When you get into a car accident, you're often stuck with no vehicle or means of transportation until you get a rental car. In Florida, the at-fault driver's insurance company is generally responsible for paying for the cost of a rental car after an auto accident. It’s important to note that Florida is a "no-fault" state, which means that each driver's insurance company may be responsible for covering their own damages and injuries regardless of who caused the accident.
NOT At Fault for the Florida Auto Accident
If you are not at fault in a Florida auto accident, the at-fault driver's insurance company is typically responsible for paying for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
You should contact the at-fault driver's insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and to request a rental car. The insurance company will typically ask you for information about the accident and your rental car needs, such as the type of vehicle you need and the length of time you will need it.
Beware that the insurance company may ask for recorded statements. We recommend you contact an attorney before giving the insurance company a recorded statement. The insurance company is not your friend and is likely seeking to minimize or deny your claim.
If the at-fault driver's insurance company accepts liability for the accident, they should provide you with a rental car at no cost to you. However, if the insurance company disputes liability or delays payment for the rental car, you may need to use your own insurance policy's rental car coverage or pay for the rental car out of pocket and seek reimbursement later.
Be sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to the rental car, including the rental agreement and any payments made, so that you can provide them to the insurance company or your own insurance company for reimbursement.
At Fault For The Florida Auto Accident
If a driver is at fault for an accident in Florida, their rental car may be covered by their own insurance policy if they have rental car coverage. Rental car coverage is an optional add-on to an insurance policy that can help pay for the cost of a rental car if the driver's vehicle is being repaired or replaced due to an accident.
If the at-fault driver has rental car coverage, their insurance company will typically pay for the cost of the rental car up to the limits of the policy. However, the driver may still be responsible for paying a deductible, which is the amount they must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in.
If the at-fault driver does not have rental car coverage, they may be responsible for paying for their rental car out of pocket. However, if the other driver has collision coverage and they were not at fault in the accident, their insurance company may be able to provide a rental car for them while their vehicle is being repaired or replaced. It's important to note that the specific details of who pays for the at-fault driver's rental car will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident and the insurance policies of the drivers involved.
Steps To Getting A Rental Car After An Auto Accident In Florida
If you need a rental car after an auto accident in Florida, there are several steps you should take:
Contact Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the accident and your need for a rental car. They can help you determine whether your policy includes rental car coverage and what your options are for getting a rental car. Be careful about giving too much information if the insurance company asks for details. Any statement you give may be used against you later. Thus, you should only provide basic facts.
Contact The At-Fault Driver's Insurance Company
If the accident was not your fault, you should also contact the at-fault driver's insurance company to inform them of the accident and request a rental car. They should be responsible for paying for the rental car, but it's important to follow their specific instructions and procedures. However, we recommend you don't give a recorded statement without an attorney to guide you.
Choose A Rental Car Company
Once you have authorization to rent a car, you can choose a rental car company that works with your insurance company or the at-fault driver's insurance company. Make sure to choose a car that meets your needs and is within the rental car coverage limits of your policy.
Keep All Receipts And Documentation
Make sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to the rental car, including the rental agreement and any payments made. You will need to provide these to your insurance company or the at-fault driver's insurance company to receive reimbursement.
It's important to note that rental car availability can vary depending on the location and demand, so it's a good idea to start the rental car process as soon as possible after the accident.
Contact an Experienced Florida Car Accident Lawyer for Your FREE Legal Consultation
If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida as a result of a careless or negligent driver, you should speak with an experienced Florida car accident attorney as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. You can contact us online or you can call our Orlando, Florida law office at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your consultation.
If you need a South Carolina car accident lawyer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
