What Happens After a Hire Car Accident?
What happens following a motor vehicle accident involving a hired car depends on who was at fault for the collision.
Not at Fault Hire Car Accident
Generally, the insurance company of the at-fault party pays for damage when you are not at fault for a collision with a rental vehicle (that was legally driven). Most rental cars already have an insurance policy that includes CTP cover for injuries. Also, the other driver could have independent car insurance or have purchased additional insurance when they hired the vehicle.
How much is a car accident payout?
At Fault Hire Car Accident
If you have comprehensive car insurance and are the at-fault driver in a motor vehicle accident with a rental vehicle, the insurer will usually pay for the repairs (as long as you weren’t breaching road rules). However, the rental car insurance company will expect you to cover the damage if you don’t have insurance coverage.
Thankfully, all Queensland road users have CTP insurance cover, so anyone injured in a car crash that wasn’t their fault may be entitled to claim compensation for their losses.
Free Initial Legal Advice after a Rental Car Accident
Splatt lawyers offer free legal advice after rental car accidents. Our accident lawyers can explain your legal options on a 100% no-win, no-fee basis. Pay for a win and zero if you lose. Call 1800 700 125
Time limits for car accident claims
What to do After a Rental Car Accident
Here are the steps to follow after an accident with a car hire vehicle:
- Ensure everyone is safe
- Exchange essential information
- Record the accident scene
- Notify the car rental company
- Inform your car insurance company
- Contact an accident compensation lawyer
1. Start by Ensuring Safety
Safety is the priority after a car accident occurs. First, assess the crash scene and make sure everyone is safe. If possible, move to a safe area, then:
• Seek medical assistance for any injured people
• Make emergency calls
• And contact the police
If anyone is injured, immediately call an ambulance or other first responders. The above may seem obvious, but it can be difficult to think clearly, especially after severe car accidents.
2. Exchange the Required Information
Once everyone is safe, exchange essential information for all people involved, including:
- Name and contact details
- Registration numbers
- Insurance details
- Rental car company information
- Contact information of witnesses
If you are not the vehicle’s owner, please provide the owner’s name and address.
3. Record the Accident Scene
You need reliable documentation to file an insurance claim for a car accident. This information helps prove how the accident occurred and includes the following:
- Photos or videos of the scene to capture vehicle positions and damage
- CCTV footage (if available)
- Photos and videos of the surroundings, such as traffic lights and signpost locations.
- The date, time and location of the accident
- Weather conditions and road conditions
Every detail is essential for the recovery process. You should also file a police report, even for minor accidents, as this can help prove who the at-fault driver was.
How to determine fault for a car accident
4. Notify the Car Rental Company
Next, you must report the collision to the car rental company. They will tell you what to do next, including their specific requirements.
Understanding your car rental agreement and its terms and conditions will help because they sometimes include limited liability products that exclude certain damages. Following the rental provider’s instructions will increase the chance of a successful outcome and avoid complications.
5. Inform Your Car Insurance Company
The next step is to contact your insurance provider to make a vehicle insurance claim, starting with an accident report form. Every insurer has its own procedure, depending on whether you have basic insurance or comprehensive cover.
6. Legal Advice from an Accident Compensation Lawyer
If you are injured in a road accident, you have the legal right to seek legal advice regarding compensation, regardless of whether you were driving your own car or a rental vehicle.
Seeking damages for car hire collisions can be challenging because multiple parties may seek to protect their financial interests. That’s when a car accident compensation lawyer can explain your rights for a financial loss caused by negligent driving.
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Can I Get an Accident Replacement Vehicle?
You could be eligible for an accident replacement car after a motor vehicle crash, depending on:
- Who was the at-fault party
- Your level of insurance cover
- The insurance policy terms and conditions
If your insurer doesn’t provide an accident replacement vehicle, the rental car insurance provider may.
Consequences for Future Rentals After An Accident
Rental car accidents can affect your chances of hiring rental cars again. Hence, it is recommended that you read the terms and conditions of a car rental agreement, as they differ substantially between companies.
Be aware that if the rental agreement doesn’t cover third-party damage, you will likely be liable for damages. Most rental companies charge a high excess regardless of who is to blame, but you can often pay a fee to reduce the excess.
Car Accident Compensation Lawyers Near You
Our accident compensation lawyers work from ten QLD-wide locations.
| Gold Coast | Brisbane | Logan | Ipswich | Toowoomba |
| SunsSunshine Coast | Townsville | Cairns | Caboolture | Bundaberg |
Car Hire Accident FAQs
Who pays for damage to a hire car?
Typically, the rental car company will pay for repairs if you have an accident while driving their car that wasn’t your fault. However, you will pay a higher excess. But if you rent a car and cause a collision, the other driver can make an insurance claim against you.
What should I do immediately after a rental car accident?
Immediately following a rental car accident, you should:
• Make sure everyone is safe
• Move to a safe location
• Contact police and other first responders
• Then call an experienced accident claim lawyer
How should I document the accident scene?
To effectively document the accident scene:
• Capture photos or videos
• Note the time, date, weather, and road conditions
• And file a police report.
This documentation helps prove who was at fault for the collision and, hence, who is liable to pay damages.
Can a hire car accident affect my ability to rent cars in the future?
Yes, a car hire collision can make it difficult for you to rent cars in the future, potentially resulting in:
• Additional restrictions
• And increased rental costs based on the specific policies of the rental company.