Understanding Fault in Rental Car Accidents
The first question is always: who caused the accident?
• If another driver is at fault, their insurance should pay
• If you're at fault, your coverage sources apply
• In shared fault states, liability may be divided
• Hit-and-run or uninsured drivers present special challenges
• If another driver is at fault, their insurance should pay
• If you're at fault, your coverage sources apply
• In shared fault states, liability may be divided
• Hit-and-run or uninsured drivers present special challenges
Coverage When You're At Fault
If you caused the accident, payment sources include:
1. Rental company waivers (CDW/LDW) - covers vehicle damage only
2. Personal auto insurance - liability and collision coverage
3. Credit card coverage - usually secondary, vehicle damage only
4. Out of pocket - if no coverage applies
Personal injury coverage comes from health insurance or personal auto policy.
1. Rental company waivers (CDW/LDW) - covers vehicle damage only
2. Personal auto insurance - liability and collision coverage
3. Credit card coverage - usually secondary, vehicle damage only
4. Out of pocket - if no coverage applies
Personal injury coverage comes from health insurance or personal auto policy.
Coverage When Someone Else is At Fault
If another driver caused the accident:
• Their liability insurance pays for your injuries and vehicle damage
• Your UM/UIM coverage applies if they're uninsured
• You shouldn't pay anything if they're fully at fault
• A lawyer helps ensure the at-fault driver's insurer pays
• Their liability insurance pays for your injuries and vehicle damage
• Your UM/UIM coverage applies if they're uninsured
• You shouldn't pay anything if they're fully at fault
• A lawyer helps ensure the at-fault driver's insurer pays