How Do You Get a Rental Car After an Accident in Georgia?
You’re moving through the intersection at Highways 133 and 122, on your way home after a long day at work. Since this location is known for its frequent auto accidents, you proceed carefully, but it’s not enough to prevent catastrophe: a distracted driver runs straight through the stop sign and hits the side of your vehicle, totaling it and sending you to the hospital with broken ribs.
As soon as you’re discharged from the hospital, the first thing you do is look into getting a rental vehicle, so you and your spouse can get groceries and take the kids to soccer practice. But how do you get a rental car after an accident?
Georgia is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents, so the insurer for the at-fault driver is normally responsible for covering a temporary replacement vehicle. In this guide, we’ll go over how to get a rental car after an accident, what to do if the insurance company disputes liability, and how a car accident attorney can protect your right to a full recovery.
Who Pays for a Rental Car After an Accident in Georgia?
After a car crash, the first step is confirming which auto insurance policy covers your accident. If the other driver is clearly at fault and their insurer accepts responsibility relatively, they may arrange a rental or reimburse you for the cost. That said, most policies set limits on how much they will spend (e.g., average daily rate) as well as the type of motor vehicle they’re willing to cover. If you go beyond these restrictions, you may have to pay the difference.
Once the auto insurance claim is open, the adjuster will explain how the rental or reimbursement process works. Some companies have agreements with rental agencies that let you pick up a car without paying up front. Others require payment at the counter and a submission of receipts for reimbursement. Rental car coverage usually begins when your vehicle enters a repair shop or is no longer safe to drive.
Please note that insurers generally require proof that your vehicle is a total loss or being repaired before approving rental car coverage. Depending on the circumstances, this can include photos and repair estimates from a mechanic. If the insurance provider requires you to pay up front and provide receipts for reimbursement, make sure you save everything.
What if Your Car Accident Was a Hit and Run?
If the at-fault driver took off after hitting you and you couldn’t capture their license plate, you may be able to turn to your own auto insurance policy if it includes rental car reimbursement. This optional benefit allows you to secure a temporary vehicle in situations like hit-and-run accidents.
What the At-Fault Insurer Disputes or Denies Liability?
Sometimes, the at-fault driver’s insurance company questions its policyholder’s liability, which can delay or deny approval for a rental car. For example, disagreements can arise from conflicting accounts of the accident, unclear evidence, or delays in the claims investigation.
In these situations, you may need to use your own insurance coverage or pay temporarily with a credit card until the other insurer confirms responsibility. Staying organized, keeping detailed records, and regular communication with both insurance companies will make it easier to secure rental car coverage when you need it.
Georgia Laws That Affect Rental Car Access After an Accident
In Georgia, drivers must carry minimum liability coverage: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. While these minimums cover injuries and vehicle repair costs, they don’t automatically cover a replacement vehicle after an accident. This is because rental reimbursement is optional in this state and must be added to your insurance policy.
As we mentioned earlier, access to a rental vehicle is tied to the condition of your car. If they agree to cover it, most insurance carriers will want evidence that your car is either in the shop or cannot be operated safely. Once started, coverage may continue until repairs are completed or settlement funds are issued.
Collision vs. Comprehensive Insurance and Rental Vehicles
In Georgia, collision and comprehensive insurance cover different types of vehicle damage, so they affect rental car access in slightly different ways.
- Collision coverage applies when your car is damaged in an accident. It helps pay for repairs to your vehicle, but it does not automatically include a rental car unless you purchased rental reimbursement coverage as an add-on.
- Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, applies to non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather damage. Like collision, it also doesn’t automatically provide a rental vehicle unless rental reimbursement is included in your policy.
In both cases, access to a rental car depends less on whether the claim falls under your motor vehicle collision or comprehensive insurance, and more on whether your policy specifically includes rental coverage.
Optional Protections: Collision Damage Waiver and Supplemental Liability Coverage
Rental companies also offer optional protections that supplement your insurance. For example:
- A collision damage waiver (CDW) can reduce or eliminate your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged. It may cost an additional amount per day on top of the cost of renting a vehicle. That said, you may already have access to a CDW at no additional cost through various sources, including your credit card, car insurance policy, and travel insurance (if applicable).
