Even with today’s advanced anti-theft technology, car theft is still a significant issue in the United States. What do you do if your car rental gets stolen while you’re driving it? Some of the fees may be covered if you acquire supplementary insurance via the rental provider. Because of this, you may still be held accountable even if the problem is handled well. For the stolen rental car, it works fine.
If you learn that your rental car has been stolen, you must take immediate action. Make sure to follow these five steps in the event that you ever find yourself in a position like this:
Step 1: Make a Police Report
Reporting the crime to the authorities is the first step in protecting oneself from legal ramifications. If your car is stolen, it’s the same thing. If you have access to the rental agreement, be sure to mention that the vehicle was rented. This kind of information is often made available to renters through email or a mobile app. If any of the vehicle’s personal belongings were taken, provide that information as well. All rental businesses ask that a police report be filed, no matter whose company you rent from. Any insurance you have may be void if you put it off or fail to take action.
Step 2: Get In Touch With The Car-Rental Agency
Call the rental company after you’ve called the police. Do not phone the rental company before calling the police since the rental business will instantly ask for the police report number when you call the police. Obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN) so that you may submit it to law authorities in the event that you did not originally have this information in your rental contract. Be careful to write all relevant information during the phone contact with the rental business. If the vehicle is lost or damaged, pick the option to report the loss or damage.
Find out how much insurance you have on the car. A loss damage waiver will cover you in the best-case situation. You won’t be held responsible for the theft if you have this coverage. You will not be covered if you use a rented car with your car insurance.
Step 3: Complete an Incident Report Form
You’ll fill out an incident report form while chatting with a representative from the rental business that handles loss and damage. Both the rental company’s investigation and that of the police are going to be using this report to figure out how much insurance you should be paying for the damage to your vehicle.
Step 4: Your Personal Insurance And Credit Card Companies Should Be Contacted As Well
Contact your own insurance carrier if you didn’t acquire it via the rental business. Whether your insurance covers rental theft, check to see if you’re eligible for a claim.
Step 5: Obtain a Replacement Rental Car
Following these procedures and reporting your stolen rental to the authorities as soon as possible ensures that your contract with the rental business is terminated. Your car may be stuck where it was taken, which is unfortunate.
Conclusion: For a Free Consultation, Speak with an Expert Personal Injury Attorney
Car theft and accidents may happen at the most inconvenient times, no matter how careful you are. Call the personal injury attorneys for vehicle accident victims who have been wounded due to another driver’s carelessness.
