Do you know what to do if you get into an accident in a rental car?

Justin S
Created by: Jun 03, 2026 | Modified by: Jun 03, 2026

No one wants to be involved in an accident, even when everyone walks away without any injuries it can still be very stressful, time consuming and difficult process. The problem is further complicated when the vehicle you are driving is owned by a rental company. Questions about insurance coverage, liability, damage claims, and rental agreements often leave drivers wondering what they should do next.

If you find yourself in an accident while driving a rental car, following the proper steps immediately afterwards can help protect your interests. By knowing how to preserve important evidence and procedures to follow, you can help minimize potential financial headaches.

1. Check for Injuries

The most important thing is to make sure everyone involved in the accident, including yourself is okay. Safety should always be the top priority. If anyone is injured, it is important to call for emergency medical assistance by dialing 911. Even if injuries appear minor, it is often a good idea to be evaluated by medical professionals.

2. Move to a safe location

When possible, move out of the way of oncoming traffic.  If the accident is minor and the vehicle is drivable, move it to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and remain cautious when exiting the vehicle. If the vehicle cannot be safely moved, it is important that you locate a secure location and wait for emergency responders. In some cases, staying in an immobile car may be your best option while in others it may be best to leave the vehicle and move away from passing traffic. The right decision will vary on a case-by-case basis.

3. Contact Law Enforcement

Even if the accident appears minor, it may be a good idea to contact the police and request an accident report. An official police report can provide valuable documentation and can help you accurately document the event with the insurance and rental car companies.

4. Gather Information

This is perhaps one of the most important steps of the process, as it can help the insurance company determine what really happened. The more information you gather, the easier the claims process will be later, so collect as much information as you can. You can use your smartphone to document everything. Take photos and videos of the accident site, license plates, skid marks, documents, weather conditions, traffic lights and signs. Keep in mind photographs can provide critical evidence if disputes arise regarding fault or damages.

This information should include:

• Names and contact information of all drivers
• Driver's license number
• Insurance information
• Vehicle registration information
• License plate number
• Contact information for witnesses
• Police report number, if available
• Accident-related images.

5. Notify the Rental Car Company

Contact the rental car company as soon as possible. Most rental agreements require drivers to report accidents promptly. Failure to notify the rental company could potentially violate the rental contract and severely complicate the claims process.

The rental company will typically provide some guidance related to:

• Vehicle towing
• Vehicle replacement
• Accident damage reporting
• Required documentation

6. Review Your Insurance Coverage Options

Some drivers are surprised to learn that many insurance policies offer some level of rental car accident coverage. Check to make sure that your personal auto insurance provides this type of extended coverage. Inquire about coverage limits and deductibles as they will vary based on insurance carrier and policy.

Some credit card companies may offer rental car collision damage coverage when the rental is paid for using that card. It may help to inquire if you are covered through your credit card company, but keep in mind that coverage terms vary significantly by card issuer and often will not provide as comprehensive of a service as offered by your existing car the insurance policy.

If you purchased a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), the rental company's protection plan may cover some or all damage to the rental vehicle.

If you have purchased travel insurance then it is possible that the policy includes rental vehicle coverage, it may help to contact the company to get more details related to coverage.

Depending on your policy, it is possible that even if the insurance, company pays for the repair or replacement of the vehicle, you may still be on the hook for additional charges.

Rental companies may pursue additional charges such as:

• Deductibles
• Administrative fees
• Towing charges
• Loss-of-use fees while the vehicle is being repaired
• Diminished value claims in some situations

Read your rental agreement carefully to understand your responsibilities. Always review all available coverage options before assuming you are personally responsible for repair costs.

7. Don’t Interfere with the process

While it is important to cooperate with law enforcement and exchange information, avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Accident investigations often involve facts that are not immediately obvious at the scene. Allow insurance companies and investigators to determine liability based on the evidence.

It is vital to keep a copy of all the documentation related to the accident. Good recordkeeping can help resolve disputes more smoothly and speed up claims processing.

Final Thoughts

A rental car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what steps to take can make the process much smoother. Focus first on safety, document everything thoroughly, notify the rental company immediately, and determine what insurance coverage may apply and how.

The best preparation starts before you ever leave the rental lot. Taking a few minutes to understand your rental agreement and insurance coverage beforehand has the potential to save you a significant amount of time and stress in the future.