What Happens If You Crash a Rental Car?

Crashing a rental car triggers a sequence of immediate steps, insurance decisions, and liability questions that determine who pays for the damage. The process involves checking for injuries, documenting the scene, notifying the rental car company, contacting your own insurance company, and sorting out which coverage applies — whether that is your personal auto insurance, a collision damage waiver (CDW), or credit card rental car coverage.

A rental car accident differs from a crash in your own vehicle because multiple layers of coverage can overlap. Your personal auto insurance policy may extend to rental vehicles. The rental agency offers its own damage waivers. Some credit cards provide primary or secondary coverage when you use them to book the rental. Knowing which coverage applies first — and what gaps exist — determines your out-of-pocket costs.

This guide covers the 6 immediate steps after a rental car crash, the 3 main insurance options available, liability rules in Florida (including unauthorized driver situations), what to do if a rental car hits you, how long you can keep a replacement vehicle, and how to protect yourself from hidden fees like loss of use charges and administrative penalties.

Immediate Steps After a Rental Car Accident

To handle a rental car accident correctly, follow these 6 steps in order: check for injuries, exchange information, document the scene, contact the rental car company, notify your insurance company, and determine who pays.

Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety

Check every person involved in the accident for injuries before doing anything else. Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical services for anyone who is hurt. Move to a safe location away from traffic, if possible.

Florida law requires drivers to report car accidents to law enforcement when the crash results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 (approximately $227 per party in a two-vehicle accident). Even minor injuries warrant a medical evaluation because symptoms like whiplash or soft tissue damage often appear hours or days after the collision.

Do not leave the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident in Florida carries criminal penalties, regardless of whether the vehicle is a rental.

Exchange Contact and Insurance Information

Collect the following information from every driver involved:

Full name and phone number
Home address and email address
Insurance company name and policy number
Driver’s license number
Vehicle registration and license plate number
Rental car company name and rental agreement number (if the other driver also has a rental)

Gather contact information from witnesses as well. When law enforcement officers arrive, they collect this information for the official accident report, but having your own copy prevents delays if the police report takes days or weeks to become available.

Do not tell the other drivers or officers that the accident was your fault — even if you believe it was. Avoid statements like “I’m sorry” or “I should have been paying attention.” Use phrases like “Are you okay?” to show concern without admitting liability.

Document the Incident: Notes and Photos

Take photos of every vehicle involved, capturing all angles and close-ups of damage. Photograph the surrounding scene including street signs, lane markings, traffic signals, weather conditions, and skid marks.

Information to record in written notes:

Year, make, model, and color of every vehicle involved
Exact location of the collision including street names, intersections, and which lane the accident occurred in
Time and date of the accident
Names and badge numbers of officers present
A brief description of how the accident happened

This documentation serves as evidence when filing claims with insurance companies and the rental car agency. The more detail you capture at the scene, the smoother the claims process becomes.

Contact the Rental Car Company

Call the rental car company immediately after the accident. An emergency number is typically printed on a sticker inside the glove box or listed in the rental agreement.

The rental agency will ask you to complete an accident reporting form. This form requests the same information you collected at the scene: other driver details, a description of what happened, and the extent of visible damage.

Ask the rental company these 3 questions:

Do they have a preferred towing company, or should you arrange towing yourself?
Should you drive the vehicle to the nearest rental agency location (if the car is still drivable)?
Will they issue a replacement vehicle?

Most rental companies, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National, issue a replacement car for the remaining term of your rental contract after an accident.

Contact Your Own Insurance Company

Notify your personal auto insurance company about the rental car accident to establish a claim. Ask your insurer:

Does your policy’s collision coverage extend to rental vehicles?
What is your deductible amount?
Does your policy include rental car reimbursement coverage?
Will your insurer handle filing the accident report with local police, or is that your responsibility?

Inform your insurance company about any additional coverage you purchased from the rental agency or any credit card coverage that applies. This prevents duplicate claims and helps the insurer coordinate benefits correctly.

If you carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your personal auto policy, that coverage typically extends to rental cars used for personal purposes.

