved in a car accident caused by the actions of somebody else, you should contact a skilled Long Beach accident attorney as soon as possible. These cases can become immensely complicated, particularly when you have to worry about securing compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost income, and a rental car. Let an attorney with resources and legal expertise stand by your side and help ensure you are treated fairly.