Having an accident with a rental car is the last thing anyone would want, but unfortunately these situations can happen. When they do, it’s important to know how to act and what steps to take. Today we want to talk about refunds, damage charges, compensation and help you find clear answers to all your questions.
Before we begin, it’s worth remembering that the details of the insurance coverage and the deductible are defined when the rental agreement is signed. There are standard contracts that can be adapted to your needs, but it is essential to understand the rental terms and conditions when deciding to rent a car.
What to do in case of an accident with a rental car
When renting a car or motorbike, the insurance coverage includes a deductible — an amount that must be paid by the customer to the insurance company in the event of theft or an accident involving the rental vehicle. This amount varies depending on the company you choose for your rental.
Beyond this amount, which must be paid by the driver, in the event of a claim, damage coverage is handled by the rental company. However, the company will cover only those damages that fall within the limits of the insurance policy. If the damages exceed those limits, the driver will have to cover the difference between the total damage and the policy limit, in addition to paying the deductible.
To fully understand the responsibilities regarding payments in the event of an accident with a rental car, it’s essential to know the difference between policy limit and deductible — two key elements to determine the potential costs you may have to bear.
The rental cars offered by Ellepi, for example, include third-party liability insurance with a single coverage limit per claim, for both property damage and personal injury. Thanks to the Car Protection and Car Protection Plus options, it is possible to reduce the maximum amount charged for penalties by adding these protections to your reservation.
Accident with no fault: what happens?
If the accident is caused by another party — for example, another car hits you — in some cases the rental company may initially charge the costs in order to process the refund once the facts have been confirmed. In other situations, the company may block an amount on the driver’s credit card without collecting it, while waiting for the assessment and reconstruction of the incident.
What should you do if you have an accident with a rental car?
In the event of a claim, the first thing to do is to promptly notify the rental company, providing a copy of the accident report (CID) and the police report, if available. If you have photographic evidence or witnesses who can describe the dynamics of the accident, you should also send these to the company.
When completing the CID, make sure to accurately describe what happened, indicating in the diagram which parts of the vehicle were damaged.
The CID must be signed by both parties involved for the document to be considered valid and officially acknowledged.
Pay close attention when filling out the document and try to describe the event in detail, especially in the case of an accident where you are not at fault. In these situations, compensation will only take place if it is proven that the responsibility lies with the other party.
Are you planning your trip to Sardinia and starting to gather all the necessary information about rental cars? Request a quote and book your vehicle on our website!
