Renting a car is something that everybody will need to do at one stage or another; whether it is a budget car on a long-term car rental contract or a panel van for a house move over a weekend. As long term car rental specialists in South Africa, we share some advice to ensure that you take the right steps after having an accident with a rental car.
firstly, before you get behind the wheel of the car rental, make sure that you fully understand the insurance policy of the car rental company, also give your own insurance company a call and find out if they cover you for rental cars, if they do, there is no need to pay for insurance through the car rental company.
If you are involved in an accident with a car rental, the first thing you need to do is check if everybody is ok and call the necessary emergency services a call and alert them of the incident if necessary. Then call the car rental company to tell them of the accident.
The next important thing you need to do is to take photos of the accident scene, for evidence to support your case. Also, be sure to report the car accident to the nearest police station within 24 hours of the accident.
Be sure to get the following information from the other driver:
- His Name and Surname
- ID Number
- VIN Number of his car
- Engine Number of his Car
- His car’s registration number
- His contact information
It is also very important that you alert your insurance company about the accident and provide them with all the relevant information surrounding the case including photographs taken at the scene, and give them the case number from SAPS.
Don’t just allow any tow truck company take the car rental away from the scene, insurance companies, as well as car rental companies, often have partnerships with respected tow truck companies, if you let the vehicle leave the scene with the tow truck without the necessary authorisation, you will end up being liable for the full cost of recovery on the rental car.
If you are looking for an affordable car rental in Africa? See our car rentals available or call us 011 262 5500 to speak to one of our car rental specialists that will gladly be able to assist you.