Reader’s question:

If a rented vehicle got involved in an accident who are responsible for the damages?

Amber

Good question Amber.

If you are renting a car from the rental company, you will be asked to sign a form that says that you will be held responsible for the damages caused to the vehicle as well as the damages caused to the other vehicle even if they were at fault in the accident.

According to the California Department of Insurance’s guide to car insurance, the renter will be held responsible for the damages to the vehicle in accordance to the rental agreement. They would normally offer a Damage waiver which serves an agreement between the rental company and the renter.

You must review your own car insurance policy to check any applicable extension policy regarding renting cars. You must also verify the liability coverage in the event if the rented vehicle got involved in an accident.

If your car insurance provides coverage for rental cars, you do not need to purchase the insurance from the rental car. Some credit card companies also offers insurance if you use it with rental car companies.

Almost in all states, renters are obligated and will hold responsible for the cars they use or rent. But this does not apply to all states. In Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, car rental companies can be held responsible for the damages on the rented cars.

Goodluck!

MariCAR