Find Out Who Is Responsible for Paying

The party responsible for paying depends on who caused the accident and what coverage each party carries. Here are the 3 primary scenarios:

At-fault driver’s insurance pays: The at-fault driver’s liability coverage covers damage to the rental car, medical expenses, and other losses. The rental agency files a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer.

Your insurance pays: You file a claim under your collision coverage to repair or replace the rental car, if you caused the accident. A deductible applies — for example, a $500 deductible on $8,000 in damage means you pay $500 and your insurer covers $7,500.

Fault dispute: Both insurance companies investigate. You may need to pay out of pocket or through your own coverage initially and seek reimbursement once fault is determined.

Insurance Options for Rental Cars

Three main sources of insurance coverage can apply to a rental car accident: personal auto insurance, rental company insurance products, and credit card benefits. Understanding what each covers prevents you from paying for duplicate protection or discovering gaps after an accident.

Personal Auto Insurance Coverage

Your personal auto insurance policy often extends to rental cars. The extent of coverage depends on what you carry:

Collision coverage pays for damage to the rental car from an accident, minus your deductible
Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, hail, or hitting a deer
Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to other vehicles, property, and people
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers your medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault (required in Florida)
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance

Your policy limits and deductibles remain the same whether you drive your own car or a rental. Contact your insurer before renting to confirm rental vehicles are covered and to understand any exclusions — some policies exclude certain vehicle types like luxury cars, trucks over a specific weight, or vehicles rented for business purposes.

Rental Car Company Insurance

Rental car agencies offer several coverage products at the counter:

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This is not technically insurance. It is a waiver where the rental company agrees not to hold you financially responsible for damage to the rental vehicle. Cost ranges from $15 to $35 per day depending on the company and vehicle type.

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Covers damage you cause to other people and their property beyond state minimum requirements. Useful if your personal liability limits are low.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after a rental car accident. Overlaps with your health insurance and PIP coverage in most cases.

Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): Covers loss or damage to personal belongings inside the rental car.

The CDW/LDW typically has exclusions written in the rental contract fine print. Common exclusions include: driving under the influence, off-road driving, allowing an unauthorized driver, and violating the rental agreement terms. A negligent waiver voided situation leaves you fully responsible for all damage.

Credit Card Insurance Benefits

Many travel credit cards provide rental car collision coverage when you use the card to pay for the entire rental and decline the rental company’s CDW. Coverage limits vary:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: primary coverage up to $60,000
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: primary coverage up to $75,000
American Express Platinum Card®: secondary coverage up to $75,000

Credit card rental car insurance typically covers theft and collision damage to the rental vehicle itself. It does not cover:

Liability for damage to other vehicles or property
Medical expenses for you or others
Personal belongings inside the car
Luxury or exotic vehicles (check your card’s terms)
Trucks, vans, or specialty vehicles
Rentals exceeding 15 or 31 consecutive days (varies by card)

Contact your credit card issuer before your trip to confirm coverage details. A credit card insurance gap can leave you exposed to thousands in repair costs.

Primary vs. Secondary Coverage

Primary coverage pays first when you file a claim. You deal only with the primary insurer, and the claim does not appear on your personal auto insurance record.

Secondary coverage pays after your primary insurance has been exhausted. You file a claim with your personal auto insurance first, pay your deductible, and then the secondary coverage reimburses remaining costs like the deductible amount.

The distinction matters because filing a claim on your personal auto insurance can increase your insurance rates at renewal. Primary coverage from a credit card means your personal policy stays untouched.

To activate primary credit card coverage, you must decline the rental company’s CDW at the counter. Accepting the CDW typically converts your credit card coverage to secondary.

Who Is Liable for Damages in a Florida Rental Car Accident?

Florida liability rules for rental car accidents involve state-specific laws, the Graves Amendment (a federal law), and the Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine. Liability depends on who caused the accident, who was driving, and whether the rental company bears any responsibility.

If You Are at Fault

You are personally responsible for damage you cause in a rental car accident. Your liability coverage pays for the other driver’s vehicle repairs, medical bills, and property damage. Your collision coverage (or the CDW you purchased) pays for damage to the rental car itself.

