We all know accidents can be expensive. If you find yourself in a car accident that’s not your fault, it’s important to have a back-up plan in place – and by that, we mean having the right level of ‘not at fault’ car insurance cover and a reputable car rentals provider at your disposal. At car rentals near me, we understand that even the most careful drivers can’t control what others do on the road, so if you want to stay one step ahead and understand what you’re entitled when it comes to ‘not at fault car hire’, read on.
Let’s Start with the Basics: What is Not at Fault Car Hire?
Let’s break it down. A “Not at Fault” car hire refers to a situation where you need a last-minute rental car as a result of being involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault. If you can prove you weren’t at fault, the other party’s insurance is obliged to pay for not just your car rental hire but all associated damages to your vehicle – for as long as it takes for your car to be fixed.
There are many reasons why a “Not at Fault” car insurance rental is a great thing to have. The most obvious one being, there is ZERO cost to you. Not only are you never out of pocket, you end up saving a substantial amount of money if you had to pay for the rental yourself. It also provides you with additional peace of mind, knowing that you’re not responsible for this very hefty cost.
And, forget about the stress of not knowing how to get to and from work. When you’ve got a rental car at your disposal (that is fully paid for by the other party, mind you), you don’t have to worry about how to get from A to B. It’s a great feeling!
The importance of having access to a car rental after an accident is that you have full control of the outcome. Rather than not having a car for weeks, possibly even months, you avoid dealing with the financial consequences of finding a replacement vehicle – saving hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
How Does Not-At-Fault Car Hire Work?
You may not be aware of this, but if you’ve been involved in a car accident, and you’re not at fault, you get access to free car hire provided to you by the other driver’s insurer. This is usually looked after by the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident, giving ‘not at fault’ driver precedence in this unfortunate situation.
Eligibility Criteria
- Proof of Not at Fault: In the first instance, to be eligible for car hire, you will need to prove you were not at fault in the accident and can initiate a claim against the other party’s insurance. If you’re insured, (which we presume you are) you can simply get the ball rolling by contacting your insurer directly or alternatively, reach out to the other driver’s insurance company.
You must have evidence that the other driver was at fault and be willing to provide paperwork such as a police report, witness statement, or admission of guilt from the at-fault party’s insurer.
- Insurance Cover: If you’re not at fault, your insurance policy may need to have a provision for hire cars. Check the terms and conditions to make sure you’re covered, just in case.
- Proof of Not at Fault Status: No Fault Acceptance: If the at-fault party’s insurer accepts responsibility for the accident, you’ll automatically get access to a hire car. If the fault is disputed, for whatever reason, it may cause a slight delay in your rental car hire. Every case is different.
Understanding Your rights as a Not at Fault Driver
In a ‘not at fault’ car accident, you have the right to recover a range of damages including rental car costs, medical bills, right to fair valuation of your vehicle, the right to file a claim even if the other driver is uninsured, the right to a police report and rights to legal representation, if there are any injuries involved. So, you’re pretty much covered from every angle, which is a good thing.
Why Choose Insurance Car Rentals?
- No upfront costs: You don’t have to pay anything once it’s all been approved. Whether it’s hiring a replacement car, towing, or legal support, many insurance rental companies will allow you to access a car without paying anything upfront.
- Guaranteed Reimbursement: If eligible, the at fault driver’s insurer will cover the cost of your rental, providing there is proof of a ‘not at fault’ claim, of course.
- Quick & Hassle-Free Process: It is all handled for you and easily managed from start to finish. All the paperwork and approvals can be done quickly and efficiently, ensuring you get back on the road faster.
- Like for Like Replacement: In most cases, you can get a rental car similar to the one you own. If not identical, it will be close to the year and model you currently drive, making it a win-win solution for most not at fault drivers.
How the Process Works
After a car accident, getting a not at fault rental car becomes top priority. In most instances, the at-fault party’s insurance company should cover your rental car following a simple step by step process.
- Get Confirmation of The Driver at Fault: Obtain a police report if needed: or written statement for validity. Identify who the at-fault party is – Insurance companies will need this information before determining who pays for what.
- Report the Accident: You must notify your insurer immediately. All documentation must be provided to ensure a seamless car replacement process.
- Contact the At-Fault Driver’s Insurer & Confirm Rental Is Covered: Explain the situation and let the at fault driver’s insurer know you were not at fault and will require a rental car while your car is being repaired. A claim number will be issued to you for verification. Make sure you confirm rental car coverage.
