Who Pays for My Rental Car After a Car Accident in Georgia?

Key Points:

• In Georgia, as a general rule, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for the victim’s rental car.
• If the insurance company for the other driver in a car accident disputes liability or refuses to pay for a rental car, you will either have to pay rental costs up front or seek coverage through your own insurance policy.
• If you pay your own rental costs up front, you should document your expenses and seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company through a settlement agreement.

If you are involved in an accident that was clearly not your fault and your car is damaged, not knowing how long you will be without your car and worrying about rental charges can add even more stress. Fortunately, there options to get your rental car bills covered by an insurance company

This Georgia legal guide explains some options that may be available to you. If this guide does not answer all of your questions, or should you wish to hire a car accident lawyer , The Millar Law Firm specializes in auto and truck accident claims.

Insurance Policy Coverage for Rental Cars

Comprehensive and collision car insurance coverage generally includes rental car expenses, and the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying those costs. In situations where liability is not disputed, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may agree to pay your rental car bills directly.

When liability is disputed or when the insurance carrier delays making a determination of fault, this usually means that you will need to find another way to pay up-front costs for your rental car if you need one immediately.

If you have rental coverage under your own policy, you can seek payment from your car insurance carrier. Some credit card companies also offer rental car services if you use their card for the transaction. Even if you don’t have these options, however, you can still seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier for your out-of-pocket rental costs.

Because there are different ways to get your rental car expenses covered, you should consider the convenience and limitations of each option. For example, when you use your own insurance coverage, you may not have to pay up-front costs, but there is typically a limit on how many days your policy will cover your rental. If the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier is paying, your coverage will last as long as it takes to get your car repaired (if it’s repairable) or, if the vehicle is totaled, until you are offered payment for the car, truck or motorcycle.

How Auto Insurance Companies Pay for Rental Cars After Accidents

When the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier is paying, you should not be billed for the charges. Instead, the rental company usually sends the bills directly to the carrier for payment.

You should speak to the insurance adjuster beforehand to find out what daily rate is approved for coverage (and if there’s an overall limit). If you pay more than the rate allowed by insurance coverage, it is likely that you will have to pay the difference out of your own pocket.

How do I get a rental car after a car accident?  

You can obtain a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, or you are resolving your claim through the at-fault party’s insurance company. You might be able to obtain a rental car under your own insurance if you purchased such car rental insurance.  

Does my lawyer help me get a rental car? 

Technically personal injury attorneys only represent you for your bodily injury claim.  However, if the at-fault party’s insurer is giving you trouble about paying for the rental car, let your attorney know, and they may be able to assist.  

Will I be reimbursed for rental car expenses? 

If you do not have rental insurance and the at-fault party’s insurer is not paying for the rental, you should document all rental costs and make a claim for reimbursement through your attorney.

What if I can’t afford a rental car? 

If you cannot afford a rental car, you may want to consider filing a claim with your own insurer to determine whether you have rental car insurance coverage.  

What If You Are The At-Fault Driver? Are Rental Car Fees Covered?

Even if you were the at-fault driver in the accident, IF you have rental car coverage, your insurance carrier must still pay your rental car costs. Rental car coverage is not required in Georgia, so your carrier will only pay your costs if you added optional rental coverage to your policy. If you were at fault and your insurance policy doesn’t include rental car coverage, you will have to pay rental costs yourself.

Can Rental Car Expenses Be Included in a Settlement?

Yes. The at-fault driver’s insurance company must compensate you for the total cost of the accident, and that includes the expense of renting a car after yours was damaged. If you have a personal injury case, it is often possible for you to receive reimbursement for your rental car expenses before your injury claim settles. Be careful, however, not to sign any settlement release that waives or ends your right to recover for your personal injury or medical expenses. A smart move is to hire a car accident attorney who can advise you about how to protect yourself when you have suffered injuries.

Save all of the rental car documentation showing your rental car fees (and all other expenses) because you will need to present this evidence to the insurance company to prove the full extent of your damages.

Why Hire Our Firm After a Car Accident

Since 1993, The Millar Law Firm has been helping car accident victims with every step they face after an accident. Securing a rental car is an initial step, but you will likely need other legal advice down the road. Make sure you speak to an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case so you don’t leave money on the table.

Consultations Are Free at The Millar Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, make sure you seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Our attorneys can help. Call The Millar Law Firm today at (770) 400-0000 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.