What happens if someone else damages my rental car?
Asked by: Elliot Wisozk I | Last update: October 24, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (60 votes)
What if someone else damages my rental car?
The short answer is that the rental car company will litigate, and you will be responsible for all costs associated with the repairs and possibly loss of rents for the damaged car, and more than likely, court costs.
What happens if someone else drives your rental car and gets in an accident?
When someone is driving a rental car, the rental company assumes that their name is on the contract. If an unauthorized driver is in control of the vehicle, all insurance plans or coverage options offered by the rental company are null and void. The unauthorized driver's insurance will be used to pay for all damages.
Does insurance cover rental car damage?
Does my auto insurance cover rental cars? Your personal auto insurance will cover most rental cars with the same coverage limits and deductibles. For example, if you carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your auto policy, you'll be protected against physical damage to your rental car.
Do rental car companies check for damages?
Upon the return of a rental vehicle, companies rely on manual inspections to assess damage.
What happens if you crash someone else’s rental car?
How do I prove I didn't damage my rental car?
Send evidence of your innocence
Unfortunately, car rental companies have a “guilty until proven innocent” approach to damage. Send “before” and “after” photos and videos of the vehicle. You will need these to show that you didn't damage the car, so don't forget to take them while you're renting the car.
Can a rental car company sue you for damages?
There is a strong possibility that the rental company can and will try to sue you for the damage caused to their rental vehicle while it was in your possession. They will need to recover money to fix the damage that occurred during the accident.
How can I avoid paying for rental car damage?
Buy the rental company's collision damage waiver coverage.
While this coverage can be pretty expensive, it protects you from potential damage claims. If the car is damaged while you have it, the collision damage waiver will cover it.
Will insurance pay for rental car during repairs?
Yes, if you have Rental Reimbursement Coverage, your insurance will cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, even if you are at fault. If the other driver is at fault, their insurance will typically cover the cost of your rental car during the repair period.
How long will insurance pay for a rental car after an accident?
Most rental reimbursement coverage lasts a maximum of 30 days. This is usually plenty of time, since it takes an average of two weeks to repair a vehicle, according to the Insurance Information Institute. In some cases, however, car insurance may pay for a longer car rental.
What are the risks of renting a car for someone else?
Use caution when you rent a car and put an additional driver on the reservation. One of the risks of renting a car for someone else is that if they get into an accident while driving the rental car, you may still be responsible for the expenses, depending on your collision insurance.
How does insurance work when driving someone else's car?
If you're specifically listed on the car owner's insurance policy, you'll be covered when driving that car – even if it's not your own. If you're not on the owner's policy, applicable coverage will again depend on consent.
Do rental cars have cameras?
The most common camera found in rental cars is the rear view camera, which is meant to help drivers when backing up their vehicles. Located at the back of the car, they allow us to see what has been behind, to avoid collisions and easy parking in small places.
What happens if someone else drives your rental car and gets in accident?
First of all, unauthorized drivers are a problem! when found out the rental contract is usually terminated. If you purchased insurance from the rental company, this violation of contract would end the coverage, the damage will have to be covered by your own insurance.
What happens if you return a rental car with some damage?
Unless you purchased the specific damage insurance at the time of rental, they will hit your credit card for those damages. There is no going rate. That would be dependent upon how much damage was done and will cost for a body shop to repair it.
Does your insurance policy does not automatically cover damage to rental cars?
If you don't have liability, comprehensive and collision coverage on your own car, then your insurance likely will not cover your rental car if you get into a collision or damage the rented vehicle.
Who is responsible for insurance on a rental car?
Your personal car insurance policy will cover damage to your rental car, in most cases, as long as your policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage. That means you can waive the insurance offered at the rental counter (along with its hefty prices) and still drive with peace of mind.
How much does insurance pay for a rental car?
Rental coverage options vary by insurance company and policy. Most policies cover a daily amount up to a limited number of days or dollars. If the daily amount is flat (eg $40), any vehicle you select under that should include the rate and tax of the rental car if you want to avoid paying part of the rental.
What happens if someone hits your rental car?
Your rental company will likely work with the at-fault party's insurer to negotiate payment for damages. However, you might receive a charge from the rental company before the case settles. If the rental company charges you, you'll need to seek compensation from the driver's auto insurance.
How much is a rental car damage waiver?
For instance, typically, they do not cover damage to certain parts of the vehicle such as tires, windows, mirrors, and the undercarriage. Cost: The cost of a CDW can vary widely depending on the rental company and location, but it generally ranges from $10 to $30 per day.
Does property damage insurance cover rental car?
In some states, damage to the rental car must be paid under property damage liability coverage. Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair your vehicle (or your rental car) if it's damaged by a covered peril, such as theft, wind, fire or natural disasters. Your comprehensive coverage's deductible will apply.
What do rental car companies consider damage?
All dents larger than 5cms or multiple dents on one panel, that weren't marked on the existing vehicle condition report, which you should be given when you pick up the car, are considered damage that has to be compensated. This includes chips from flying rocks and minor bumps and dents.
Am I responsible for hail damage to a rental car?
If you experience rental car hail damage, you should know that insurance is likely to cover it. Most rental car companies include comprehensive coverage in their insurance packages. If you carry comprehensive coverage on your own vehicle, your insurance policy may extend coverage to rentals as well.
Can you file a claim on a rental car?
Let your insurer and the rental car agency know you were in an accident immediately. If you bought a loss or collision damage waiver from the rental agency, you won't need to pay for damage to the rental car. If you didn't buy a waiver, you may file a claim under your collision coverage instead.