Subject: Storm Damage to Rental Vehicle
Hi everyone,
I recently got rear-ended and the other party’s insurance is covering my rental car while my vehicle is being repaired. I took precautions during a strong storm by parking the rental under the carport to minimize potential damage. Unfortunately, a tree fell and hit the rear driver’s side door of the rental.
I’m unsure about whose insurance should handle the damage. Would it be Enterprise’s insurance, my homeowner’s insurance, or my car insurance? Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!
In this situation, the responsibility for the damage to the rental car typically depends on the terms of the rental agreement and the insurance coverage involved. Here’s a breakdown of the options you mentioned:
Enterprise’s Insurance: If you purchased any insurance coverage from Enterprise when you rented the car, such as collision damage waiver (CDW), it may cover damage to the rental vehicle. You should check the rental agreement and contact Enterprise to see what their policy states.
Your Car Insurance: If you have comprehensive or collision coverage on your personal car insurance policy, it may extend to rental vehicles as well, but it’s important to verify this with your insurer. If so, your insurer may cover the damage, but you could be responsible for the deductible.
Home Insurance: Generally, home insurance does not cover damage to vehicles, including rental cars, unless specific provisions state otherwise. It’s quite rare for home insurance to cover auto-related incidents.
Given these points, you should first reach out to Enterprise to understand their coverage options. Then, check with your car insurance provider to see how your policy responds. It may also be beneficial to file a claim with your car insurance if the rental agreement does not cover the damage.