Rental Car Accidents: What You Need to Know
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
If you have a rental car accident in Michigan, consider consulting an attorney before you agree to any insurance company settlement. An auto accident lawyer can help protect your rights and get you the appropriate compensation prescribed by law.
Understanding the no-fault law
The no-fault law in Michigan states that each party involved in any vehicle or car accident is entitled to benefits from his or her automobile insurance company.
The person who caused the accident becomes irrelevant under a no-fault law. This law can be complicated as different insurance companies have various ways of interpreting the statute depending on the situation and type of accident.
The insurance company, in case of doubt, will do what is in the best interests of the insurance company, not the person involved in the accident.
It is important to contact a reputable and experienced lawyer at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. as soon as possible after an accident. Our firm’s car injury lawyers understand the nuances of the no-fault law and can explain your options and entitlements.
Renting a car in Michigan
Michigan and all rental car companies will offer you additional insurance coverage when you rent a vehicle. The question is often asked: Is it worth spending the extra money and, more importantly, do I really need it?
In no-fault states, in particular, spending the extra money to get better coverage is likely worth the cost despite coverage by your own no-fault insurance plan.
Car injury attorneys advise this because if the other person involved in the accident is injured, your own policy may not cover all the costs.
Rental car bodily injury coverage, the amount of money an insurance company will pay to another company if someone is injured, will likely be capped at $20,000. This is the minimum requirement under Michigan Law.
Michigan differs from other states, even some with no-fault laws as no fault in Michigan can permit unlimited benefits to the injured party due to a vehicle accident.
If people are seriously hurt, you may find your insurance coverage is not enough.
If you live in a no-fault state like Michigan, you also may want to consider paying extra for additional insurance coverage to help mitigate any worst-case scenarios involving major injuries or death.
If you rent or lease a vehicle for 30 days or more, you are considered the owner of the car.
Protecting yourself after a car accident in a rental car
Most common injuries from car accidents include head, chest, and back. The first thing to do after a car accident is to make sure everyone is okay.
If you were in an accident, and someone is injured, consulting an experienced car accident attorney is critical.
- Record the personal information of the other people involved in the accident, including their name, the names of any passengers, address, license plate, and insurance information.
- Do not admit you are at fault for the accident. You may think you are at fault, but there may be other factors you were unaware of that led to the accident.
- When the police arrive on the scene tell them the facts and let them draw their own conclusions.
- Seek medical assistance right away as your no-fault insurance will cover your personal injuries.
Last Word
If you are unsure if your no-fault insurance covers your rental car, call your insurance company for clarification. The best option is to buy additional coverage to keep yourself safe.
No matter what type of coverage you may have, if you have been in a car accident and have questions or need legal assistance, please call Cochran, Kroll & Associates at 1-866-MICH-LAW for a no obligation evaluation of your case.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
