Car Rental Incident in New Zealand
As mentioned in the title, our rental car was struck while we were in New Zealand. We were standing next to our parked vehicle when another driver collided with our bumper while attempting to park. The other driver accepted responsibility and shared their rental car information along with their license. Both of us are from the USA. I opted out of the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) because my credit card includes primary insurance.
My question is about the next steps. We promptly contacted our rental car company and provided all the necessary details. Should I file a claim with Visa now, or should I wait for a response from the rental company? Additionally, will I be responsible for any damages incurred? Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your experience! Since the other driver admitted fault and you have their details, you’re in a good position. Here are some steps you might consider:
File a Claim with Your Credit Card: Since your credit card offers primary insurance, you should file a claim with them as soon as possible. They may need details such as the rental agreement, the accident report, and the other driver’s information.
Communicate with the Rental Car Company: Stay in touch with your rental car company. They may have their own procedures for handling accidents and may require you to complete some forms or provide documentation. Let them know that the other driver admitted fault, which should help your case.
Determine Liability: Since the other driver admitted fault, you should not be liable for damages. However, keep in mind that rental companies may have different policies regarding repairs, and you may need to check if there are any charges for processing the situation.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications, photos of any damages, and any reports made about the incident. This documentation will be helpful for both your insurance claim and the rental company.
Follow Up: After you’ve submitted your claim and notified the rental company, monitor the situation. Follow up with your credit card provider and the rental company to ensure everything is in motion.
If you’re concerned about potential charges from the rental company, you might want to inquire directly with them about how they handle accidents where another party is at fault. Good luck, and I hope everything gets resolved smoothly!