Who Pays for the Rental Car After an Accident in Greensboro, North Carolina?

Getting into a car accident in Greensboro can turn your entire week upside down. Between doctor appointments, mounting medical bills, and property damage, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to get to work, school, or the grocery store. If your vehicle was damaged or totaled, you’re likely asking a simple but stressful question: who pays for the rental car after an accident?

The answer depends on several factors, including who was at fault, what kind of insurance coverage applies, and whether you’re pursuing a personal injury claim. In this blog, we’ll break down how rental car costs are typically handled after an accident in North Carolina and what you can do if insurance companies try to avoid paying their share.

Fault Determines Who Pays

North Carolina is an at-fault state, which means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages, including rental car costs. If the other driver caused the crash, their liability insurance should cover your rental car.

But here’s the catch: that insurance company won’t pay until they complete an investigation and accept fault. That can take days or even weeks, especially if the facts are disputed. In the meantime, you may have to cover the cost upfront and seek reimbursement later.

If you were the at-fault driver, you’ll need to rely on your own insurance policy. Some policies include rental reimbursement coverage, but not all. It’s something you’d have had to add in advance. Without it, you may be stuck paying out of pocket unless another legal option applies.

When the Other Driver Is at Fault

If you weren’t at fault for the crash, you have a right to recover your out-of-pocket expenses from the other driver’s insurance company. This includes rental car costs, along with:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering (in a personal injury lawsuit)

However, insurance companies don’t always make this easy. The company may deny fault, delay processing your car accident claim, or offer a rental reimbursement that doesn’t match the type of vehicle you normally drive. You don’t have to accept a compact car if you drive an SUV to fit your children or mobility equipment.

The rental period must also be reasonable. You’re typically entitled to a rental while your car is being repaired or until you receive a fair settlement for a totaled vehicle. If the insurer cuts you off early, that’s something a Greensboro car crash lawyer can challenge.

When You’re Found Partially at Fault

North Carolina follows the pure contributory negligence rule, which is one of the strictest in the country. If you’re found even 1% at fault, you can be barred from recovering any compensation through a personal injury case. This includes damages for rental car costs, medical bills, and other losses.

Because of this rule, insurance adjusters often try to place blame on you, even if the other driver clearly caused the crash. They may claim you weren’t paying attention, accuse you of distracted driving, or argue that your actions contributed to the collision.

This is one reason why a personal injury attorney often brings in accident reconstruction specialists and gathers police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case. The more evidence you have, the harder it is for the insurer to deny responsibility or reduce your claim.

What if the Other Driver Has No Insurance?

North Carolina requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but not everyone follows the law. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may still have options. Your own policy may include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can be used to pay for:

• Vehicle repairs
• Medical expenses
• Rental car costs

UM claims are filed through your own insurer, but don’t assume they’ll treat you better. They may still dispute your damages or push for a fair settlement that doesn’t cover all your losses.

What Rental Reimbursement Insurance Covers

If you purchased rental reimbursement coverage, your insurer will typically cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or until your claim is resolved. There are usually daily and total limits, such as $30 per day up to $900 total.

Before renting a vehicle, check the terms of your policy. Keep receipts and document the dates of the rental so there’s no delay in processing your reimbursement.

What to Do Right After the Accident

Whether you were rear-ended at a stoplight or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup, taking the right steps after a crash can protect both your health and your rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor
• Call the police and request an official accident report
• Take photos of the accident scene, property damage, and any common car accident injuries
• Exchange information with the other driver
• Notify your insurance company promptly

These actions create a paper trail that supports your car accident lawsuit or claim. If you delay treatment or fail to report the accident, the insurer may question whether your injuries or damages are real.

Why Rental Car Costs Matter in a Personal Injury Claim

If you suffered injuries in the crash and are filing a personal injury lawsuit, your rental car expenses are part of your damages. The longer you’re without your vehicle, the more you may rack up in transportation costs, especially if public transit isn’t an option.

Document every rental-related expense, including:

• Daily rental rates
• Mileage or fuel charges
• Extra insurance (if required)
• Length of time you needed the vehicle

This documentation can strengthen your demand for full and fair compensation during settlement negotiations or trial.

Can You Recover Rental Costs Without a Lawyer?

Technically, yes. But insurance companies are focused on their bottom line. Without legal representation, they may:

• Blame you for the crash
• Delay your claim
• Offer a lowball settlement
• Deny your request for a comparable vehicle

Hiring a car accident attorney gives you a stronger chance to recover compensation. If you’ve suffered a serious injury or are dealing with mounting medical bills, you don’t want to leave money on the table.

Reputable law firms work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless they win your case. You can get a free case review to find out where you stand and what legal options apply.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with ER Law Trial Lawyers

You shouldn’t have to argue with an insurance adjuster while trying to get to work or take care of your family. If you were in a car crash in Greensboro and need a rental car to get back on your feet, ER Law Trial Lawyers can step in.

When you search for car accident lawyers near me, you’re not just looking for a name, You’re looking for someone who will actually listen, fight, and show up for you. That’s exactly what we do. Our Greensboro personal injury attorneys represent accident victims across North Carolina, whether your case involves a straightforward personal injury claim or a more complex car accident case involving disputed fault. We gather evidence, handle the legal process, and fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovering.

Call (336) 904-9000(336) 904-9000 or visit us online to schedule your free consultation. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries and left you without a vehicle, we’re here to pursue monetary compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage. You only pay if we win.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

ER Law Trial Lawyers
1931 Richardson Drive
Reidsville, NC 27320
(336) 904-9000(336) 904-9000
https://erlaw-nc.com/