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A rental car crash can turn a simple trip into a confusing and stressful situation. In the first half of 2025, the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) reported over 299,000 rental transactions through companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Zipcar.
Whether visiting Glendale for work or pleasure, or borrowing a vehicle while yours is in the shop, an accident in a rental raises a host of questions: Who’s responsible? What insurance applies? Do you need to report it to the rental company or your own insurer? And what if you were injured?
Understanding your rights and responsibilities after a rental car accident is crucial, especially when multiple parties and insurance policies are involved.
If you were injured or have unanswered questions, The Shirvanian Law Firm can help. We guide clients through legal and insurance complications in California rental car accident claims and take action to pursue fair compensation.
What you do in the minutes after a rental car crash can affect your recovery and your ability to get compensated. Follow these steps to stay safe and preserve your claim:
Once you’ve reported the accident and gathered what you can, the next step is determining who may be liable for damages.
After the crash, rental car accident liability depends on who caused it and what coverage applies. These parties may be at fault:
If you sustained a rental car accident injury, the at-fault party is responsible for covering your medical bills, property damage, and related expenses. But what you receive—and how you file—depends on what insurance coverage is available.
Knowing how insurance works for rental cars can help you figure out who pays for what after a crash. Options typically include:
| Policy | What It Covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Auto Insurance | Costs for injuries to others, damage to their car, and sometimes damage to the rental. | Only applies if your policy includes rental coverage. May involve a deductible and affect your premiums. |
| Rental Company Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver) |
Damage to or theft of the rental vehicle. | Doesn’t cover injuries or damage to other cars. |
| Credit Card Coverage | Repairs or replacement of the rental car. | For coverage to apply, you must pay with the card and decline CDW/LDW. It doesn’t include injury or liability protection. |
| Third-party Liability Protection | Injuries or property damage you cause to others. | Supplemental rental car accident insurance not included by default. You must add it when booking or pick a rental package that includes it. |
If you declined all optional coverage and don’t have a personal auto policy, you may be responsible for the full cost of the damages. Always review your agreements and credit card benefits before renting.
These policies can apply differently depending on the circumstances and who is or is not at fault.
Accidents involving rental cars can happen in a variety of situations. Here’s how liability and insurance coverage are typically handled:
When you’re injured in a rental car, taking a few extra steps can protect your health and financial future.
Serious injuries in a rental crash can result in steep medical bills, time away from work, and long-term health issues. This puts you in the middle of multiple insurance systems, each trying to limit what they pay.
Here’s what you need to know:
These cases often involve delays, denial, or pressure to settle quickly. A skilled rental car accident lawyer can push back on unfair tactics and help you win fair financial support after a rental car accident.
Whether you’re a tourist hurt while visiting Glendale or a local dealing with complicated insurance questions, you deserve straightforward guidance and solid legal support.
The Shirvanian Law Firm has experience handling rental car accident insurance disputes and personal injury claims. Our Glendale-based legal team knows how rental companies and insurers operate, and we use that knowledge to protect our clients. We investigate the accident, identify the correct insurance coverage, and fight for the compensation you’re owed.
We represent clients in California rental car accident claims with compassion, local insight, and a commitment to holding insurers accountable. Contact our rental car accident law firm today for a free consultation to learn your legal options.
If another driver caused the crash, their insurance should pay. But rental companies often charge you first and leave it to you to seek reimbursement. Working with a lawyer can help protect your interests.
Yes, but only in certain situations, such as unsafe or poorly maintained cars. You need evidence that their negligence contributed to the crash.
You may still be covered through your personal auto policy or credit card. If not, you could be held personally responsible for the damage.
Some credit cards include secondary collision coverage, but it usually only applies to property damage, not injuries. Terms vary by card, so check your benefits guide for details.
Your employer’s commercial auto policy might apply, but that depends on the terms of the rental and your job. You may still need to report it to your insurer.
Yes. If the crash happened in California, state law still applies—even if you returned home afterward. Work with a California-based attorney who handles rental car accident claims remotely and can file on your behalf.
Additional Rental Car Accident Resources:
https://www.shirvanianlawfirm.com/auto-accident/who-pays-rental-car-after-car-accident/
https://www.progressive.com/answers/rental-car-insurance/
https://www.hertz.com/us/en/blog/resources/loss-damage-waiver-what-it-is-and-other-faqs
https://www.cnbc.com/select/credit-card-car-rental-insurance-how-it-works-cards-that-have-it/
References:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) On-Airport Rental Car Agreements
To get the best car accident lawyers working for you, contact The Shirvanian Law Firm at (877) 809-4223