Renting a car may be a quick and affordable way to get around when on vacation or other types of trips. Nothing, however, is more annoying than going back to your rented vehicle only to discover that it has been hit while it was parked. Regardless of the severity of the damage to your car, which might be anything from a little scratch to a huge dent, it’s critical to know what to do. We’ll walk you through the procedure in this guide for handling a hit-and-run event or finding damage to your rental car while it’s parked.
What To Do If My Rental Car Was Hit While Parked
One thing you must know is that regardless of who hits your car, you are liable for any damage to a rental. If your rented car is hit when parked, the rental company will hold you responsible. And this is why purchasing a good insurance cover is important.
You may ask, What if someone hit my rental car while it was parked? When you discover your rental car has been hit while it was parked, the first thing to do is to check the damage. Start by closely inspecting the vehicle and noting any obvious scrapes, or other impacts.
After evaluating the damage, record different viewpoints in images or videos to give visual proof. When making an insurance claim or notifying the rental car company of the occurrence, this will be extremely helpful. Ensure that you take close-up pictures of any damaged places as well as broader pictures that display the vehicle’s general condition.
Actions To Take When Someone Hit My Parked Rental Car And Left
After evaluating the damage and documenting it, it’s critical to report it right away. First, report the occurrence to the local law enforcement. It is imperative to call the police even if the opposing person has already left the site. By doing so, you’ll be able to document the occurrence and determine who was at fault.
RealCar, one of the best car rental companies in Miami, suggests calling the rental car company after that and letting them know what has happened. They will provide you guidance on how to continue as well as walk you through the other steps. In order to prevent issues or disagreements down the road, it is crucial to report the occurrence as soon as possible.
Why Record the Situation When Someone Hit My Rental Car While It Was Parked
Usually, there are procedures necessary to ensure the individual who hit your rented car is responsible and their insurance is billed for the repair cost. Hence you need to record the situation.
When your rental vehicle, is hit while it is parked, it is important to collect as much information as you can to back up your insurance claim. Collect every relevant information that may assist you establish your point in addition to the pictures or videos you took earlier. This might consist of witness accounts, neighboring security camera video, or any other supporting documents.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to write down the occasion’s time, place, and date. When dealing with insurance companies or prospective legal actions, this information may be useful later. Your case will be stronger the more proof you have.
Knowing The Scope Of Your Auto Insurance For Rentals
It’s advisable to understand your insurance coverage prior to renting a car. Rental car coverage is a common feature of auto insurance policies, although the level of protection might differ. Examine your insurance carefully to see what is and is not covered. The rental automobile business may offer extra insurance alternatives in addition to your own insurance. These can add to your peace of mind, but they can also be expensive. Think about your alternatives and decide if you need further protection in the context of your particular circumstance.
Getting legal aid: When to engage the police and attorneys
In some situations, engaging the police and obtaining legal counsel may be essential. This is especially true if the hit-and-run event left you hurt. You can navigate the legal system and make sure that your rights are protected by speaking with a lawyer who focuses on personal injury or rental vehicle accidents.
Tips For Guarding Against Damage To Your Rental Automobile While it is Parked
There are actions you can take to reduce the likelihood of damage, even though it is hard to totally prevent the possibility of your rental automobile being damaged while it is parked. Observe the following advice:
- Pick parking locations carefully: Look for places with CCTV cameras that are well-lit, ideally close to other vehicles.
- Avoid accidents by parking defensively and leaving enough space between your rental car and other vehicles.
- Use extra security measures: To dissuade possible thieves or vandals, think about adding steering wheel locks or other anti-theft equipment.
- Be watchful: Make sure your rented automobile is still unharmed by checking on it frequently. Report any suspicious behavior right away to the police if you see it.
- You may better safeguard your rental car and lessen the stress and trouble of dealing with damage while parked by adhering to these suggestions and being aware of what to do in case of an occurrence.
Remain composed and follow the instructions in this blog if your rental automobile has been damaged while it was parked. You may improve the likelihood of a positive settlement by acting quickly, recording the occurrence, and reporting it to the rental car company and authorities. Before renting a car, don’t forget to examine your insurance coverage and become familiar with the rental car company’s regulations. And if you’re in Palm Beach and environs, get the best premium vehicles with well explained insurance covers.