Handling Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Turo & All Rental Claims

Rental Car Accident Lawyer

Confused about who pays after a rental car accident? Participating attorneys may review the insurance maze so you can focus on recovery.

Call Now: (818) 482-2260 case-routing review

attorney fees may depend on a successful recovery under a written fee agreement

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Who Pays in a Rental Car Accident?

The answer depends on fault, insurance coverage, and the specific circumstances of your accident.

Other Driver At Fault

Who Pays:

Other driver's insurance pays

Your Action:

Document everything, get police report, contact participating attorneys

You're At Fault

Who Pays:

Your insurance or rental coverage pays

Your Action:

Review your policy limits and rental waiver coverage

Hit and Run

Who Pays:

UM/UIM coverage or rental insurance

Your Action:

File police report immediately, contact us for options

Rental Car Defect

Who Pays:

Rental company may be liable

Your Action:

Document defect, preserve evidence, consult an attorney

Understanding Rental Car Insurance Coverage

Know what you're covered for before an accident happens.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Covers damage to the rental vehicle itself

Typical: $15-30/day

Coverage note: May have exclusions for negligent driving

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

Similar to CDW but may include theft protection

Typical: $20-35/day

Coverage note: Check for deductible amounts

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)

Covers injuries/damage to others

Typical: $12-20/day

Coverage note: Your personal policy may already cover this

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)

Covers medical costs for you and passengers

Typical: $5-10/day

Coverage note: Often duplicates health insurance coverage

Personal Effects Coverage

Covers stolen or damaged belongings

Typical: $3-5/day

Coverage note: Homeowners/renters insurance may cover this

Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

Protection if other driver lacks insurance

Typical: Varies

Coverage note: Critical in hit-and-run situations

Rental Company Claim Contacts

Participating attorneys may review claims with all major rental companies.

Enterprise

1-800-325-8838

Report within 24 hours of accident

Hertz

1-800-654-4173

File damage report at return location

Avis

1-800-352-7900

Keep all receipts and documentation

Budget

1-800-472-3325

Same parent company as Avis

National

1-800-367-6767

Same parent company as Enterprise

Alamo

1-800-327-9633

Same parent company as Enterprise

Turo

Via App/Website

Peer-to-peer - different liability rules

Zipcar

1-866-494-7227

Membership includes some coverage

Don't navigate this alone. Let participating attorneys handle the rental company for you.

Call (818) 482-2260

Recent Rental Car Accident Settlements

Real results for real clients. Your case may vary.

$425,000

Herniated disc from rental car T-bone collision

Enterprise rental

$310,000

Multiple fractures when tourist hit by uninsured driver

Hertz rental

$185,000

Whiplash and concussion from rear-end collision

Turo rental

$275,000

Shoulder injury requiring surgery after side-impact crash

Avis rental

$520,000

TBI from vacation rental car accident out of state

Budget rental

Explore Related Topics

Related Practice Areas

Participating attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury cases. Explore related practice areas below.

Car Accidents

Auto collision claims

Learn More

Rideshare Accidents

Uber/Lyft claims

Learn More

Whiplash Injuries

Soft tissue damage

Learn More

View All Practice Areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common rental car accident questions.

What happens if I get in an accident in a rental car?

First, ensure everyone's safety and call 911 if needed. Get a police report, exchange information with other parties, take photos, and report to the rental company within 24 hours. Then contact an attorney to understand your rights before dealing with insurance companies.

Who pays in a rental car accident?

It depends on fault. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance pays. If you're at fault, payment comes from: 1) Rental company waivers you purchased, 2) Your personal auto insurance, 3) Credit card rental coverage, 4) You personally if no coverage applies.

Does my personal auto insurance cover rental car accidents?

Most personal auto policies extend coverage to rental cars, but limits and deductibles apply. Check your policy for "hired auto" or "non-owned auto" coverage. Some policies exclude international rentals or longer-term rentals.

Does my credit card cover rental car accidents?

Many credit cards offer secondary rental car coverage (CDW/LDW), but it typically covers damage to the rental car only, not liability for injuries to others. Premium cards may offer primary coverage. Check your card benefits before renting.

What is loss of use and am I responsible for it?

Loss of use is what the rental company loses while the car is being repaired. Many rental agreements make you responsible for this charge. Participating attorneys can often negotiate or dispute these charges on your behalf.

Can I sue the rental car company after an accident?

Possibly, if the accident was caused by a defective vehicle or improper maintenance. Rental companies have a duty to provide safe vehicles. Document any mechanical issues and consult an attorney to evaluate potential claims.

What if I got in an accident in a rental car in another state?

Out-of-state accidents complicate insurance claims because different state laws apply. You generally need to follow the laws where the accident occurred. Participating attorneys handle multi-state rental car accident claims and understand these complexities.

Should I accept the rental company's damage estimate?

Be cautious. Rental companies sometimes inflate damage estimates or charge for pre-existing damage. Document the car's condition before and after rental. An attorney can help dispute unfair charges and negotiate fair settlements.