What Happens If You Wreck a Rental Car?
If you’ve ever rented a car, you know how convenient it can be for traveling, business trips, or any other adventure. However, accidents can happen, and if you wreck a rental car, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities under Ohio law.
If you've been involved in wrecking a rental car or violated traffic laws, it's crucial to understand how traffic laws and liability apply to your situation. The attorneys at Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, in Columbus, Ohio, are experienced in handling both criminal traffic offenses and civil claims related to accidents.
They can help you manage the legal process and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities.
The Basics of Renting a Car
Before diving into the details of what happens if you wreck a rental car, it’s important to understand how rental car agreements work. When you rent a vehicle, you are entering into a contract with the rental car company.
This contract outlines the terms and conditions of the rental, including the rental period, fees, and responsibilities in the event of an accident.
One of the key components of the rental agreement is the insurance coverage provided by the rental company. Typically, rental companies offer several insurance options, such as:
Collision damage waiver (CDW): This coverage protects you from being financially responsible for damage to the rental car, but it usually comes with certain exclusions. It’s important to understand the details of this coverage before accepting it.
Liability insurance: This type of insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to others in the event of an accident. The rental company may provide this as part of the agreement, but you should verify whether additional coverage is necessary.
Personal accident insurance (PAI): This insurance covers medical costs in case of an accident. It’s usually optional, but it can be a good option depending on the circumstances.
Ohio’s traffic law recognizes these types of insurance, but it’s essential for you to understand your coverage and what is covered under the rental agreement.
The Steps to Take After Wrecking a Rental Car
If you find yourself in a situation where you have wrecked a rental car, it’s crucial to take certain steps to protect yourself and make the process as smooth as possible. While Ohio traffic law doesn’t change based on whether the vehicle is rented or owned, there are specific steps you need to take in the case of a rental car accident.
1. Check for Injuries
The first and most important step after any car accident is to confirm everyone involved is safe. Check for any injuries to yourself, your passengers, and others involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s always wise to call the police to document the scene. This will create an official record, which will be important when dealing with insurance and liability issues.
2. Document the Accident
Once you've confirmed everyone’s safety, take detailed notes of the accident. Ohio traffic law requires drivers involved in accidents to provide their information to others involved, including insurance details. Be sure to:
Take pictures of the damage to the rental car and any other vehicles involved in the accident.
Obtain the contact information of other drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Note the location, time, and any other important details, such as weather conditions or road signs.
This documentation will be important for both your rental car agreement and any potential insurance claims. The more thorough your documentation, the easier it will be for your insurance company and the rental company to process the claim.
3. Notify the Rental Company
The next step is to notify the rental company about the accident. Most rental agreements require that you inform the company immediately if the vehicle is damaged or involved in an accident.
Failing to do so can result in penalties or even void the rental agreement. When notifying the rental company, be sure to provide them with all the details of the accident, including the police report (if applicable), photos, and any other relevant documentation.
If you purchased insurance coverage through the rental company, they may assist in handling the damage claim. If you didn’t purchase coverage, you will likely be held responsible for the cost of the repairs, and your personal car insurance or credit card may need to cover the costs.
Ohio Traffic Law and Liability in Rental Car Accidents
When it comes to determining who is at fault in a rental car accident, Ohio traffic law operates in the same way it would if you were driving your own vehicle. Ohio is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for the accident is liable for the damages.
In the case of a rental car, however, there are additional factors to consider, such as the rental agreement and insurance coverage. Let’s break down how these factors affect liability:
1. Liability for Damage to the Rental Car
If you wreck a rental car, the rental company will likely hold you responsible for the damage. Whether you are liable for the damage depends on the rental agreement and the insurance coverage you purchased.
If you opted for the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), you may not be responsible for the full cost of the repairs. However, if you didn’t purchase the waiver or any other insurance, you could be held financially responsible for the damage.
Under Ohio traffic law, you are required to report the accident to your insurance company, and your personal insurance may cover some or all of the damages.
However, keep in mind that rental companies may not always accept personal auto insurance policies, so it’s important to verify coverage with your insurance provider before renting a vehicle.
2. Liability for Injuries
In addition to property damage, you may also be held responsible for any injuries resulting from the accident. If the accident was caused by your negligence, Ohio traffic law holds you financially responsible for any medical expenses incurred by other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians involved in the crash.
Rental car insurance may cover some of these medical expenses, but it depends on the policy you selected. In the absence of sufficient insurance, your personal auto insurance policy or even your health insurance may be required to cover the costs.
3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Ohio traffic law provides protections for drivers who are involved in accidents with uninsured or underinsured motorists. If the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply.
This is especially relevant if the driver of the other vehicle was at fault but does't have enough insurance to cover the damages.
Rental car companies may offer uninsured motorist coverage as part of their insurance options, but if you didn’t purchase that coverage, your own policy may need to cover the costs.
The Impact of Traffic Violations on Your Rental Car Claim
If you violated any traffic laws at the time of the accident, it could have a significant impact on your rental car claim. For instance, if you were speeding, ran a red light, or were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be found at fault for the accident, and your insurance company may deny the claim.
In these cases, the rental company may hold you fully responsible for the damage and any related expenses.
Ohio traffic law is strict about traffic violations, and if you are found to be in violation, you could face fines, penalties, and even a suspension of your driver’s license. Additionally, if the accident was caused by your reckless driving, you may face personal injury claims from other parties involved in the accident.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Insurance Coverage?
If you wreck a rental car and don't have insurance coverage, you could be personally liable for the cost of the damages. If the rental car company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) wasn’t purchased, you could face the full financial responsibility for the car repair costs, medical expenses, and any other related damages.
In these situations, it’s important to reach out to your personal insurance provider to see if your policy extends to rental cars. Many personal auto insurance policies will cover rental cars in the event of an accident, but you’ll need to confirm the details with your insurer.
Contact a Traffic Law Attorney Today
Whether you have rental car insurance, personal auto insurance, or need to rely on your credit card’s rental car protection, Wolfe & Mote Law Group, LLC, is here to assist you.
They proudly serve clients across Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Gahanna, Hilliard, Newark, Heath, Granville, Lancaster, Pickerington, Delaware, Louis Center, and Powell. Contact the firm today.