Without collision coverage or a CDW, you pay out of pocket for repairs to the rental vehicle. The rental car company will also charge you for:

Loss of use: Daily revenue the company loses while the car is being repaired (typically $30–$75 per day)
Diminished value: The decrease in the vehicle’s resale value after being in an accident
Administrative fees: Processing and documentation charges (often $50–$250)
Towing costs: If the vehicle required a tow truck

These charges appear on the credit card you used for the rental deposit. Many renters are surprised by a diminished value surprise or hidden administrative fee that appears weeks after the accident.

If You Are Not at Fault

The at-fault driver’s liability insurance covers your damages, including:

Repairs to the rental vehicle
Towing costs
Medical expenses
Lost wages
A replacement rental car while your vehicle (or the rental) is being repaired

You still need to notify the rental car company immediately and file a police report. The rental company may temporarily charge your card for damages or loss of use, but those costs are recoverable from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

Keep all receipts and documentation. Reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance can take weeks or months depending on how quickly their company determines liability.

If an Unauthorized Driver Causes the Accident

An unauthorized driver exclusion voids all coverage — including the CDW you paid for. When you sign the rental contract, you agree that only listed drivers will operate the vehicle. Each additional driver increases the rental cost, though some companies (Enterprise, Hertz, National) add a spouse free of charge.

If an unauthorized person drives the rental car and causes an accident:

The rental company’s CDW/LDW does not apply
Your personal auto insurance may deny the claim
Your credit card coverage will not apply
You become personally responsible for all damage

This applies whether the unauthorized driver is a friend, family member, or someone who borrowed the car without your permission. The rental agreement is a binding contract, and violating its terms removes all protections.

Liability of the Rental Car Company

The Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 30106) generally shields rental car companies from vicarious liability for accidents caused by their renters. The rental company is not automatically liable just because it owns the vehicle.

Exceptions exist under 2 circumstances in Florida:

1. Negligent Entrustment: The rental company rented the vehicle to someone clearly unfit to drive — a person who was visibly intoxicated, had a suspended license, or showed obvious signs of impairment. A liability waiver loophole exists when the company failed to exercise reasonable judgment.

2. Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: The rental car had a mechanical defect — faulty brakes, worn tires, malfunctioning steering — that caused or contributed to the accident. Rental companies must maintain vehicles in safe operating condition. Damage report discrepancies between what the company knew and what they disclosed can establish negligence.

Florida’s Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine holds vehicle owners liable for harm caused by their vehicles. While the Graves Amendment limits this doctrine’s application to rental companies, the company remains liable when negligent entrustment or poor maintenance is proven.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, Florida law requires the rental car company to provide minimum coverage of $10,000 for damages under state minimum coverage limits.

Unique Challenges in Florida Rental Car Accidents

Florida presents specific challenges for rental car accidents because of its no-fault insurance system, high volume of tourist drivers, and state-specific regulations.

Florida Laws and Regulations

Florida operates under a no-fault car insurance system. Every driver must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covering $10,000 in medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. This applies to rental car drivers as well.

Florida-specific factors that complicate rental car accidents:

Out-of-state and out-of-country drivers: Florida’s tourism industry means many rental car drivers are unfamiliar with local roads. Pursuing a claim against a driver who lives in another state or country creates jurisdictional and communication barriers. Statistics show that certain areas have higher crash rates due to tourist traffic.
Serious injury threshold: To pursue a claim for pain and suffering beyond PIP coverage, your injuries must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold — significant and permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent injury, scarring or disfigurement, or death.
Comparative negligence: Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more fault, you recover nothing.
Statute of limitations: You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida (reduced from 4 years in 2023).

Case Examples

Case 1 — $100,000 Settlement After Being Hit by a Rental Car from Enterprise: A driver was traveling east on Gulf to Bay Boulevard when a driver in an Enterprise rental car attempted to cross three lanes from the median. The victim could not stop in time, traveling at 40 mph (64 km/h). MRIs revealed bulging discs in the cervical spine and a herniation in the lumbar spine. After epidural steroid injections and radiofrequency ablations, the victim’s attorney demanded the $100,000 policy limits from the defendant’s insurer. The insurer agreed. An additional $100,000 was recovered from the victim’s underinsured motorist carrier after filing a lawsuit.

