With sunny skies and plenty of beaches, it is easy to see why so many tourists flock to Florida every year. In 2017, the state set a new tourism record with 116.5 million visiting tourists.
Many people visiting Florida for a vacation need to rent a car to get around. The roads will certainly be a little different from where you are from, and you may find yourself in an accident if you are not careful. Auto accidents happen every day, and although you may be in a rental car, there are still steps to follow should you find yourself in a fender bender.
What to do at the scene of the collision
After an accident with another vehicle, you will need to call the police right away. An ambulance can come out if anyone is in serious need of medical attention. When the police arrive, you should cooperate with them. Make sure to mention to the cops any pain or discomfort you are in so they can note it on their report.
Additionally, you want to take pictures of damage to both vehicles. You will need to submit these pictures to your auto insurance agent and the rental car company. You should write down the contact and insurance information of the other driver, too.
What forms to fill out afterward
You should need to fill out an accident report with the rental company. Notify the company of the accident right away, especially if the vehicle is inoperable. The rental agency will need to send someone out to pick it up. It is for this reason you always want to get the optional insurance policy the rental company offers. It will be an immense help if you ever find yourself in this situation.
You also need to contact your personal auto insurance company. Your policy may cover the damages to the rental car. You will have to pay the deductible in this instance, but it could save you from paying hundreds or thousands more.