Rental cars are convenient if you need a car to travel when you can’t use your own car. It could be that your car is in for repairs or you have flown to a destination and need a car to get around. You may well have driven rental cars, especially after landing at an airport. Collecting a rental car there is like going through customs, with many papers to complete. Unfortunately, you may have an accident in a rental car. The procedure to follow will no doubt vary from company to company, but this article describes what you must do should you damage a car that is rented through some popular car rental businesses such as Hertz, Europcar and Avis as general examples.1
Reporting procedure
After an accident or theft, you must report it to the rental company and the SAPS as soon as possible. If the car is still towable, you need to contact the car rental call centre so that they can make the necessary arrangements. 1,2,3
Car rental towing policy
It’s important to remember that Hertz, Europcar and others will have different policies indicating that their cars can only be towed by specific companies1,2,3. Please confirm this with your rental company before taking out the car.
What must you do as renter after an accident?
You will need to complete a thorough motor incident report including all third part details. 1,2 If you have a smartphone, take as many pictures of the entire accident scene as possible.1,2 Remember to collect any information from any witnesses. 1,2
What about minor damage?
When dropping off the car, you must report any minor damage such as scratches or dents to the rental company. 1,2 Some rental companies carefully note any existing minor damage when a renter collects the car. 1,2,3 Then they check again upon the return of the vehicle. 1,2,3 To safeguard yourself, you can also take pictures with your smartphone before collecting and after returning the car. 1,2,3
Vehicle repairs
Generally, the car rental company will send their car to an approved panel beater for assessment and repairs. 1 After completing the claim, you might get invoiced for the excess amount as agreed in the contract and an administration fee. 1,2 Part of the same invoice may also include assessment and towing charges. 1
How to pay
The payment method required will depend on what it says in the contract you signed when collecting the car. 1,2,3
Please make sure that you are well informed about all of the terms and conditions before you rent a car or other type of vehicle. Accidents happen. So, you don’t want to be in a situation that negatively impacts your financial wellbeing.
Disclaimer
Due to car insurance’s complexity, this article is only a source of information. First, consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice before buying car insurance.
The article emphasises the importance of car insurance. But, does your own car have adequate insurance? If in doubt or want to know more, contact PMD who will assist you with their affordable car insurance with unique benefits like fixed premiums* and an excess that reduces to zero* as well as world-class service. T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1https://www.europcar.co.za/contact-us/faq/question/19
2https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/misc/index.jsp?targetPage=HEL_Damage_Report_FAQs.xml
3 https://www.avis.com/en/customer-service/claims-and-accident-form
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
