In Georgia, you can hold a driver who causes a car accident liable for covering the cost of your rental car. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider typically bears this expense. However, how much the insurer will pay depends on the specific limits of the insurance policy.
How Is Fault Determined in a Georgia Car Accident?
Both courts and insurance companies determine who’s at fault for a car accident in Georgia by carefully reviewing evidence like the following:
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Accident scene photos
- Physical debris and skid marks
- Security or dashboard camera footage of the accident
- Post-accident inspections
- Medical records
- Electronic data, including cell phone records
- Accident reconstructions.
If you need help proving the other driver was at fault, a car accident lawyer can collect evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. Contact our Atlanta car accident attorney today.
What Is the Process for Getting a Rental Car After a Car Accident in Georgia?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you:
- Contact your insurance company — After the auto accident, notify your insurance company immediately. Depending on your policy’s terms, the company may provide you a rental car while waiting to resolve the claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company — If the other driver caused the crash, their auto insurance should cover your rental car expenses. However, this process can take time, especially if the driver or insurer disputes fault.
- Use rental reimbursement coverage — If you have this optional coverage on your policy, your insurer may pay for the rental car upfront and seek money to reimburse the costs from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Rent a car — Once you determine who will pay for the rental car and what stipulations the insurance company has, you must pick out a rental car. Go to an approved rental agency and bring along any documentation the insurance company provided. The more information you have, the less likely you will face an unpleasant surprise.
Waiting for insurance companies to resolve issues can be frustrating. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help move the process along.
What Happens If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
The reality is that some drivers in Georgia do not have insurance, even though the law requires it. If the driver who caused the accident did not have insurance coverage, you might have to use your auto insurance to pay for a rental car. Check your insurance policy to determine if it includes a provision for rental coverage. This coverage could be part of your uninsured motorist (UM) policy.
If you do not have this optional coverage, you may need to pay for the rental car and seek reimbursement later. Always keep receipts and documentation, as these can prove expenses.
Are There Restrictions on the Type of Car I Can Rent?
Yes, the insurance company usually limits the type of rental car it provides. Generally, it will approve a rental similar in size and purpose to your damaged car.
For example, if you drive a small family sedan, the insurance company will not cover renting a luxury SUV. However, if you drive a work truck, you may be allowed to rent a similar vehicle to keep up with your job duties.
If you decide to upgrade to a nicer or more expensive car, you will usually have to pay the extra cost yourself. Always check with the insurance company first to ensure your chosen rental car is covered and avoid unexpected charges later.
How Long Am I Allowed to Keep the Rental Car?
The time you can keep a rental car depends on how long it takes to repair your car or settle your claim if it was totaled in the wreck.
Insurance companies will cover the cost of a rental car for what they consider a “reasonable” time. If repairs take longer than expected, keep the insurer informed to avoid losing coverage. If your car is a total loss, you may be allowed to keep the rental car until you receive the settlement check. Remember to check with the insurance company directly rather than make a potentially costly assumption.
Moreover, disagreements with the insurance company about what’s “reasonable” can leave you without a rental car. A car accident lawyer can advocate for you and prioritize your needs while fighting to pursue the compensation you need to cover your expenses.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Having to deal with insurance companies after a car accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from injuries and keep up with your daily responsibilities. That’s where Bayuk Pratt steps in. We have dedicated decades to helping accident victims in Atlanta and across Georgia pursue the compensation they deserve. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience and a record of results, including more than $300 recovered for our clients. We know how to stand up to powerful insurance companies and fight for your rights — just ask our many satisfied clients.
We understand how essential reliable transportation is after an accident and how frustrating it can be to secure a rental car. You do not have to go through it alone. Instead, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the specific facts of your case.
We look forward to meeting you and helping you get your life back on track, starting with the rental car you need to go about your day.
