How to Handle an Accident in a Rental Car

Handling an accident in a rental car is much like handling a collision in your own vehicle, just with more steps and paperwork involved. At the scene, follow all the ordinary steps required by law, including exchanging information and taking pictures of damage. By calling the emergency number provided to you by the rental company, you're on your way to settling your accident with them as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Check whether anyone involved has any physical injuries that are life threatening. Call an ambulance immediately if someone is hurt and needs medical care.

2. Treat the accident as you would any other. Avoid admitting fault, exchange insurance information with the other driver and take pictures of both vehicles. Additionally, don't mention you're driving a rental. Some people take advantage of that situation. Supply only the required information and leave the scene.

3. Call your car rental agency at the number that it supplied to you. Sometimes they place a sticker with an emergency number inside the glove box. Otherwise, check the papers that you got as a receipt for your rental. Tell them you've been in an accident and they'll tell you how to proceed.

4. Inform your insurance company that you've had an accident in a rental car after you return the vehicle to the car rental office and settle everything with them. Talking to your insurance representative takes a lot of time, so you shouldn't try to do this immediately.

5. File an accident report, if required, with your local police. Sometimes your insurance company does this for you. Be sure to ask whether they're taking care of it or if it's your responsibility.