Who Will Cover the Cost of a Rental Car After an Accident in Spokane, Washington?

Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience. Beyond dealing with possible injuries and vehicle damage, you may also face the challenge of figuring out how to get around while your car is being repaired or replaced. Clients who seek our help after car accidents often ask, “Who will cover the cost of a rental car after an accident?”

As a seasoned Spokane car accident lawyer recognizes, car crashes can inflict serious injury,  mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The last thing you want to deal with is unnecessary out-of-pocket costs for a rental car.

This blog, from a Spokane car accident attorney, explains how the cost of a rental car fits into your car accident claim. Continue reading to learn more, then call us at (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 to schedule your free consultation.

Insurance Coverage and Rental Car Costs

When an auto accident happens, much of the post-accident financial burden falls on insurance—the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own.

The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

If another driver caused the accident, their insurance company is generally responsible for covering your rental car expenses under the property damage liability portion of their policy. While it may sound straightforward, delays often arise when dealing with the at-fault party’s insurer. They may take time to investigate the accident, assess fault, and confirm the validity of your claim. During this waiting period, you could be without a vehicle unless you have other coverage options.

Furthermore, the at-fault driver’s insurance may only pay for a rental car for a “reasonable” amount of time—meaning, long enough for your car to be repaired or for you to find a replacement. However, negotiations around what constitutes “reasonable” can vary.

Your Own Insurance Policy

If you have optional rental reimbursement coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy, it’s another way to secure a rental car after an auto accident. This type of coverage pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being fixed, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

However, this coverage isn’t automatically included in every auto insurance policy—you have to add it as an extra benefit. It usually comes with a daily rental limit, such as $30–$50 per day, and covers you for a set period of time.

Having your own rental reimbursement coverage can be particularly helpful if:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance is slow to respond.
• You’re found partially or fully at fault and therefore can’t rely on the other driver’s insurance to pay.

How to File a Claim for Rental Car Coverage

Filing a claim to cover your rental car expenses involves several steps, whether you’re working through the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own.

1. 1. Contact the Insurance Companies Immediately 

After the accident, notify your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer (if applicable). Provide them with all the necessary details, including the police report, accident photographs, and contact information for any witnesses.

1. 2. Determine Responsibility 

If fault isn’t immediately clear, there could be delays in rental car payment approval. Make sure you stay in touch with the insurance adjuster handling the case and provide any information they need to speed up the investigation.

1. 3. Confirm Your Coverage 

Before renting a car, check your policy or ask the insurance adjuster about limits on rental car payments. For instance, your own policy may only cover certain rental companies or a specific type of vehicle. Similarly, the at-fault driver’s insurer may impose restrictions on the rental car options available to you.

1. 4. Pay for the Rental Car, If Needed 

Sometimes you may need to pay for the rental car upfront and later get reimbursed by the responsible insurance company. Keep all receipts and rental agreements to ensure a smooth reimbursement process.

1. 5. Communicate Regularly 

Frequent communication with the insurance company can help prevent misunderstandings or delays. Keep notes of all conversations, including who you spoke with, dates, and the details discussed.

Washington State Laws and Regulations Impacting Rental Car Coverage

Washington is an at-fault state, which means the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for compensating the victim for damages, including property damage and rental car expenses. However, there are a few nuances to be aware of when dealing with insurance claims in Washington.

One critical factor is the state’s pure comparative negligence law. Under this law, if you’re partially responsible for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re deemed 25% at fault for the collision, the at-fault driver’s insurance would only cover 75% of your rental car costs.

Another applicable law relates to insurance bad faith. Any insurance company operating in Washington is required by law to handle claims fairly and in good faith. If you feel the insurance company is stalling or wrongfully denying your rental car coverage, you have the right to seek legal representation.

Practical Tips for Dealing with an Insurance Company

Negotiating with an insurance company can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to recover from the aftermath of a car accident. Here are a few tips to help ease the process:

1. 1. Document Every Detail 

From the moment the auto accident occurs, start documenting everything—take photographs of the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and keep copies of all repair estimates and rental car invoices.

1. 2. Know Your Policy 

Familiarize yourself with your auto insurance policy to understand what’s covered and what isn’t to help you advocate for your rights when talking to insurance adjusters.

1. 3. Stay Firm but Polite 

While it’s important to be persistent, maintaining a respectful tone when dealing with insurers often makes the process smoother. If you feel you’re being unfairly treated, consider hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you.

1. 4. Don’t Settle Beyond Your Rights 

Insurance companies might try to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement than allowed by law. Don’t agree to anything unless you feel confident it covers your rental car costs and any other expenses related to the accident.

1. 5. Seek Legal Help from Washington Personal Injury Attorneys 

If you encounter problems, like denied rental car payments or prolonged delays in claim approval, consulting an attorney can provide clarity and protect your financial interests.

How an Attorney for Car Accident Cases Can Help with your Personal Injury Claim Involving a Rental Car

Dealing with rental car coverage after an accident can create more stress and confusion in the aftermath of a personal injury caused by an auto accident. A personal injury lawyer can help in the following ways: 

• Case Evaluation of Auto Accident Claims

A lawyer with profound knowledge of Washington personal injury law will review the details of your accident, insurance coverage, and any related laws to determine the strength of your case.

• Negotiation with Insurers 

Attorneys for car accidents and insurance claims know how to negotiate with insurance companies in the pursuit of a fair settlement for your rental car expenses.

• Evidence Gathering 

Your lawyer can help gather evidence from the accident scene, medical records, witness statements, and other relevant information needed for your claim.

• Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit if Necessary 

If negotiations fail or the responsible insurance company is acting in bad faith, your lawyer can file a lawsuit to pursue your rights in court.

• Fighting to Recover Compensation 

A personal injury attorney will fight for the maximum compensation, including financial compensation, under Washington state laws and regulations, including all necessary rental car expenses.

Contact Albrecht Law PLLC, for Help with Your Personal Injury Claim

Have you been searching for “car accident injury lawyers near me” or for a “Spokane accident lawyer?” Contact us at (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. A Spokane car accident lawyer from our law firm will listen to the circumstances of your personal injury case and recommend a course of action to prove liability for your subsequent injuries and damage to your car—whether someone else’s negligence, faulty brakes, distracted driving, or another factor caused the accident.  Our law firm will assess the worth of your personal injury claim and pursue fair and appropriate compensation, which could include coverage for medical treatment and other medical expenses and rental car costs. To our personal injury law firm, our clients are more than just cases.

Want to know if you should pursue compensation for your injuries? Take our FREE quiz now.

Albrecht Law PLLC — Our Clients Are More Than Just Cases

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Albrecht Law PLLC
5105 E 3rd Ave, Suite 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246
https://albrechtlawfirm.com/