How to Get a Rental Car After an Accident in Florida If You’re Not At Fault

If your vehicle was damaged or totaled in a Florida car accident that someone else caused, the other driver’s insurance company may have to pay for your rental car — and this is likely just one of your available options. However, certain factors may complicate the process. It’s important to understand both the relevant auto insurance policy and your rights.

Not having access to a car because yours was damaged or totaled in an accident is frustrating and inconvenient. But by following some basic steps, you should be able to rent a car to drive in the meantime. Best of all, you may not have to pay for it out of pocket.

What Other Options Do You Have to Rent a Car?

In general, you have three options for renting a car after a collision:

• If your own insurance policy will cover the cost of a car rental, you can use that coverage to rent a car while yours is being repaired or replaced.
• The at-fault driver’s insurance company may pay for your rental car or reimburse you for the cost.
• You can pay for a rental car out of pocket and seek reimbursement.

Whether you have to pay out of pocket for a rental car, even temporarily, depends on the specific details of the auto insurance policy you’re renting the vehicle under. You may be able to seek compensation for any out-of-pocket rental costs through a car accident lawsuit.

How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car After a Car Accident?

The insurance company will typically pay for your rental car for as long as it takes for your car to be repaired or replaced – provided this occurs within a reasonable amount of time, usually two weeks or so. The specific length of time will depend on the insurance company and the details of the policy under which the car is being rented.

What Type of Vehicle Can You Rent?

Typically, you should rent a vehicle like the one you were driving when the accident happened. This is because the insurance company will pay or reimburse you for the cost of a similar vehicle.

In other words, if you were driving a sedan, you should rent a similar sedan. Renting an SUV or a pickup truck, for example, will cost more and may not be covered at all. Err on the side of renting the most economical vehicle you can.

What Steps Should You Follow to Get a Rental Car After a Car Accident?

There are a few key steps you should take after a car crash. Start by contacting your own insurance company as well as the negligent party’s insurance company. Your insurance provider can help determine whether you have rental car coverage and review your options.

The at-fault party’s insurance company will not be in a hurry to pay for your rental car. If they do, it means they accept their insured’s liability for the accident. They’ll be more likely to pay for your rental in cases where their insured is clearly the cause of the crash. Contact them to report the crash and ask them to pay for your rental car. Find out what their procedures are to get a rental and follow them. In all communications with insurance companies, remember to stick to the facts and not say anything that could be used against you later or jeopardize your claim.

Next, contact the rental car company and let them know you’ll need a vehicle because you were involved in an accident. Be sure to select a vehicle like the one you were driving and confirm it’s within the insurance company’s rental car coverage limits.

Hold on to all paperwork and other communications related to your vehicle rental. All of this documentation will play an essential role in your car accident claim, as it helps you get reimbursed.

Car insurance policies can be confusing, and deciding what to do can be overwhelming when you’re dealing with everything else that comes along with being in a car crash. An experienced Florida car accident lawyer can help you review your options and choose whatever makes the most sense for your situation.

What Other Compensation Could You Be Owed?

Unfortunately, your car may be the least of your worries if you were involved in a serious collision. You may be dealing with severe injuries, facing a lengthy recovery period, and unable to work. As a result, you may have significant concerns about your finances.

If the other driver was at fault and your injuries are considered serious, you can pursue compensation through a claim against the at-fault party’s insurer or in a lawsuit. In addition to damage to your vehicle, they may owe you compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including future expenses and the cost of long-term care or treatment
• Lost income, including loss of future earning potential
• Loss of quality of life
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering

Your Florida car accident lawyer will review the facts of the collision and determine an amount that represents full and fair compensation for your losses.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?

Under Florida law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the at-fault driver. It’s essential that you start this process as soon as possible after the crash. Your attorney needs time to prepare your case, and some evidence may be difficult or impossible to gather if you delay taking action.

Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a collision and need help filing a car accident claim, the team at Zervos & Calta, PLLC is ready to help you through the entire process. We have over 50 years of combined experience helping Florida car accident victims and understand how to effectively pursue the justice and compensation clients like you deserve.

Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable Florida car accident attorney. We look forward to discussing your case in a free initial consultation.

Visit Our Florida Car Accident Law Offices

About the Author

Lauren Calta
Attorney Lauren Calta is a partner in the Tampa Bay law firm Zervos & Calta, PLLC. For 25 years, Lauren Calta has focused her legal practice on representing people who have been harmed in personal injury, car accidents or lost loved ones due to the negligence of others. A distinguished personal injury trial attorney, she has secured millions of dollars for her clients and is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum in recognition of having obtained a settlement or verdict in excess of $2 million. She also is an official member of Lawyers of Distinction, Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers, Clearwater Bar Association and Florida Justice Association.