Unexpected car troubles can put a damper on any road trip or vacation, especially if the vehicle you are driving is not your own. When your rental car refuses to start or your tire is punctured, it can be easy to panic. At Infinity Insurance Agency Inc., (IIA) we appreciate the stress of a rental car breaking down. However, if you find yourself in this situation, keep a level head and consider the tips below.
Pull over to a safe spot
If you experience a breakdown, safety should always be your most pressing concern. If you can do so safely, pull your vehicle out of the roadway and evaluate the extent of the breakdown and/or damage. Activating your hazard lights during this time can help alert other drivers to your situation and enhance the visibility of your rental vehicle. Then call the rental agency, roadside assistance if you have it and if necessary, emergency services. Try and stay with or near your vehicle until assistance arrives at the scene.
Contact the rental company
Typically, the rental car company is responsible if a rental car breaks down or experiences mechanical failure. An exception would be if you did something to cause or contribute to the breakdown or mechanical failure. Regardless, inform the rental company of the situation immediately.
Costs associated with a breakdown or mechanical failure, like towing or providing a replacement vehicle, are typically borne by the rental company if you did not cause or contribute to the breakdown or failure. However, you should check your rental agreement for the specifics as it could depend on the level or levels of coverage you purchased.
You may also want to tap into any roadside assistance plan you have, such as AAA, as it could help to cover damages or out of pocket expenses. If you used a credit card to rent the vehicle, the credit card company may also offer some additional coverage. It’s always a good idea to check into that before you rent a vehicle, this way you are ready and prepared in the event this happens to you. Finally, depending on the damage and/or cause of damage, your personal auto insurance may provide some assistance. Be sure to contact your agent or insurance company for the details. Exhausting all your options is in your best interest to avoid any out-of-pocket expenses.
Auto insurance coverage for rentals
If you are unsure if your personal auto policy extends to a rental car, you should contact your insurance agent before renting said vehicle to verify. Depending on your particular policy it is possible there will be no coverage for car rentals.
Be sure to document details
Be sure to write down important information such as the date, time, and location of the breakdown, and document the scene with pictures and/or video. Be sure to communicate any updates or changes to the breakdown with both the rental and insurance companies.
Preventative measures when renting a car
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! You may be eager to hit the road in your new rental vehicle but take the time to thoroughly inspect it before leaving the rental lot. You may catch a condition which could be addressed before driving off the lot.
Conduct a 360-degree inspection of your vehicle and be sure to note and report to the rental agent any minor dents or prominent scratches. Inspect the tires, wipers and check for dashboard lights to help ensure everything is operating normally. Also, familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving away, making sure that you know how to properly operate the car’s headlights, windshield wipers, and emergency brake.
A vehicle breakdown can be a scary situation under any circumstances. When your rental car sputters to a stop it can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Nevertheless, it is important to remain calm and communicate with the right parties. By keeping a level head, documenting the situation, and making a few calls, you can pave the way for getting back on the road again.
If you are curious about your coverage options when renting a car or just want to explore auto insurance options more in depth, call IIA today at 1-855-478-3705.