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Wiser Drivers Pay Less for Rental Cars After An Accident

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Fort Collins, CO, Oct. 22, 2002 - Many drivers who walk away from a car accident with no major injuries may still develop a serious headache after finding out that their auto insurance policy doesn't cover as much as they thought it would. But, some of the most common problems can be avoided simply by knowing more about what your auto insurance policy covers before you have an accident, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)

For example, the I.I.I. ( /individuals/auto/b/renting ) says insured drivers often don't realize that their auto insurance does not automatically cover the cost of a replacement rental car until after they've had an accident. Since the average car is in the repair shop for two weeks after an accident, these drivers can end up spending as much as $500 to rent a replacement car. But, other insured drivers pay little or nothing to rent a car because their policies include an inexpensive but often overlooked option known as rental reimbursement.

To help insured drivers increase satisfaction with the auto insurance claims process, I.I.I. is working with the Consumer Protection Association of America on a nationwide public information campaign entitled, "Wiser Drivers Wise Up ( http://www.wiserdrivers.com )." The campaign is designed to educate drivers that being satisfied with what your insurance policy covers depends on what you know before you have an accident.

Drivers who think they won't have a car accident because they are good drivers need to think again. Just ask Emily O. of Alexandria, Virginia, whose car sustained $2,000 in damages while it was parked in front of her home when a tree branch fell during a light rain, smashing the hood and shattering the windshield. "My insurance policy had to cover the damages even though the accident clearly wasn't my fault. Fortunately, my coverage included rental reimbursement, so I was able to go about my daily routine while my car was being repaired without paying anything extra for a rental car."

"Rental reimbursement coverage is available for only a couple of dollars a month with almost every auto insurance policy, but it is bypassed too frequently by those who believe they will not have a car accident or those shopping only for the lowest cost premium," said Ray Bruce, president of the Consumer Protection Association of America. "The cost of a rental replacement car adds up fast. Even if you don't have an accident for eight or nine years, the coverage pays for itself when you need it most."

Unfortunately, many drivers don't think about their insurance coverage until after they have an accident and call their insurance company to file a claim to help pay for car repairs, a rental car and other expenses.

"Many of our customers come to us because they need a replacement rental car immediately after an accident, and very often they are surprised to find that their auto insurance doesn't automatically cover the cost of the rental," said Jeff Brummett, vice president of Enterprise Rent-A-Car. "They end up having to spend their own money to rent a car that could have cost them little or nothing if they had rental reimbursement coverage."

The I.I.I. adds that sometimes working out the details of the claim with the auto insurance company can take time. Even if the accident is the other driver's fault, you may have to wait several days or longer to get the other insurance company to agree to provide you with a rental car or reimburse your rental car expense. With your own coverage, there is no waiting.

According to Jack Billington, a retired insurance claims executive, having a policy that covers the cost of a replacement rental car has a lot to do with how satisfied a vehicle owner is with the overall claims experience. As spokesperson for the Wiser Drivers campaign, he suggests the following tips, which also are available on the Internet at www.wisedrivers.com, to help vehicle owners have a better experience with insurance companies and repair facilities:

  • Do business only with a reputable company. Obtain insurance from companies, independent brokers or direct marketers that have a proven track record of handling auto insurance claims effectively. Get a referral or contact your local Better Business Bureau or State Department of Insurance.
  • Report a car accident from the scene, if possible. If your car is not drivable, your agent or claims center may be able to save you time and money by having the car towed directly to the repair facility instead of to a temporary storage facility. In addition, arrangements may be made immediately to provide you with a replacement rental car, if your policy includes this coverage.
  • Know what your insurance covers. The whole insurance hassle will be less painful following your accident if you're already familiar with the details of your coverage. For example, don't wait to find out until after an accident that your policy doesn't automatically cover costs for emergency roadside assistance or a replacement rental car. Read your policy to check for specifics - before you are involved in an accident.
  • Know what your deductible is and any other additional charges before authorizing work. Expect your insurance adjuster, claims representative or repair facility appraiser to review the damage with you and explain the repair process, including the use of original or generic auto parts. Before authorizing repairs, know what your deductible is, as well as any additional charges you will be expected to pay once repairs are complete.
  • Ask about warranties on repairs. Ask whether your insurer has a repair facility referral program that offers a written limited or lifetime repair warranty backed both by the repairer and insurer for as long as you own your vehicle.
  • Read your policy. Remember to read your auto insurance policy or talk to your insurance agent once a year to see if your policy needs to be updated. As your needs change, your coverage may also need to be adjusted.

The Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org) is a non-profit, communications organization supported by the property/casualty insurance industry.

The Consumer Protection Association of America (www.consumerpro.com), based in Fort Collins, Colo., is a member organization that provides information resources, educational materials, and conflict resolution services to consumers and businesses. The "Wiser Drivers Wise Up" campaign is one of several topics addressed by the Association. Additional information, as well as "Quick Reference Sheets" on a variety of topics, is available on the organization's Web site.

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