Being involved in a car accident is not only terrifying, it can seriously disrupt your life.
Even if you and your passengers escape without physical injury, your vehicle might still be damaged. And if your car needs major repairs, or worse, is totaled, you may lose time and money using taxis, ride-shares, or public transportation to get around.
Most Atlanta residents need their cars to get to work and care for their families. If you find yourself without a vehicle after a car wreck, you may need to rent a car while yours is being repaired or replaced.
In this blog post, MG Law will explain how to get a rental car after a car accident in Georgia. As a full-service personal injury law firm, our experienced Atlanta, Georgia accident lawyers have helped hundreds of car accident victims navigate the rental car process after a crash and may be able to help you too.
Call (770) 988-5252 or fill out our online form today for a free consultation.
What Are the Steps to Renting a Car After an Accident?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Georgia and need to rent a car, there are a few options you can consider.
Some steps you might have to take when renting a car after an accident include the following:
- Determine who is at fault. If the accident was not your fault and you have insurance, you may be able to get a rental car through your insurance company. If the accident was your fault and you do not have separate rental car coverage, you will need to pay for the rental car out of pocket.
- Determine if you are able to drive yourself. If you are unable to drive due to injuries from the accident, you may be able to arrange for a friend or family member to pick up the rental car for you.
- Determine what to do if you do not have the proper documentation to operate a car. If you do not have a driver’s license, you may be able to designate someone else as the primary driver of the rental car and have them drive you around until you are properly licensed to drive. This person will need to have a valid driver’s license and meet any other requirements set by the rental car company, and they will be responsible for the rental car and any damages that occur while it is in their possession.
For auto accident purposes, Georgia is a “fault” state. That means the driver who caused the crash is liable for any resulting damages. If you were the victim of an accident, this means the other driver and their insurance company may have to compensate you for medical expenses and damage to your vehicle. It may also mean they will have to pay for the cost of your rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
What Information Will You Need For Getting a Rental Car After a Georgia Car Wreck?
To get a rental car through your insurance, you will need to provide your insurance company with details about the accident, including the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of any other drivers involved.
You might also need to provide them with a copy of a police report.
Your insurance company might also require you to get estimates for repairing your vehicle before they will cover the cost of a rental car. Sometimes they will even require you to provide them with written estimates from the dealership or mechanic.
If you do not rent a car through your insurance, you will still need to have certain documents with you, such as a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, when renting a car. As explained above, if you are too injured to drive or if you lack the proper documentation, you may be able to designate a family member or friend as the primary driver of the rental car.
Who Pays For a Rental Car If You Have Been in a Crash?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Georgia, usually you will need to choose whether you will pay for your own rental car or ask either your own insurance company or the responsible party’s insurance company to pay.
The specifics of who pays for the rental car will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the terms of your insurance policy. Depending on your coverage and the circumstances of the accident, it is generally the responsibility of the insurance company to pay for the rental car.
If you were at fault or the other driver was uninsured, and you have collision coverage as part of your insurance policy, your policy might cover the costs of a rental car while your own car is being repaired. If you do not have collision coverage, you may need to pay for the rental car out of pocket, or you may be able to purchase rental car coverage as an additional option on your insurance policy.
If the accident was not your fault and the other party’s insurance company is fully responsible for covering the damages, they may also be responsible for paying for a rental car for you. In this case, you will need to work with the other party’s insurance company to arrange for a rental car. Unfortunately, sometimes this is not as easy as it sounds.
It is a good idea to review your insurance policy and contact your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident to get more information about what is covered and what steps you need to take to get a rental car.
Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in Georgia
At MG Law, our Georgia auto accident lawyers fight aggressively to protect the rights and interests of car accident victims and their families. We represent injured victims throughout the region, including in Fulton County and DeKalb County. When you work with an injury lawyer at MG Law, you do not need to worry about upfront costs or out-of-pocket bills. Our attorneys only get paid when you get paid.
Contact us online or call (770) 988-5252 today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Michael Geoffroy’s law practice focuses on auto collisions, premises liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury. He stands up for the cause of justice throughout Georgia and on behalf of his clients every day. He is a leader in both the courtroom and the community, having been recognized numerous times for his involvement in each.