Getting in a car accident can mean going for a week or more without your vehicle. Even if your car isn’t totaled and simply requires repairs, you will need to look for alternative transportation options for your daily commute.
One common option is to get a rental car. However, renting a vehicle can still be expensive, even if it’s only for a week or two.
Check if you have rental reimbursement coverage
Before paying out of pocket, check to see if your auto insurance policy covers it. Having rental reimbursement insurance can help you keep your expenses down. Take note that rental reimbursement coverage is often an add-on rather than a basic inclusion to insurance policies.
See if the other driver’s insurance will cover your rental fees
If you didn’t get auto insurance with rental reimbursement coverage, see if the other driver involved in the car accident would cover your fees. Vehicle rental may be included as part of their liability coverage. However, in some cases, the other driver’s insurance company might only cover your rental costs after pursuing legal action.
Consider borrowing a car or carpooling
If you can’t afford to not have a car, but insurance won’t cover your rental fees, try borrowing a vehicle from family or friends. Carpooling or getting rides with co-workers is another smart and budget-friendly idea.
Make sure you are fit to drive
If your car rental fees are covered by insurance, or you can borrow from a friend or family member, make sure you are in the right condition to drive. It’s not just your physical health that you need to check. You also need to consider your mental and emotional state.
It is generally a good idea to see a doctor after a motor vehicle accident to make sure there are no signs of injury. It is also better to make sure you don’t show signs of anxiety, trauma, or post-traumatic stress due to the accident.
Keep your life on track
It’s easy to take everyday conveniences for granted – such as having a working car. Take it away, and you face a tremendous inconvenience. You are not the only one that can be affected, either. Your kids, husband, or family and friends may be as well.
Considering the expense of potentially paying for a rental, the cost of the repairs, and the general depreciation of your vehicle, it may be necessary to hold the negligent party accountable. Filing a lawsuit may not only help cover expenses not covered by auto or health insurance but also lost income and inconvenience for dealing with this major disruption.