Accidents with a Rental Car

[JoeCathyAngelina]

It' not an easy subject to ask about, but I've never been in an accident with a rental car and was wondering if any has had that misfortune; what happens with your insurance, credit card payments et. al.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[seashoreCM]

You need to report the accident to:

Your insurance company,
The other party's insurance company if any
The police in the city where it happened,
The rental company,
Your credit card company if they have a benefit covering rental cars.

If you feel that a particular party (such as your own insurance company) should not be responsible, mark on the report at the top of the page, "Information Only".

In most cases where your credit card company offers a rental car benefit (Diners Club has several exceptions) your insurance company pays first (is primary) and the credit card company pays what is left, such as the deductible and if the credit card benefit extends that far, the loss of use charges.

The rental company will usually charge your credit card for the full amount quite quickly.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[ducklite]

Actually unless you are charged with a moving violation or expect that your insurance will need to pay a claim on your behalf, you are under no obligation to report an accident with a rental vehicle to them.

Anne