- Choose Rental Car Agency: Once you know your rental is covered, your insurance provider or the at-fault party’s insurer will often have a partnership with a car rental company. In many cases, the rental business will bill the insurance company directly, so you don’t need to pay anything upfront. If your insurance policy allows you a choice of car hire company then you and make a claim with them and be back on the road faster.
- Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Once you’ve confirmed the rental is covered, head to your chosen car rental location. If it’s more convenient, some car rental businesses offer delivery and pick-up services.
- Documentation: Be ready to provide necessary documentation, including your driver’s license, claim number, insurance policy number, and possibly the police report (if applicable).
- Rental Duration: The rental car is typically provided until your car is repaired or the claim is resolved, but always check the details with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance for clarity.
Common Misconceptions About Not-At-Fault Car Hire
The myth about a not at fault rental car hire being expensive is untrue. If you can prove you were not at fault and provide relevant evidence, you shouldn’t have any issues obtaining a rental car. In most cases of third-party liability (when it’s the other driver’s fault), this should be sufficient enough when it comes to covering all the costs of your car replacement. Let your car rentals or insurance provider handle all the details for you.
Claim Through the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
- You don’t need comprehensive or rental coverage on your policy.
- The at-fault party’s insurer should pay for your rental while your car is being repaired or until it’s declared a total loss. This can take time if fault is being investigated, though.
Use Your Own Insurance First (Then Seek Reimbursement Later)
- If you have rental reimbursement coverage (usually an add-on), your insurance may cover a rental right away, and then seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- This is faster but only works if you have that optional coverage.
- Comprehensive coverage alone doesn’t cover rentals—that’s a separate add-on.
Read the Fine Print
- Check your rental agreement: This will cover everything you need to understand about your contract, what is covered and what isn’t. Make sure you know what your responsibility is, in case of an accident.
- Ensure you have the right insurance cover: If your personal car insurance or credit card offers rental car insurance, check the details before renting a car. This will ease some of the stress post-accident.
- Consider buying rental car insurance: If your personal insurance doesn’t cover it or if you’re unsure about the coverage offered by your credit card, go one step further and purchase rental car insurance, for extra peace of mind.
Choosing the Right Insurance Car Rental Provider
- Smooth Claims Process: Providers should make the claims process smooth and quick. Look for one with an easy-to-navigate online system, or a mobile app that allows you to report claims, upload photos and track progress.
- 24/7 Availability: If you’re ever in an accident, you’ll want the flexibility to report it any hour of the day or night. Look for providers that offer 24/7 claims and service efficiency.
- Customer Care & Reviews: Read reviews about how responsive their customer support team is.
- You’ll want a provider that will help guide you through the claims process with ease, especially during a stressful time such as a car accident.
- Prompt & Efficient: Some providers are quicker than others when processing not at fault claims. Choose one that has a solid history for promptly handling these highly charged situations.
Legal Rights of Not-At-Fault Drivers in Australia
The legal rights of drivers in Australia who are not at fault in a motor vehicle accident are mostly governed by state and territory laws. As mentioned earlier, not-at-fault drivers in Australia have a number of rights, including compensation for vehicle damage, medical expenses, and income loss. How these rights are enforced depends on the specifics of the accident and the laws in your state or territory.
If an insurance company refuses to cover a hire car, you may need to dig deeper as to why they’re saying no. Is more information needed? Do you have pre-approval from a non-recognised provider or perhaps you didn’t have hire car coverage on your policy? There are many variables and this can only be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Not-At-Fault Hire Car
Read the T’s & C’s Carefully: Always review the rental agreement carefully, especially the sections on insurance and accident liability. Take note of any clauses that might limit or exclude your coverage, like driving in restricted areas or under the influence.
Your Responsibility: You may still be responsible for the car during the rental period, meaning that even if you’re not at fault, you must comply with the terms set by the rental provider and insurer. A big one is returning the vehicle in its original condition.
Car rental insurance can be especially beneficial for drivers who are not at fault in an accident for several reasons: protection from liability, peace of mind, rental car coverage, no hidden fees and speedy claims process.
Finding the right provider can make all the difference between getting a car rental or not getting one. Car Rentals Near Me is a leading provider of ‘not at fault car rentals’ and has helped hundreds of customers with their fast and efficient claims process.
For more information on our ‘not at fault car rental’ service, get in touch with our support team today.