What Happens If You Crash a Rental Car?

You’re enjoying a much-needed road trip. The rental car is running smoothly, and everything seems to be going just right. Then, out of nowhere, there’s a crash. As the dust settles, one question quickly comes to mind: What happens if you crash a rental car?

We understand this fear. Our job at Pierce Skrabanek is to step in when life gets complicated and confusing. For over 30 years, our attorneys have helped people like you navigate the stressful aftermath of serious accidents, recovering over $500,000,000 in verdicts and settlements for our clients nationwide.

If you’ve been hurt in a rental car accident, don’t wait. Call Pierce Skrabanek today for a free, no-obligation consultation at (832) 690-7000 or fill out our private online form.

The Crucial First Steps After Crashing A Rental Car

The moments right after a crash are critical. The steps you take now will protect your safety and your future legal rights.

1. Check for Safety and Call 911: Call 911 immediately to get medical help and ensure police respond to the scene. An official Police Accident Report is a vital piece of evidence for your claim, especially if there are injuries or serious damage.
2. Gather Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and insurance information from all drivers involved. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Take photos of everything: all vehicles, the damage, the street signs, and the road conditions.
3. Notify the Rental Company and Your Insurer: You have a legal contract with the rental company, and it requires you to report the accident promptly. Find their emergency number and call them. Next, call your personal auto insurance company. 
4. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a doctor immediately. Some injuries can take days to show symptoms. Seeking prompt medical care creates a clear, documented record of your injuries, which is essential for any personal injury claim.

It's a scary moment, and it feels much more complicated than a wreck in your own car. Suddenly, you're not just dealing with your insurance and your vehicle—you have the rental company, their rules, and layers of coverage you may have bought (or skipped) at the counter.

Will I Be Held Responsible for Crashing a Rental Car?

The question of who pays and what happens when you crash a rental car depends on who caused the accident and what kinds of insurance policies are in place.

In most car accidents, the person who caused the crash is held financially liable for the resulting damages and injuries. When it comes to a rental, your responsibility is usually covered by a combination of insurance layers:

• Your Personal Auto Insurance: In most cases, your personal car insurance is the primary source of coverage. Your policy’s collision coverage (which pays for damage to the rental car itself) and your liability coverage (which pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others) will often extend to a rental car. You are generally responsible for your deductible before your coverage kicks in.
• Credit Card Coverage: If you paid for the rental with a major credit card, it might offer secondary collision coverage. This usually covers damage to the rental car itself, but it generally does not cover liability, mmeaning it won't pay for another driver’s car damage or their injuries. You must have declined the rental company's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for this to apply. Always call your credit card company to confirm the specifics.
• Rental Company Insurance: The optional coverages you can purchase at the counter provide the third layer.
  
  • Loss/Collision Damage Waiver (LDW/CDW): Waives your responsibility for damage or theft of the rental car itself. This is a contract, not an insurance policy, and it's essential if you don't have other coverage.
  • Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): This increases the amount of money available to pay for the injuries and property damage you cause to the other parties involved in the crash. It is a good option if your personal liability limits are low.

If you’re dealing with a rental car accident, you don’t have to untangle the insurance and reimbursement process on your own. The rental company, your insurer, and the other driver’s insurer can all point fingers, leaving you stuck in the middle. 

Let the lawyers at Pierce Skrabanek handle the details and fight for the coverage and compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form or call us today for a free consultation at (832) 690-7000.

What Happens If You Crash A Rental Car Without Insurance?

If you don't have a personal auto insurance policy and skipped the rental company's optional coverages, you are essentially fully exposed to liability. The rental company carries only the minimum liability coverage required by state law. If you cause a serious crash, those limits are almost never enough to cover significant injuries and property damage.

You could be held personally responsible for:

• The full cost of repairing or replacing the rental car, including all those "loss of use" and "diminished value" fees.
• All medical bills and damages for anyone you injure, including the other driver, their passengers, and any property damage.

This can quickly lead to devastating debt and collection efforts. If you are uninsured or facing financial disaster after a rental car crash, you should seek legal advice immediately to understand your options and protect your assets.

Why You May Need Pierce Skrabanek If You Crashed a Rental Car

Even with full insurance coverage, handling a rental car accident claim can be frustrating. You might find yourself dealing with several insurance companies at once, each trying to minimize what they pay. They may argue over who was at fault or try to undervalue the damage to the rental car—or even your injuries.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we help clients make sense of this process:

• We understand how the system works: Our team knows how personal insurance, credit card coverage, and rental car policies overlap. We sort through the fine print to identify every possible source of compensation.
• We stand up to insurers: Because we prepare every case thoroughly, insurance companies know we won’t back down. That reputation often helps us reach fair settlements without drawn-out court battles.
• We’re committed to our clients. Every case we take is handled with care and determination. Our history of record-setting verdicts reflects our dedication to achieving real results for those we represent.

We understand what you are going through. Our clients choose us not only for our remarkable success record but because we treat them like family. If you have suffered an injury caused by another’s negligence, don't settle for just any law firm. 

Contact Pierce Skrabanek today online or at (832) 690-7000 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our attorneys with 30+ years of combined experience fight for your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no up-front fees for you.