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I just wrecked my rental, what do I do?

If you had an accident and have already returned the car and are wondering “what’s next?”, click here

 

If you are on this topic, then something has gone wrong for you.  If not, this is a good topic to read anyway.  It will give you a quick “what to do” if you have an accident.

I am going to assume that the proper steps of contacting the police and exchanging information has occurred.  If you do not know what I am talking about, visit this link here.   If you are confused, call your car rental company and ask for advice.  Most car rental companies have a roadside assistance line where people who are trained in this situation can give you basic advice.  Essentially, this is what you do:

• Notify the police (if more than a minor fender bender, approx. 500 in damage) and ambulance if necessary.
• Exchange information and insurance cards.  Rental cars will have some sort of insurance card with the car.
• Do not admit fault to anyone.  Everything you say can be used against you.
• Call the car rental company and tell them you have been in an accident.
• They will ask you to fill out a form.  Usually there is a copy of the form in the car, or available at their website.  Here is a link to the Avis form for example.
• Depending on the condition of the car, the rental company may want you to exchange it for another car.   When you report this, discuss it with the agency at that time.  Once again, never admit fault.

You may continue your trip with as little worry as possible.  They will not ask for money immediately.  If they ask for information you do not know, get a number where you can call them back when you get home and give them that information.  The worst case scenario is they mail you a bill 1 month later for damages.  At that time, you can submit it to your insurance companies as necessary.

 

After the end of your trip, see the next topic of “now what.”