Case 2 — Rental Car Total Loss with 3-Day Return Deadline: A client’s rental car was declared a total loss by the rental company. The company gave only 3 days to return the rental vehicle. This was insufficient time to find a replacement car, creating unnecessary financial stress. This situation demonstrates why maintaining rental coverage on your own policy provides a buffer during transitions.

These cases illustrate how the high costs of car crashes in the United States extend beyond vehicle damage to include medical treatment, lost wages, and prolonged legal battles.

What to Do If You Are Hit by a Rental Car

Being hit by a driver in a rental car adds complexity because you must deal with both the driver’s insurance and potentially the rental car company. The claims process differs from a standard accident.

Steps to Take After Being Hit

Follow these 5 steps immediately:

Call 911 and seek medical attention. Your safety comes first. Even minor-seeming injuries warrant professional evaluation because some symptoms — concussions, internal bleeding, herniated discs — manifest hours or days later.
Gather information from the rental car driver. Collect their full name, contact details, personal insurance information, rental company name, rental agreement number, and the vehicle’s license plate.
Report the accident to the rental car company. Call the rental agency and inform them their vehicle was involved in an accident. This creates a record that supports your claim later.
Document everything. Photograph damage to all vehicles, the accident scene, visible injuries, and road conditions. Get witness contact information.
File a police report. Florida law requires reporting accidents involving injury or property damage over $500. The police report establishes an official record of the incident.

Filing a Claim Against the Rental Car Company

You can file a claim against the rental car company under limited circumstances:

When the driver is from out of state or out of the country: Pursuing the claim directly against the driver creates barriers — different jurisdictions, time zones, and response times. The rental company provides a more accessible route for compensation.

When the driver’s insurance is insufficient: The rental company can be a secondary source of compensation, if the driver’s policy has low limits or the driver is uninsured.

When the rental company was negligent: Negligent entrustment (renting to an unfit driver) or poor vehicle maintenance makes the company directly liable. Real-world incidents demonstrate how negligence contributes to serious crashes.

Under the Graves Amendment, rental companies are not vicariously liable for their renters’ actions in most circumstances. You must prove the company’s own negligence to hold them responsible.

What to Expect from the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

If the at-fault driver has adequate insurance: Their liability coverage pays for your vehicle repairs, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Expect the process to take weeks — insurance companies investigate liability before paying.

If the driver is underinsured or uninsured: Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage fills the gap. Florida’s UM coverage pays expenses remaining after the at-fault party’s insurance is exhausted.

If the at-fault driver’s insurance delays payment: Your own collision coverage or rental coverage can cover expenses while you wait. Your insurer then seeks reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s company through subrogation.

Insurance companies representing at-fault drivers often dispute liability, minimize damage estimates, or delay decisions. Keep pressure on them by providing complete documentation promptly and following up in writing.

Handling Rental Car After the Accident

How Long Can You Keep a Rental Car?

The duration depends on whether your vehicle is being repaired or declared a total loss:

Vehicle being repaired: Insurance covers the rental car for the duration of repairs — typically 1 to 3 weeks depending on damage severity and parts availability.
Vehicle declared a total loss: The rental company or insurance provides a rental for 3 to 5 days to allow time to find a replacement vehicle.
Extended repairs: Contact your insurance company for approval to extend the rental period beyond the standard timeframe.

If you have rental car reimbursement coverage on your policy, it typically has a daily limit ($30–$50 per day) and a maximum benefit period (30 days in most policies).

If the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Rental Coverage

The at-fault driver’s insurance is still required to provide you with a rental car during repairs, even if the at-fault driver did not purchase rental coverage on their own policy. Rental coverage on a policy covers the policyholder’s own rental needs — it does not affect their liability obligation to provide you with transportation.

If the at-fault driver’s insurer refuses to pay for your rental:

Use your own rental car reimbursement coverage to get a vehicle immediately
Keep all rental receipts for reimbursement claims
Your insurer pursues the at-fault party’s company through subrogation

If the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Denies or Delays Coverage

Insurance companies delay liability determinations for several reasons: conflicting statements from drivers, unclear evidence, or a fault dispute between parties. During this delay, you may be without a vehicle.

