
Loc Dang 13 Jun 2024
How to Deal with a Rental Car Accident in Austin?
What about rental car accident insurance? At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers, we understand that a car accident can be a traumatic experience, especially if it occurs while using a car rental service. Accidents involving rental vehicles and ride-sharing services present unique situations that require a clear understanding of the steps to be taken and the insurance coverages available.
In this article, we will guide you through what to do in the event of a rental car accident. The important thing is that you know what to do in the event of an accident. Call us if you need help. We are here to help. Schedule your free consultation in Spanishand give the insurance companies a BANG!
Explaining rental car accident insurance
Rental car accident insurance offers a financial safety net in case damage or accidents occur while using a rental vehicle. There are several types of coverage available. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car, although it often includes a deductible. Theft Protection (TP) takes care of theft of the vehicle or related damage. Liability insurance covers damage to third parties and their property.
Additionally, additional coverages may be offered , such as personal accident protection and personal effects protection, which cover medical expenses and personal belongings in the event of an accident. For users, taking out these insurances is useful because it provides peace of mind by reducing or eliminating the financial risk associated with possible accidents or theft during the rental period. This allows people to enjoy their trip without worrying about unexpected costs that may arise.
Who covers the expenses in the event of a rental car accident?
When an accident occurs with a rental car, coverage for expenses can come from different sources depending on the situation and the insurance purchased. Below is a detail of how these coverages work:
Your insurance
If you have personal auto insurance, it may extend to rental cars, covering damage and liability according to the terms of your policy. It is important to check with your insurance company to see what coverage applies to rental vehicles.
Rental car insurance
Car rental companies often offer additional services such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection (TP). It is important to know that CDW is not insurance , but an extra service offered by the rental company. These services cover the costs of repairing the rental vehicle and losses due to theft, although they may not be total and may include a deductible.
Third party insurance
In the event that another driver is responsible for the accident, your liability insurance should cover damage to the rental vehicle and any other property affected. This also includes medical expenses, should there be any injuries.
Credit Card Insurance
Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as an added benefit. This insurance can cover damage to and theft of the rental vehicle, usually as secondary coverage that comes into play after other coverages, such as your personal insurance, have been exhausted. It’s crucial to review the credit card’s specific terms and conditions to understand the scope and limitations of this coverage.
What to do if you have an accident with a rental vehicle?
If you are involved in an accident with a rental vehicle, it is important to follow a number of steps to ensure your safety and facilitate the insurance claim process. Here is what to do:
- Ensure your safety and that of others: Check that everyone involved is safe. If there are injuries, call emergency services immediately.
- Move to a safe place: If possible, move the vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic and prevent further accidents.
- Contact the police : Report the accident to the police, especially if there is significant damage, injuries, or disputes over liability. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims.
- Exchange information: Obtain and provide information to everyone involved in the accident, including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance details.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to all vehicles involved, and any other relevant evidence. Write down details about the accident, such as time, location, and road conditions.
- Inform the rental company: Call the rental company as soon as possible to inform them of the accident and follow their instructions. They will guide you through the next steps and tell you where to take the vehicle for evaluation and repair.
- File an insurance claim: If you have personal, credit card, or rental company insurance, notify your insurer and provide all required documentation to begin the claim process.
- Consult with an attorney if necessary: If the accident is serious or there are disputes over liability, consider speaking with an Austin car accident attorney to protect your rights and obtain proper legal advice.
By following these steps, you can effectively handle the situation following a rental vehicle accident and ensure that all parties involved are adequately informed and covered.

If you have suffered injuries, call Attorney Dang to give the insurance companies a Bang!

What happens if the rental car incident occurs with an Uber service?
Rented cars from a third party are often used to work on ride-sharing platforms such as Uber. In the event of an accident involving the Uber platform, whether as a driver, passenger or affected third party, it is essential to follow a series of steps to ensure the safety of all involved and to properly manage the incident. Uber provides clear guidelines and insurance that covers all trips, ensuring support and protection for all affected parties. The procedures to follow in each case are detailed below.
1. If you are an Uber driver and you have an accident
If you are involved in an accident while driving using the Uber app, follow these steps:
- First, make sure everyone involved is safe and out of danger.
- Call the police and emergency services for medical assistance.
- Report the accident to Uber using the appropriate form to report what happened.
Uber will contact you to confirm the safety of everyone involved and gather any necessary information. It is important to remember that all Uber rides are covered by insurance.
2. If you are an Uber passenger and you have an accident
- Please report what happened to Uber. The platform will contact you with further steps.
3. If you are a third party and suffer an accident caused by an Uber driver
- Please report the incident to Uber using this link. The platform will contact you to verify the information and provide instructions on how to proceed.
Attorney Dang – Accident Lawyers, your defense in the event of a rental car crash
Navigating the complications of a rental car accident can be challenging, but knowing what steps to take and understanding the insurance coverages available can make a big difference. At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers, we are here to support you every step of the way, from accident documentation to claims management and protecting your legal rights.
Now you know what to do if you are involved in a rental car accident. If you have suffered injuries or losses resulting from a rental car accident, you have rights. You deserve compensation regardless of your immigration status , and we will help you defend your rights. Call us today and schedule your free consultation. With DANG, you can say BANG! to the insurance companies.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- How to Get Justice for a Bicycle Accident in Austin?
- 5 Reasons to Hire an Austin Car Accident Lawyer

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang
Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.
CONTACT US
Where are we?
North Austin: 11442 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78753.South Austin: 2512 South IH 35, Suite 250, Austin TX 78704
You can contact us 24 hours a day if you have been in an accident and need legal help to fight for the maximum compensation you are legally entitled to. If you fill out this form , someone from our team will contact you.
9 to 5pm
512-973-8997