25 Jul What If Your Rental Car Gets Damaged While Your Vehicle Is Being Repaired?
At National Auto Collision Centers, we can help you get a rental car through your insurance company when you bring your vehicle to one of our collision centers for repair. Using a rental car can reduce some of the stress and inconvenience associated with an automotive collision or accident. But what happens if your rental car gets damaged while your own vehicle is being repaired? Here is a guide to what to do if you damage your rental car while waiting for auto repair service on your own car.
Immediately Report the Damage to the Rental Car Company
Whether you caused the damage to the rental car or someone else did, you must report it to the rental car company right away. Waiting to report can cause bigger problems, and may result in you being fully responsible for the cost of rental car repairs. If you purchased rental car insurance when you rented the vehicle, it may cover the full cost of major and minor collision repairs.
Contact Your Own Insurance Company
Next, you should contact your own auto insurance company to begin the process of filing a claim. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, your policy may cover the cost of auto repair and service.
Comply With the Rental Company’s Assessment Protocols
The rental company will need to do an assessment of the damage to the vehicle. You must comply with this assessment or the process can get dragged out. You may be required to bring the vehicle back to a rental center location, have it towed to a specific auto repair or collision center, or provide your location so that they can send someone from their company to you.
Understand How Responsibility Is Determined
If the damage was your fault, it’s in your best interests to consult with an attorney before accepting responsibility. If you caused the damage, you may be required to pay for auto repair and collision repair out of your own pocket. If you purchased rental insurance and/or have full auto insurance coverage, the damage may be covered. If the damage wasn’t your fault, your insurance company or the rental car’s insurance company may begin negotiations with the other driver’s insurance provider.
Negotiate With the Rental Company
In some situations, you may be able to negotiate with the rental company regarding the cost of auto repair services. You can request formal documentation of the damage and the cost of auto repairs and body work, and dispute the cost if you think it is unreasonable. You can also request an independent assessment of the damage and estimate for repairs if you think that the cost seems suspiciously high.
When you bring your vehicle to us at National Auto Collision Centers for major collision repair service, we will arrange for a rental car if your insurance company covers it. If it doesn’t, we will provide you with one of our loaner vehicles. We offer reputable auto repair and collision repair, and will provide you with a detailed estimate for the cost before we begin so that you can make an informed decision. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our auto service centers in Tucson, AZ.