Steps to take when coverage is denied or delayed:

Use your own rental coverage to secure a vehicle while liability is determined
Keep every receipt — rental charges, towing fees, alternate transportation costs
Document all communication with the at-fault driver’s insurer in writing
File a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services if delays are unreasonable
Consider legal representation if the denial appears wrongful

A towing fee dispute or unexpected loss of use claim can appear on your account during this waiting period. Document everything for later reimbursement.

Special Situations

If You Are a Passenger in a Rental Car Accident

As a passenger, you bear no fault for the accident. You can file a claim for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Any other damages resulting from the crash

File your claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance — whether that driver is the rental car driver or someone in another vehicle. If the rental car driver caused the accident, their personal auto insurance or the rental company’s coverage applies.

Obtain the driver’s insurance details, the rental company information, and a copy of the police report. Your own PIP coverage in Florida also pays a portion of your medical bills regardless of fault.

If the At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Insurance

An uninsured driver complicates recovery significantly. Your options when the at-fault driver has no insurance:

Your own UM/UIM coverage pays for your damages up to your policy limits
The rental company’s minimum coverage provides $10,000 under Florida law if the uninsured driver was operating a rental vehicle
A personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver directly (though collecting a judgment from an uninsured individual is difficult)
PIP coverage pays $10,000 toward your medical bills and lost wages regardless of the other driver’s insurance status

This scenario follows patterns seen in high-profile incidents involving uninsured and negligent drivers where victims face delayed compensation due to coverage gaps.

Having UM/UIM coverage on your own policy is the most reliable protection against uninsured drivers in Florida.

Can an Accident in a Rental Car Affect My Insurance?

Yes, a rental car accident can increase your insurance rates. Your insurer treats a rental car accident the same as an accident in your own vehicle. Filing a claim under your collision coverage will likely appear on your record and may trigger a rate increase at renewal.

Rate increases depend on:

Whether you were at fault
The total amount of the claim
Your driving history and prior claims
Your insurance company’s specific rating policies

Using primary credit card coverage instead of your personal auto insurance keeps the claim off your insurance record. This is one reason primary credit card rental coverage is valuable — it protects your insurance rates from increasing after a rental car crash.

Tips for Avoiding Rental Car Accident Complications in Florida

Follow these 8 practices to minimize problems before and after a rental car crash:

Review your personal auto insurance policy before renting. Confirm that collision and comprehensive coverage extends to rental vehicles and understand your deductible amounts.
Check your credit card’s rental car benefits. Know whether coverage is primary or secondary, what vehicle types are excluded, and what the maximum benefit is.
Read the rental contract fine print. Understand exclusions — off-road prohibition violations, geographic restrictions, unauthorized driver clauses, and conditions that void the CDW.
Photograph the rental car before driving away. Document every existing scratch, dent, and scuff. This prevents the rental company from charging you for pre-existing damage and eliminates damage report discrepancies.
List all drivers on the rental agreement. Adding a spouse or additional driver costs $10–$15 per day but prevents the unauthorized driver exclusion from voiding all coverage.
Keep the rental agreement, receipts, and all documentation in the vehicle. You need the emergency number, agreement number, and company contact information immediately after an accident.
Carry UM/UIM coverage on your Florida auto policy. This protects you when the at-fault driver is uninsured — a common situation with out-of-state and out-of-country rental drivers.
Purchase the CDW if you lack collision coverage or credit card coverage. Paying $25 per day for a CDW eliminates thousands in potential out-of-pocket costs, including loss of use charges and diminished value claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a rental car if I am not at fault?

Yes, the at-fault driver’s insurance provides you with a rental car during your vehicle’s repair period. The at-fault insurance company may delay the process while investigating liability. Use your own rental coverage to get a vehicle immediately, and your insurer seeks reimbursement from the at-fault party later.

What happens if the at-fault driver does not have rental coverage?

The at-fault driver’s insurance is still required to provide you with a rental car for the duration of repairs, regardless of whether the at-fault driver purchased rental coverage on their own policy. Rental coverage on someone’s policy only affects their own rental needs — their liability to you for transportation expenses remains.

How long can I keep a rental car?

You can keep a rental car for the duration of repairs — typically 1 to 3 weeks — or 3 to 5 days if your vehicle is declared a total loss. Contact your insurance company for approval to extend the rental period when repairs take longer than expected. Your rental reimbursement coverage typically has a daily cap ($30–$50) and a maximum number of days (usually 30).

