When you are in a car accident, and it is not your fault, you need to deal with the legalities of getting compensation for your losses. Yet, in the immediate aftermath of the accident, you need a way to drive yourself to and from work, school, or other obligations. If your vehicle is totaled or damaged, requiring repair, you have rights. There are several ways to get a rental car after an accident in Florida, and a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer can help with your claim.
Three Options for Getting a Rental Car After an Accident
In Florida, you may be able to obtain a rental car after an accident in several key ways. The key to remember here is that insurance companies are not always willing to bend over backwards to help you. There are three routes to take:
Your own insurance company: In most cases, your policy will cover the cost of a car rental. That means you can use a rental car until your repairs are made or the insurance company replaces the vehicle.
At-fault driver’s policy: If the other driver is at fault, that driver’s liability insurance may pay for your car rental costs.
Pay for it and seek reimbursement: If there is any dispute about who should be at fault or who pays the bills, you can pay for a rental car out of your pocket and then seek reimbursement for the cost from the at-fault party.
For the fastest solution, you may have to turn to your own insurance company or pay out of pocket for your costs. Keep in mind you also have to consider Florida’s laws.
Florida’s PIP Insurance Laws and Car Rental Costs
In Florida, drivers must maintain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as well as Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. In most situations, PIP will cover 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 that come from a covered injury, no matter who caused the accident.
PIP does not directly apply to rental cars, though. Your PDL coverage will pay for damages to another person’s property caused by you or another person driving your car. Under Florida law, you must maintain this coverage to operate legally on the roadway. That means the other driver’s insurance – if they are at fault – should cover the cost of your rental car.
Limitations on Rental Cars After Accidents in Florida
Insurance companies will determine if they must pay for you to have a rental car during the time after the accident. If they determine that you do need it because you cannot drive your car, they will consider the following:
Length of time: You will be able to rent a car for as long as you are without a vehicle. If the insurance company is having your car repaired, that may take longer than if they plan to replace the car.
Type of vehicle: Most often, the insurance company will pay for a vehicle that is similar to your own. If you rent a car that is larger or more expensive than what you owe, you may have to pay out of pocket for those costs.
There are some situations where you may get some pushback on covering the cost of a rental car. That is normal for insurance companies, and one of the most important reasons to have a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer working with you. Contact Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner for a free consultation.
