Yes. Insurance for a single day is available.
PUBLISHED ON Jun, 07 2023
One common worry people have when renting a car is that someone else will damage the rental vehicle. After all, once you agree to a rental agreement, you are obligated to return the car in the same condition. Whoever damages a car is irrelevant to the rental car company. What transpires, though, if another party harms your rental car?
This article that provides a guide on what to do when you find yourself in a situation where your rented vehicle is damaged while parked. From identifying the incident to taking necessary actions and dealing with insurance matters, this guide will help you deal with the unfortunate scenario of your rental car being hit while parked. Understanding rental car insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs in case of an accident.
Rental Car Hit While Parked
When you first discover that your rental car has been hit, it can be a disheartening and confusing experience. You might ask yourself, “What do I do now that someone hit my rental car?”
Opting for car hire excess insurance can significantly reduce your financial burden if your rental car is damaged.
When dealing with a hit-and-run situation, where someone hit and run your rental car, the steps are slightly different.
Learn about Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) to ensure you are fully covered.
Discovering a dent on your rental vehicle can be equally frustrating. Here’s what to do:
Following these tips for safe car rentals can help you prevent accidents and ensure a safer journey.
Mr. Eyal B. recently rented a car from Green Motion in Malpensa, Italy.
Eyal declined the rental company’s excess waiver coverage due to its high cost, and decided to purchase standalone car hire excess insurance from CarInsuRent after reading about its benefits.
Copy of Mr. Eyal B Car Hire Excess Policy
During one of his trips when he returned the vehicle, and found scratches on the rear bumper of the vehicle.
Rear Bumper Scratch
Bumper moulding
After Eyal returned the rental vehicle, he filled a damage report and the rental company charged him € 1,405 for the 3 scratches.
Green Motion Damage Report
Mr. Eyal B. had purchased car hire excess insurance, which covered the excess amount he would have to pay in such situations. As a result, he was able to file a claim with CarInsuRent, and we reimbursed him for the repair costs incurred by the rental company. This saved Mr. Eyal B. hundreds of Euros, as he only had to pay US$ 94.90 for the car hire excess coverage instead of the full repair bill.
There have been cases where a hit-and-run driver damages a rental car, in which case the renter is responsible for a significant deductible.
See How Much You Can Save on Your Car Rental Insurance
Get StartedIt is important to research and understand the coverage options and costs to make an informed decision that best fits your needs. CarInsuRent car hire excess insurance starts from as low as $6.49 per day* to $94.90 for an annual car hire excess insurance policy. Our policies covers the excess on damage and theft up to €2,500 and provide full protection that Includes single vehicle damage, roof and undercarriage damage, auto glass and widescreen damage, towing expenses, misfuelling, loss of car key and tire damage. We cover multiple drivers between the ages of 21 and 84 years. If you’re traveling to Europe, be sure to understand car hire excess insurance in Europe to stay protected.
Being in a situation where your rental car was hit while parked can be stressful. But with the right knowledge and coverage, you can navigate your way through the process effectively and ensure that you fulfill all necessary requirements. Knowing the claims process for rental car accidents can help you navigate the aftermath smoothly. It’s always important to keep calm, report the incident promptly, and keep good documentation of the rental car damage.
Contact the rental company immediately, document the scene, and report the incident to the police.
You should look for witnesses, note down any details you can remember about the offending vehicle, and report the incident to local authorities.
Don’t move the vehicle, note the surroundings for any potential evidence like CCTV cameras, and file an insurance claim.
What is Rental Car Insurance? How does it Work?
Gil Farkash
Yes. Insurance for a single day is available.
No. We provide a single journey plan. You are covered from the time you pick up the rental car up to the time you return it or on the last date written on your Certificate of Insurance, whichever comes first.
No. You should purchase a policy before starting your travel.
Find the answers you’re looking for to the most frequently asked car hire insurance questions as well as other questions relating to our products and services.
Well written. It can be discussed infinitely..
Thanks for sharing the valuable information
Thanks for providing such practical advice!
Including tips on how to avoid such accidents in the future or specific examples of common rental policies would make it even more comprehensive.
If the car was parked and hit by another vehicle that left the scene, does my car hire excess insurance cover the damage, or do I need to rely on the rental company’s insurance?
If your rental car was parked and hit by another vehicle that left the scene, our car hire excess insurance should cover the damage, as it is designed to reimburse you for the excess amount charged by the rental company in such scenarios. However, you will still need to report the incident to the rental company, who will handle the initial claim process through their insurance, and then you can file a claim with us to recover the costs.
If I return my rental car early, is there a way to avoid extra fees, or should I contact the rental company in advance to discuss any possible adjustments to my agreement?
To avoid extra fees when returning a rental car early, it’s best to contact the rental company in advance. Many rental companies may adjust the rate if the car is returned early, but policies vary. Some companies might charge an early return fee or adjust the daily rate based on the actual rental period, which could be higher than the original rate. By notifying them ahead of time, you can discuss any potential changes to your agreement and avoid unexpected charges.