Rental Car Damage Claims

Every year, Americans turn to rental cars for their road trips or family adventures. Nevada is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country and consistently ranks as one of the top locations where vehicle rentals occur. Following the pandemic, Las Vegas, Nevada saw a surge in rental vehicles.

Where there’s a vehicle rental, fun is not far behind. Unfortunately, that fun can quickly be interrupted when a rental car accident occurs. If you receive a rental car damage claim from a rental car company but are certain that you’re not the one who caused the damage, an exciting vacation can quickly turn into a headache. 

What to do if the rental car company claims damage

Knowing what to do when you receive a rental car damage claim is imperative. Keep the following in mind if you receive a damage claim: 

• Photograph everything – Before driving off with your rental vehicle, capture images of all the dents and scratches on the vehicle. If a rental car company claims that you’ve damaged a vehicle, your photos can help dispute their claim. Let the rental company know that you have these photos that you can compare against their claims. 
• Record damage – Ask an employee to make a thorough list of all the dents, scratches, or imperfections with a vehicle before it is released to you. This shows that damage was caused before you rented the vehicle. Some companies will offer their own damage logs for you to fill out before you rent the vehicle. 
• Speak with your insurance company – Contact your insurance about the rental vehicle claim and explore what options they may have for you. Your insurance company should be equipped with its own procedures for disputing a rental car damage claim. Your insurance company may conduct its own investigation that will require the rental car agency to prove that you were the one who damaged the vehicle. 
• Work with an experienced car accident attorney – If you received a rental car damage claim in Las Vegas, a Las Vegas car accident attorney can help you navigate state and local laws to build a strong case against the claim. 

How to dispute and win rental car damage claims

Disputing and winning a rental damage liability claim depends on your preparation and the amount of evidence you can provide showing you were not the party who damaged the vehicle. 

• Ask for time-stamped photographs showing the damage the rental car company is claiming. A rental car agency should be able to provide you with photographs before you drive off the lot and after you return. 

• Ask for a record of all rentals after you returned your vehicle. If the car has been rented out several times after you, they need to be able to prove that you were the one who caused the damage. 

• If you’re unable to resolve the dispute on your own, turn to an experienced attorney in the state where you rented your vehicle. They will have a thorough knowledge of rental laws and your rights. 

What to do if someone else was at fault

If your rental car damage was another driver’s fault, the other driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying any medical and property damage losses. Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning if the other driver is responsible for the accident, their insurance company will be liable for the claim. 

Can I sue someone for hitting my parked car? 

One of the most common rental car accidents occurs when individuals hit parked cars. You may be wondering, can I sue someone for hitting my parked car? The short answer is yes, depending on whether you know who hit your vehicle.

When renting a vehicle in Las Vegas, rental companies offer their own auto insurance coverage in case you get into an accident or suffer vehicle damage by hit-and-run drivers. You can decline this collision damage waiver if you have a personal car insurance policy, but purchasing additional coverage may help you avoid liability for damages to a rental car.

What to do if my rental car is damaged

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident while driving a rental car, it may feel more stressful than if the accident were in your own vehicle. In many ways, however, the rental car claims process following an auto accident in a rental car is similar to the process you’d follow with your own vehicle.

• Ensure all drivers and passengers involved in the accident are okay. Call for medical help if needed.
• Contact law enforcement to have a police report on file
• Collect the contact and insurance information of the other driver
• Collect any witness statements
• Take notes and photograph the rental car damage and other vehicles
• Contact your rental car company as soon as possible
• If your rental vehicle is covered by your personal auto insurance, contact them as well 
• Contact a Las Vegas car accident attorney to understand your options 

Work with a rental car damage attorney

Having sufficient evidence that proves you are not responsible for the damage a rental car company claims is the key to avoiding liability. That evidence may be difficult to collect on your own. Working with an experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney can help you build a strong case. We will collect pertinent evidence, witness statements, rental agreement documents or photographs, and other documents that can help you dispute a rental car damage claim.

The police report will also provide details about how the accident occurred, who they believe was responsible, information regarding injuries and visible damage to the vehicles, and information about the other party involved in the event.

A police investigation and report should be requested at the scene of any accident regardless of how minor it may appear. The reason for this is to protect your rights as the victim of a vehicular accident. That report will include several important details that are necessary to submit an insurance claim.