Not-at-Fault Accident in a Rental Car in Utah? What to Do
A crash is stressful enough. Add a rental car and multiple insurance policies, and it gets confusing fast. If another driver caused the accident while you were in a rental, you have rights, but the overlapping coverage can be a maze. Here is how to handle it in Utah.
If another driver is at fault, their liability insurance is generally responsible for the vehicle damage and your injuries. Your own auto policy, a credit card, or the rental company’s protection may fill gaps, and charges like loss of use can often be pushed back onto the at-fault driver’s insurer.
What to do at the scene
- Call the police and get a report, essential when fault is disputed.
- Get medical care if you are hurt, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Document everything: photos, the other driver’s information, and witness details.
- Notify the rental company and your own insurer promptly.
Which coverage applies
Rental car accidents often involve several layers of coverage:
- The at-fault driver’s liability insurance: the primary source when someone else caused the crash.
- Your personal auto policy, which frequently extends to rentals.
- Credit card benefits, if you paid for the rental with a card that includes coverage.
- The rental company’s protection products, if you purchased them.
Watch out for loss-of-use charges
Rental companies sometimes bill for “loss of use”, the income lost while the car is repaired, plus administrative and diminished-value fees. When you were not at fault, these charges can often be pursued against the responsible driver’s insurer rather than paid out of your pocket.