Renting a car feels pretty straightforward. You pick up the keys, sign the paperwork, and get on with your trip or daily plans. But what happens if you’re in a car accident with that rental and you’re not the one at fault? That question can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re right here in Salt Lake City and juggling everything that comes with being in a crash.
Let’s walk through what it really looks like when you’re dealing with a not at fault accident in a rental car. We’ll cover who pays for what, how insurance comes into play, and the steps you can take to make sure your rights are protected.
First Steps Right After the Accident
The moments after a car accident are stressful, but you still want to follow a clear set of steps. If you’re safe and able, here’s what to do:
- Check for injuries – Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Safety is always the first priority.
- Move to a safe spot – If the car can be moved and it’s safe, get out of traffic.
- Contact the police – In Utah, it’s important to file a police report, especially when a rental car is involved. This helps document that you were not at fault.
- Exchange information – Get the other driver’s insurance and contact info. Be sure to note the vehicle make, model, and license plate.
- Take photos – Snap pictures of damage, the accident scene, and anything else that might matter later.
- Call the rental company – They need to know about the accident right away, even if it wasn’t your fault.
- Call your insurance provider – Share the police report number and any details you’ve collected. They can start the claims process and support you while fault is being determined.
How Liability Works in a Rental Car Accident
In a typical car accident, the at fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages. When a rental car is part of the equation, it gets a little more complicated. The rental company owns the vehicle, but you signed a contract agreeing to return it in good condition. So while you’re not at fault, the rental company may still look to you first for payment until insurance sorts things out.
This is why calling the rental company immediately is so important. They’ll usually have you fill out an incident report. From there, they’ll work with insurance carriers to figure out coverage.
Your Personal Auto Insurance and the Rental Car
If you have your own car insurance policy, it often extends to rental vehicles. That means your liability coverage, collision, and comprehensive coverage can kick in for the rental car. Every policy is a little different, so it’s worth knowing what’s included in yours before you ever rent a car.
When you’re not at fault, your insurance company may pay the rental company upfront and then pursue reimbursement from the other driver’s insurer. This process is called subrogation. It keeps you from being left stranded while insurance companies argue about fault.
What About Rental Car Company Insurance?
When you rent a car, the agent usually asks if you’d like to add extra insurance coverage. Common options include:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – Waives the rental company’s right to charge you for damages.
- Liability Coverage – Protects you if you cause an accident and damage someone else’s property.
- Personal Accident Insurance – Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
If you purchased CDW or similar coverage, you’re in a much better spot. Even if the other driver was at fault, this coverage can help the rental company move forward without putting pressure on you first.
Credit Card Rental Car Coverage
A lot of major credit cards offer rental car coverage if you use that card to book and pay for the vehicle. The tricky part is that this coverage often acts as secondary insurance. That means it only pays after your own car insurance or the other driver’s insurance has kicked in.
It’s still worth checking your card’s benefits guide. You might have more protection than you realized, which could save you thousands in out-of-pocket costs.
The Role of the At Fault Driver’s Insurance
Since we’re talking about a not at fault accident rental car situation, the other driver’s insurance should ultimately cover the damages. This includes repairs to the rental car, your medical bills, and possibly the cost of a replacement rental while yours is out of commission.
The challenge is that insurance companies don’t always move quickly. In the meantime, you might get stuck with charges from the rental car company. That’s why it’s so important to keep copies of everything, including police reports, photos, receipts, and all correspondence. It helps prove your case and pushes the process along.
Dealing with the Rental Car Company
Rental companies can be tough to work with after an accident. Even if you’re not at fault, they may put a hold on your credit card for damages or send you a bill for repairs. They’re protecting their property, but it can feel like you’re being blamed for something you didn’t do.
If this happens, don’t panic. Stay calm and keep communicating with your insurance provider and the other driver’s insurer. Most of the time, these charges are temporary and will be reversed once fault is established and payment is made.
Why Location Matters: Salt Lake City and Utah Laws
Since you’re in Salt Lake City, Utah law comes into play. Utah is a no-fault state for car accidents. This means your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical expenses up to a certain limit, regardless of fault. After those limits are reached, you can pursue compensation from the at fault driver.
For rental cars, this can be a little confusing, but the key point is that your medical bills don’t have to wait on the other driver’s insurance to start paying. Your own PIP coverage gets things moving while the rest of the claim is handled.
Protecting Yourself After the Accident
Here are a few extra steps that can make a big difference in protecting yourself:
- Keep all paperwork – Rental agreements, insurance policies, and repair estimates all matter.
- Don’t delay medical care – Even minor injuries can get worse if untreated, and your health comes first.
- Notify your credit card company – If you used a card with coverage, loop them in early.
- Stay organized – Make a folder with all your accident-related documents.
The more prepared you are, the easier it is to push back if anyone tries to stick you with costs that aren’t yours to cover.
When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer
Sometimes these situations get messy. Maybe the rental company is demanding payment, or the insurance companies are dragging their feet. Maybe you’re dealing with injuries that are making your life harder every day. That’s when it makes sense to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer in Salt Lake City.
A lawyer can help you deal with the rental company, fight for coverage from the at fault driver’s insurer, and make sure you’re not left holding the bill. They can also help recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages you might not have thought about.
Ready to Protect Your Rights After a Rental Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a not at fault accident rental car situation in Salt Lake City, you don’t have to carry the burden yourself. The team at Robert J. DeBry is here to step in, deal with the rental company, push back on insurance delays, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a trusted car accident lawyer and let’s get you back on the road with confidence.
