What Can I Do if My Rental Car Insurance Doesn’t Cover a Breakdown?

If your rental car insurance doesn’t cover a breakdown, it’s important to understand your options for resolving the situation, seeking assistance, and protecting yourself from unexpected expenses. Here’s what you can do:

Steps to Take if Your Rental Car Breaks Down

1. Review Your Rental Agreement:
   • Check the terms: Before taking any action, review your rental car agreement to confirm what is and isn’t covered by the insurance. Most standard rental car insurance policies do not cover mechanical breakdowns caused by wear and tear or issues that arise from the car’s age, but they may cover accidents, theft, and vandalism.
   • Roadside Assistance: Some rental agencies offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on that may cover breakdowns, flat tires, battery jumps, or lockouts. If you didn’t purchase this coverage at the time of rental, you might still be able to add it on later.
2. Contact the Rental Car Agency:
   • Call for assistance: If your rental car breaks down, immediately contact the rental car company’s customer service or roadside assistance hotline. Most rental agencies offer a 24/7 number for emergencies like breakdowns.
   • Document the breakdown: Make sure to take note of the time, location, and nature of the problem. This information will be crucial when discussing the issue with the rental company or if any charges arise from the situation.
3. Roadside Assistance and Towing:
   • Check for towing coverage: If the rental car is disabled and needs to be towed, your rental agency may provide towing services as part of their roadside assistance program, or it may be covered under a specific policy.
   • If your insurance doesn’t cover towing or repairs, you may be responsible for the towing fees, but the rental agency may help coordinate this. In some cases, they may assist in arranging for another vehicle if the car cannot be repaired quickly.
4. Paying for Repairs or Costs:
   • Repair costs: If the breakdown is due to a mechanical failure that is not covered by your insurance, and you’re responsible for the repair costs, you may need to pay for the repair at the shop. Ensure you receive a detailed invoice and keep all receipts.
   • Rental car replacement: If your car is out of service for an extended period, the rental company may offer you a replacement car (often at no additional charge if the breakdown was due to mechanical failure not caused by your negligence). If the car cannot be repaired in time for your travel, ask about alternative transportation options.
5. Check for Coverage Through Your Credit Card:
   • Credit card insurance: Many credit cards offer rental car insurance coverage, which may include breakdowns or towing assistance, depending on the card issuer and the card’s benefits. Contact your credit card company to inquire about any available coverage.
   • Review your benefits: If you paid for the rental with a credit card that offers rental car protection, you might have access to additional coverage for breakdowns, repairs, or towing, even if your primary rental insurance doesn’t cover these expenses.
6. Consider Travel Insurance:
   • Travel insurance coverage: If you have purchased travel insurance that includes rental car coverage, it might extend to cover breakdowns or unforeseen issues with the vehicle. Review your policy and contact the insurance provider to see if you can claim for any breakdown-related expenses.
7. Document Everything:
   • Keep records: In the event of a breakdown, it’s crucial to document everything. Keep records of all communications with the rental car company, receipts for any repairs, towing fees, or other associated costs. If you paid for repairs out-of-pocket, you may be able to claim reimbursement through your travel insurance or credit card company.

Consumer Rights and Legal Considerations

• Liability for breakdowns: In most cases, rental companies will not hold you liable for mechanical failures unless they can prove that the issue resulted from driver negligence (e.g., failing to maintain the vehicle, driving irresponsibly, or damaging the car).
• Rental agreement clauses: Some rental agreements may have clauses that hold you responsible for breakdowns or repairs if they’re caused by your actions (such as not refueling the car, ignoring warning lights, or driving on damaged tires). Review these clauses before you sign the contract to ensure you understand your responsibilities.
• Legal recourse: If the rental company refuses to help or improperly charges you for issues that are not your fault, you can contact a consumer protection agency, file a complaint with the rental company’s corporate office, or even consider legal action if necessary.

Example

Let’s say you rent a car for a weeklong vacation, and after driving for a few days, the car breaks down due to a mechanical failure. Here’s what you should do:

• Call the rental agency: You call the rental company’s 24/7 roadside assistance number and explain the breakdown. They advise you that the problem isn’t covered under your rental insurance.
• Request assistance: Since you didn’t purchase roadside assistance, they arrange for towing and inform you that the car needs repairs. They offer to replace the car, but you’ll need to pay for the towing fees.
• Use credit card benefits: After checking your credit card, you discover that your card offers coverage for breakdowns and towing. You submit a claim to your credit card company for reimbursement of the towing fee and repair costs.
• Document everything: You keep all receipts and documentation, including the breakdown report, towing invoice, and any rental replacement charges.

Conclusion

If your rental car breaks down and your insurance doesn’t cover the repair or related costs, there are several options to address the situation. Start by contacting the rental company for assistance and checking if they provide roadside assistance or replacement vehicles. Consider your credit card or travel insurance coverage as potential sources of assistance, and always document all expenses and communications. By understanding your rights and available coverage options, you can minimize the financial impact of a rental car breakdown.