Car accidents are terrifying and happen frequently. About 38,800 deaths happen per year from car accidents. The problem gets even worse if you get into an accident in a rental car.

You may wonder what happens if your rental car was in an accident and how to deal with this. Don’t worry. Below are some of the things you should do if you get into an accident in a rental car.

1. Assess the Situation

First, make sure that everyone is okay. Check your surroundings and the situation with the other driver. If there are any injured parties, call the ambulance immediately.

Check for any leaking fuel of sparks by the car. Clear the area as fast as you can to avoid the possibility of an explosion. If you can, set up emergency flares and contact the police to direct the traffic.

2. Exchange Contact Details and Take Pictures

Once you’ve determined the scene is safe, exchange your contact info with the other driver. Be sure to take note of their insurance details. Try not to mention that you got in an accident in a rental car since most people will take advantage of it.

Don’t forget to ask the responding police for a copy of the accident report. Take pictures of the damage and scene of the accident, and show the pictures to your car rental company and the insurance company.

3. Notify the Car Rental Company

As soon as possible, contact your car rental company and let them know about your rental car accident. Most rental cars have a sticker inside the glove box where you can find emergency contacts.

Be aware that there will be extra paperwork for you to fill out involving car accidents. Read the fine print on your insurance company and the car rental company’s insurance policy. You will also need to fill out accident reports and show the pictures.

4. Check Your Insurance Policies

You should address the repairs for your rental car and associated damages. Check your auto insurance policy. It should cover the cost of two components:

• Collision insurance
• Liability Coverage

The collision insurance will help you pay for the damages to the vehicle, while the liability coverage pays the damage to other people’s property and medical bills.

5. Find Out Who’s Responsible

Discuss between you and the other driver on which party is at fault. Your insurance company is in charge of going after the responsible party.

If you’re at fault and don’t have rental coverage, you will have to pay your deductibles to the rental company. The deductible is what you pay from your pocket before the insurance picks up the costs.

If you aren’t at fault, your insurance will address the other driver’s insurance company.

Things to Do Immediately After an Accident in a Rental Car

Hopefully, you won’t ever have to do these things and you won’t get into an accident in a rental car. But if you do, don’t panic, and follow these steps.

These are only the immediate things to do after a car accident, however. There are still legal issues to contend with and medical concerns. To discover even more tips on what to do, we invite you to read more of our guides right here, today!