After a car accident, you may feel confused and uncertain about where to turn for help. You know you weren’t at fault, but somehow, you’re still stuck paying the bills. If your car is damaged, you might be unable to drive to medical appointments, school, or work, making life even more difficult.
How can you get a rental car after an accident in Arkansas, and who pays for your rental car? Because Arkansas is an “at-fault” state, if another person caused your accident, they should pay your rental car fees. However, collecting this money isn’t easy without a lawyer in your corner.
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our car accident attorneys can help you file the necessary claims and collect the money you deserve – even for a rental car. If the insurance company gives you trouble or refuses to pay these expenses, we’ll be fighting for you every step of the way.
After a car accident, you need to focus on getting your life back together again, and this may mean obtaining a rental car for the interim while your case is pending.
Unfortunately, getting a rental car after an Arkansas accident can be more complicated than it should be. Your rental vehicle should be comparable to your vehicle that sustained damage in the accident.
Anyone can get a rental vehicle after a car accident. However, if you caused the accident or liability is in question, you may have to pay for this vehicle out of your pocket.
Before you rent a car, talk to an experienced lawyer. Your lawyer will examine your case details to determine if you’re entitled to rental car coverage. This often includes reviewing your insurance policy and the at-fault driver’s policy. It may also mean investigating the accident and building a solid case to get you the money and reimbursements you deserve.
You may not know what to do if you need a rental car after an accident in Arkansas. Who do you call, and how can you get a car fast? Before you try to rent a car after an accident, consider the following.
Not all rental car companies are the same—some charge more than others for the same types of vehicles. Do a little research to get the best deal.
Most insurance companies will only reimburse rental car fees if the vehicle is a similar make and model. You shouldn’t have to settle for a small 2-door sedan if you drive a mini-van. Likewise, if you drive a Honda Accord, they won’t reimburse you for a Cadillac.
You may find rental car discounts through your credit card company or AAA. Enterprise, for example, gives discounts to individuals who’ve been in a car accident, so be sure to ask the agent about discounts before renting.
Most rental car companies need specific paperwork before they can rent a vehicle. To rent a car in the United States, you must be 25 years old with a valid driver’s license and have a valid credit card or debit card to pay for the rental.
When you rent a vehicle, be sure to ask about restrictions and mileage usage. Many rental car companies do not want you to use toll roads and restrict how many miles you can drive in a day. Knowing the rules can help you avoid excessive fees and penalties.
The best-case scenario is when the at-fault driver’s insurance company immediately accepts liability for the traffic collision. When this occurs, the insurance company will pay for the rental car until your car is repaired or until you agree to a settlement.
To file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you must call their insurance company directly to begin the claims process. This is the best and first option for filing a rental car claim and prevents you from raising your insurance premiums or paying for rental car expenses out of your own pocket.
Another possibility is to file a claim with your own insurance company. This often occurs when the at-fault driver’s insurance company delays or denies fault. Until they decide to accept blame for the crash, you must go through your own insurance company.
If you have rental coverage through your insurance plan, then you would file a claim with your plan. Once the at-fault driver’s insurance company reaches a settlement or accepts fault, your company will be able to collect payment for your rental car from them through subrogation.
Arkansas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the crash must pay for the damages, including rental car fees. Insurance companies are good at contesting accident charges and claims. They may say that you contributed to the accident, or they may refuse to pay the rental car fees until the end. When this occurs, what can you do?
Your car insurance provider is the fastest way to rent a car after an accident. Most policies include rental car coverage if you’re ever in an accident. However, not all do. Be sure to talk to your attorney and insurance agent to see if rental car fees are covered.
If liability is clear, you can see if the at-fault driver’s insurance company will foot the bill for the rental car. In some cases, they will. However, many insurance companies refuse to pay expenses quickly. As such, it can take time to get the money you need.
Sometimes, you might need to pay for the car rental yourself. If you pay for the rental car out-of-pocket, ask your lawyer how you might get those charges reimbursed later.
Unfortunately, receiving compensation isn’t immediate after an accident. Even if you aren’t to blame, insurance companies need time to investigate the claim to determine who is at fault and negotiate how much compensation you are entitled to. Likewise, you need time to understand the full extent of your injuries and the damages you’ve suffered.
The insurance company will take time to investigate the claim before they pay anything. The investigation can take anywhere from five to ten days or even longer if the car crash involves a total loss.
Sometimes insurance companies and adjusters take too long to investigate claims. They may also request unnecessary information first, such as recorded statements. Your attorney can help push the process through faster and ensure the insurance company isn’t acting in bad faith. Call our firm to learn more.
Most major car insurance companies will rent cars for up to 30 days. In general, accident victims are allowed to keep their rental car until their own vehicle is repaired and returned to them. Accident victims need to be diligent in handling their repair work. Any delays in repairing your car could jeopardize your ability to keep your rental car through the process.
When injured in an accident, the last thing you should be fighting is your insurance company over what type of car you’re allowed to rent. When this occurs, we can help. The Arkansas car accident attorneys at Rainwater, Holt, and Sexton are ready to fight for you and your legal rights after an injury accident.
With offices throughout Arkansas — Little Rock, Springdale, Conway, Hot Springs, Bryant, Jacksonville, and Jonesboro — our accident lawyers are easily accessible when you need us. Fill out a free contact request form or call (501) 868-2500 and tell us your story.
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