What happens if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance?

Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage pays the difference between the at-fault driver’s policy limits and your actual damages. Florida law allows you to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance first, then use your UM/UIM coverage to fill the shortfall. Without UM/UIM coverage, you would need to pursue the at-fault driver personally through a lawsuit.

Can I rent a car with only liability insurance?

Yes, you can rent a car with only liability insurance. However, liability insurance does not cover damage to the rental vehicle itself. You need to either:

Purchase the CDW/LDW from the rental company
Use a credit card that provides rental car collision coverage
Accept personal financial responsibility for damage to the rental vehicle

If you are not at fault in an accident, the other driver’s liability insurance pays for the rental car damage regardless of what coverage you carry.

What should I avoid saying to the at-fault driver’s insurance?

Avoid these 4 statements when speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company:

Do not discuss your injuries in detail
Do not admit any partial fault for the accident
Do not downplay the severity of the incident
Do not agree to a recorded statement without legal counsel

Keep your statement focused on the facts of the accident: the other driver was at fault, and you need compensation for your damages.

What if the rental company or insurance denies coverage?

File a dispute or pursue the matter through legal action. If the at-fault driver’s insurance wrongfully denies your rental car coverage, options include:

Using your own insurance and pursuing reimbursement through subrogation
Filing a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services
Including rental car expenses as damages in a personal injury lawsuit
Negotiating with the rental company’s arbitration process (check for a rental company arbitration clause in your agreement)

Can I rely on my credit card insurance for rental cars?

Credit card insurance covers damage to the rental vehicle itself but does not cover liability, medical expenses, or damage to other vehicles. Check your card’s terms for exclusions — most cards do not cover luxury cars, trucks, vehicles rented for more than 15–31 consecutive days, or rentals in certain countries.

Credit card coverage works best as a supplement to your existing liability and medical coverage, not as a standalone replacement for auto insurance.

Can a spouse or family member drive the rental car?

Yes, a spouse or family member can drive the rental car if they are listed on the rental agreement. Most rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, National, Avis, Budget) add a spouse at no extra charge. Other family members require adding them as additional authorized drivers for $10–$15 per day.

An unlisted family member who drives the rental and causes an accident triggers the unauthorized driver exclusion, voiding all coverage and leaving you personally responsible for all damage and liability.

How to Protect Yourself After a Rental Car Accident

Steps to Ensure Smooth Reimbursement

Follow these 5 steps for efficient reimbursement after a rental car crash:

Report the accident immediately to both the rental car company and your insurance company. Delays in reporting can give insurers grounds to deny claims.
Gather complete documentation including the police report, rental agreement, insurance details from all parties, photographs, and written notes from the scene.
Keep every receipt — towing charges, alternate transportation costs, medical bills, rental extension fees. Submit these as part of your damage claim.
Follow up in writing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Phone conversations create no paper trail. Email or certified letters document your requests and their responses.
Set deadlines for the at-fault insurer to respond. If they miss deadlines, escalate through your own insurance company or legal representation.

How to Get a Florida Highway Patrol Accident Report

A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) accident report is a critical document for insurance claims and legal proceedings after a rental car crash. To obtain your report:

Online: Visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) crash report database. Reports are typically available within 10 business days of the accident.
In person: Visit your local FHP station with the date, location, and parties involved in the accident.
By mail: Send a written request to the FHP Troop station that responded to the accident.
Cost: Reports cost approximately $10 per copy.

Request the report as soon as it becomes available. Insurance companies require this document before processing most claims, and having it ready prevents delays in your reimbursement timeline.

A rental car accident in Florida involves more steps and parties than a crash in your own vehicle, but the process is manageable when you understand your coverage options, act quickly at the scene, and document everything thoroughly. Whether you are driving a rental car, riding as a passenger, or hit by a rental car, knowing who pays — your personal auto insurance, the rental company’s CDW, credit card coverage, or the at-fault driver’s liability insurance — determines your financial outcome. Review your coverage before every rental, keep the rental contract accessible, and maintain UM/UIM coverage on your Florida policy to protect against uninsured drivers.