Getting into an accident in a rental car is stressful—but knowing exactly what to do can save you thousands of dollars and prevent unnecessary headaches.
Whether you’re renting a car on vacation, during a business trip, or while your own vehicle is being repaired, the steps you take immediately after an accident are extremely important.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we’ve helped California drivers understand how their personal auto insurance, credit card benefits, and rental car insurance work together after an accident.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Your first priority is safety.
If possible:
- Move the vehicle to a safe location
- Turn on your hazard lights
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries
- Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured
Even a minor accident should be taken seriously.
Step 2: Call the Police
Even if the damage seems minor, it’s usually wise to contact local law enforcement.
A police report can help:
- Document what happened
- Support your insurance claim
- Protect you if the other driver changes their story later
Some states require police reports when injuries or significant property damage occur.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Collect:
- Driver’s name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license
- Insurance company
- Policy number
- Vehicle information
- License plate
Also gather contact information from any witnesses.
Step 4: Take Plenty of Photos
Document everything:
- Damage to all vehicles
- Wide-angle photos of the accident scene
- License plates
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs
- Skid marks
- Weather conditions
The more documentation you have, the smoother your claim process will be.
Step 5: Contact the Rental Car Company
Do not wait until you return the vehicle.
Call the rental company immediately.
They may:
- Arrange for towing
- Replace the rental vehicle
- Explain the next steps
- Provide claim forms
Most rental agreements require prompt reporting.
Step 6: Notify Your Auto Insurance Company
Many personal auto insurance policies extend your coverage to rental cars.
Your own policy may provide:
- Liability coverage
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Medical payments
However, coverage depends on your policy and the type of rental.
Before renting a vehicle, it’s always a good idea to review your auto insurance with your agent.
Step 7: Check Your Credit Card Benefits
Many major credit cards include rental car protection if:
- You paid for the rental using that card
- You declined the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Coverage varies significantly between credit card companies.
Some cards provide:
- Collision damage
- Theft protection
- Loss-of-use reimbursement
- Towing
Others provide very little coverage.
Step 8: Understand What You’re Responsible For
Depending on your insurance, you could still be responsible for:
- Your deductible
- Loss of use charges
- Administrative fees
- Diminished value (in some cases)
This is why understanding your coverage before renting a vehicle is so important.
Does My Personal Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
In many cases, yes.
If your personal vehicle carries:
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
those coverages often extend to a temporary rental vehicle used for personal purposes.
However, there are exceptions, including:
- Luxury vehicles
- Exotic cars
- Moving trucks
- Commercial rentals
- International rentals
Every insurance company has different rules.
Should I Buy the Rental Company’s Insurance?
It depends.
You may want to purchase the rental company’s protection if:
- You don’t carry collision coverage
- You only have liability insurance
- You’re traveling internationally
- You’re unsure whether your credit card provides protection
- You don’t want to pay your deductible if an accident occurs
For many travelers, the peace of mind is worth the additional cost.
What If Someone Else Hits My Rental Car?
If another driver causes the accident:
Their insurance should generally pay for:
- Damage to the rental vehicle
- Your injuries (if applicable)
- Other covered losses
However, your insurance company may initially handle the claim while seeking reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Can My Insurance Rates Increase?
Possibly.
If you’re found at fault, your premiums may increase depending on:
- Your insurance company
- Your driving history
- State regulations
- Severity of the accident
Not every accident results in a rate increase.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many drivers accidentally make the situation worse by:
❌ Leaving the scene
❌ Not calling the rental company
❌ Forgetting to take photos
❌ Admitting fault
❌ Waiting several days to report the accident
❌ Assuming their insurance automatically covers everything
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my deductible apply?
Usually yes, if your personal collision coverage pays for the damage.
Does insurance cover windshield damage?
Often yes, depending on your comprehensive coverage and policy terms.
Can I keep driving the rental car?
Only if it’s safe and the rental company authorizes it.
What happens if the rental car is totaled?
Your insurance company (or other applicable coverage) typically works with the rental company to settle the loss according to your policy terms and the rental agreement.
How Starwest Insurance Services Can Help
Many drivers don’t discover gaps in their rental car coverage until after an accident happens.
At Starwest Insurance Services, we’ll review your current auto insurance and explain:
- Whether your policy extends to rental cars
- If you have collision and comprehensive coverage
- Whether an umbrella policy adds valuable liability protection
- How deductibles apply
- Whether additional rental coverage makes sense for your situation
Our goal is to help you understand your protection before you need to use it.
If you’re unsure about your current coverage, we’re happy to review your policy and answer your questions.
Related Insurance Resources
To learn more, check out these helpful guides on our website:
- Cheap DUI Auto Insurance in Orange County
- Protect Your Home & Peace of Mind with California Home Insurance
- Frequently Asked Questions About California Home Insurance
- What Is an Umbrella Insurance Policy and Do You Need One?
- How Much Auto Insurance Liability Coverage Should You Carry?
Need Help With Auto Insurance in California?
Whether you’re renting a car for a weekend getaway or replacing your vehicle after an accident, having the right insurance matters.
Starwest Insurance Services has been helping California drivers protect themselves since 1995.
We compare multiple top-rated insurance companies to help you find the right coverage at competitive rates—with no broker fees.
Contact Starwest Insurance Services today for a complimentary auto insurance review and make sure you’re protected before your next rental car trip.