Taking a trip to Orange County can be a lot of fun but getting in an accident with a rental car is the last thing you want to deal with on your vacation. When you rent a vehicle, you sign a contract agreeing to return the vehicle in the same condition as when you first rented it. Inevitably, the representative you speak with from the car rental company will offer you additional insurance coverage. It may seem tempting to get additional coverage, but do you need it? Orange County car accident lawyer – Roberts | Jeandron Law recommends that you understand what is in your own insurance policy before going on your trip and making your way to the car rental counter so that you know if you have sufficient coverage in case you get into an accident.
If you have your own car insurance, then you can use your insurance up to your coverage limits if you get in an accident with a rental car and if your trip is for personal purposes. However, you may have to pay a deductible. Your insurance may not kick in if you’re traveling for business unless you have commercial coverage, though you should talk to your employer to find out if they have a commercial auto policy that can cover your rental car accident.
Does my car insurance policy cover rental cars?
If you already have car rentals covered under your insurance policy for your personal vehicle, then you probably do not need to purchase insurance through the rental company. You should know what your policy covers. Usually, the insurance plan that rental companies offer usually covers just the minimum required in that state, which is much lower than what many actual expenses are in a car accident. So if you want extra protection because your car insurance only covers the minimum in your state and you don’t want to be worried about coverage in a car accident while traveling, then you may want to purchase the extra insurance.
For example, the minimum California car insurance coverage is:
– Bodily injury liability coverage: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
– Property damage liability: $5,000
– Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
Types of Rental Car Insurance
There are four types of rental car insurance: collision damage waiver, supplemental liability insurance, personal accident insurance, and personal effects coverage. All these coverages are optional and can add up to be very expensive. It may not be worth it to pay so much extra per day for coverage you already have.
What should I do if I get in an accident with my rental car?
Your rental agreement will come with instructions on what to do in case of an accident. You will also need to contact your insurance company to report the accident. In addition to reporting your accident, you should get checked at a local hospital for injuries. It’s also very important to speak to a personal injury attorney right away. They can help you recover damages in your case and help you understand the laws as they relate to your rental car accident.
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