Need Help: Rental Car Accident Involving Multiple Vehicles
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out for advice regarding a car accident involving a rental vehicle. Here’s what happened:
A rental car (driven by someone else) hit the curb and collided with another car, which then caused a chain reaction, leading to my car being pushed into yet another vehicle. In total, four cars were involved.
The police report lists the rental car’s insurance as “unknown.” I don’t have collision coverage, so my insurance can’t assist me, and they mentioned that they can’t proceed with an uninsured motorist claim because it is marked as unknown rather than none.
I contacted the police department, and they directed me to the rental agency, but unfortunately, the relevant department is only open Monday to Friday.
If anyone has experienced a similar situation or has any advice on how to navigate this, I would greatly appreciate your insights. This is our only vehicle, and I’m feeling a bit stuck.
For reference, I’m located in New York, and my case has been listed as not at fault.
Thank you for your help!
(Edited for clarity)
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds really frustrating, especially since you’re without a vehicle now. Here are a few steps you can consider taking:
Contact the Rental Agency: Since the police report lists the rental car insurance as “unknown,” you should definitely follow up with the rental agency during their business hours. Ask them to clarify the insurance coverage for their vehicles, as they typically carry liability insurance that might help cover damages.
File a Claim with Your Own Insurance: Even if you don’t have collision coverage, check with your insurance about filing a claim under any applicable coverage, like uninsured motorist property damage (if that’s a part of your policy).
Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as you can from the scene, such as photos of the damage, any witness statements, and a copy of the police report. This information can be vital for any claims you make.
Consult an Attorney: If things become complicated, especially since it involves multiple vehicles, it might be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. They can provide you guidance on how to proceed against the rental company and help you navigate any potential claims.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications with the rental company, insurance, and any other parties involved. This documentation will be helpful if you need to escalate the situation.
Alternative Transportation: Since this is your only vehicle, look into rental options or public transportation while you sort this situation out. Some rental companies may offer discounted rates for those in your situation.
I hope you get it resolved quickly!