- Supplemental liability coverage provides additional protection if you cause damage to another person’s property or vehicle during the rental period.
Rental companies may also offer other optional protections, such as personal accident insurance and personal effects coverage. Personal accident insurance can cover medical expenses for you and passengers if an accident happens while driving the rental car. Personal effects coverage protects belongings inside the vehicle from theft or damage.
While these options are not necessary, they can provide additional peace of mind, especially when traveling or using a rental for an extended period. Evaluating these protections alongside your existing insurance can help ensure you have the right level of coverage for your needs.
How to Secure a Rental Car Quickly After an Accident
After an accident in Georgia, your first priority should be making sure everyone is safe and reporting the accident to the police. Then contact your insurance company right away to open a claim. Ask whether your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, since this determines whether your insurer will pay for a rental vehicle. If you have this coverage, the insurer can often arrange a car for you immediately through a partnered rental company, sometimes with direct billing, so you don’t pay up front.
If you don’t have rental coverage, you can still get a car quickly by renting one yourself. In some cases, such as when another driver is at fault, their insurance company may eventually reimburse your rental costs, but that can take time. To avoid delays, have your insurance claim number ready, choose a rental company your insurer works with if possible, and keep all receipts.
Choosing the Right Rental Car
Choosing the right rental car after a Georgia car accident depends on your insurance coverage as well as your daily needs. Most insurance policies only pay for a vehicle that is similar in size and function to your damaged car. This means that if you were driving a standard sedan, your insurer likely won’t approve a luxury SUV or specialty vehicle.
Before selecting a rental, confirm your daily and total coverage limits. If the rental costs more than your policy allows, you’ll have to pay the difference out of pocket. It’s also smart to ask your insurer if they have preferred rental companies, since this can simplify billing and reduce upfront costs.
Think about practicality when making your choice. Consider fuel efficiency, passenger space, and how you’ll use the vehicle day to day. Avoid unnecessary upgrades or add-ons at the rental counter, since those extra charges usually aren’t reimbursed.
How Long Can You Keep a Rental Car?
In Georgia, how long you can keep a rental car after an accident depends on your insurance coverage and the condition of your vehicle.
- If your car is repairable, rental coverage usually lasts until repairs are finished, as long as the timeframe is reasonable and approved by the insurer. Delays caused by parts shortages or repair shop backlogs may limit how long the insurer will continue paying.
- If your car is declared a total loss, rental coverage typically ends a few days after the settlement offer is made, not when you receive payment. Most policies also include daily and total dollar limits, such as $30 per day up to a set maximum. Once those limits are reached, you’re responsible for additional costs.
To avoid unexpected charges, stay in contact with your adjuster and repair shop so you know exactly when your rental coverage will end.
How Can a Georgia Car Accident Attorney Help?
After a car accident, dealing with insurance claims, medical bills, and vehicle repairs can quickly become stressful. This is where a Georgia car accident lawyer can protect your rights by helping you understand what your insurance does and doesn’t cover and advocating for you if the insurance provider is being difficult.
Your lawyer can investigate the accident, gather police reports, witness statements, and medical records, and determine who is at fault. This is especially important when fault is disputed or multiple parties are involved. A lawyer can also:
- Communicate with all insurance companies on your behalf, reducing the risk of low settlement offers.
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost income, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.
- File a personal injury lawsuit if the insurer doesn’t offer a fair settlement.
If you need a rental car, they can push insurers to approve coverage or include those costs in your claim. Most Georgia car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, so you don’t pay unless they recover compensation for you. You have nothing to lose by making that call and potentially everything to gain.
Questions? Speak to Our Car Accident Lawyer Today
When you’re looking at rental options after a car accident, make sure you understand your options first. Whether you’re relying on your own insurance provider or that of the at-fault driver, taking the right steps can get you on the road faster.
If you need help understanding your rights or securing the proper coverage after a car accident, The Rodd Firm can provide legal guidance and representation. We’ve been protecting injury victims across Southwest Georgia since 2007 and don’t shy away from the most difficult or challenging cases. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney, please contact us online or call (229) 421-7777 today.