Rental Car Towed: What to Do and Who Pays?

When your rental car breaks down, it can be stressful, especially if you’re on vacation or have a tight schedule. But what happens when your rental car gets towed? Who pays for the towing fees and the inconvenience? We’ll cover all you need to know about rental car towing, including who pays, what you should do, and what rights you have.

Understanding Rental Car Towing

Rental car towing can happen for various reasons, including:

• Mechanical issues: Your car could break down due to engine failure, transmission problems, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues.
• Traffic accidents: If you’re involved in an accident, even a minor one, your rental car might need to be towed.
• Parking violations: In some cases, a rental car could be towed for parking illegally, especially if it’s blocking traffic or parked in a restricted zone.

Who Pays for Rental Car Towing?

The answer depends on the circumstances and the terms of your rental agreement.

• Mechanical issues: If your rental car breaks down due to a mechanical problem that wasn’t your fault, the rental company is usually responsible for towing costs. However, it’s crucial to check your rental agreement. Some rental companies may have a deductible or limit the towing coverage.
• Traffic accidents: If you’re involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the insurance of the other driver should cover the towing costs. However, if the accident is your fault, you’ll likely be responsible for towing fees and any other damages.
• Parking violations: If your rental car is towed for a parking violation, you’ll need to pay the towing and storage fees. Be sure to check the parking signs and avoid parking in restricted zones.

What to Do When Your Rental Car is Towed

1. Stay calm and assess the situation: Before making any decisions, ensure you’re safe and understand what happened.
2. Contact the rental company: Report the incident to the rental company immediately. They will guide you through the next steps, including how to get your car back and what the towing costs will be.
3. Check your rental agreement: Review your rental agreement carefully to understand your responsibilities and the company’s towing policies.
4. Document everything: Take photos and videos of the towed car, any damage to the car, and the location where it was towed. You may also want to contact the towing company and get their contact information.
5. File an insurance claim: If the incident is due to an accident, file a claim with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company.

What Rights Do You Have?

You have certain rights as a renter when your car is towed.

• The right to be informed: The towing company must provide you with clear information about where your car is towed to and how to retrieve it.
• The right to reasonable towing fees: Towing fees should be reasonable and in accordance with local regulations.
• The right to dispute fees: If you believe the towing fees are excessive or unreasonable, you have the right to dispute them with the towing company or local authorities.

What Happens If You Can’t Retrieve Your Rental Car?

If you’re unable to retrieve your rental car due to financial reasons or other constraints, you can:

• Contact the rental company: Inform them about the situation and see if they offer any solutions.
• Seek legal advice: Consult with a lawyer to explore your options and protect your rights.

****

“It’s always a good idea to read your rental agreement carefully and understand the company’s towing policies before you even start your trip,” says Sarah Jones, a seasoned traveler and car rental expert. “Knowing what to expect can help you avoid surprises and make sure you’re prepared if your car needs to be towed.”

Tips for Avoiding Rental Car Towing

• Follow traffic laws: Drive safely and obey traffic regulations to avoid accidents and parking violations.
• Check your car: Before you leave, take a few minutes to inspect your car for any potential issues.
• Keep emergency contact information handy: Store the rental company’s phone number and your insurance information in your phone or wallet.

FAQs

• Q: Can I drive my rental car if it’s been towed?

  • A: It’s usually not recommended. If your rental car has been towed for a mechanical issue, you should contact the rental company before attempting to drive it. They will determine if the car is safe to drive and if it needs further repair.

• Q: What if my rental car is stolen?

  • A: Contact the rental company immediately and file a police report. The rental company will usually have insurance that covers theft, but you may be responsible for a deductible.

• Q: If the towing is due to an accident, who pays for storage fees?

  • A: If the accident is not your fault, the insurance of the other driver should cover the storage fees. But if the accident was your fault, you will be responsible for both the towing and storage fees.

What Else Should You Consider?

If you are renting a car, especially in a foreign country, it’s a good idea to investigate the towing regulations and policies. You can also consider purchasing additional insurance coverage, such as roadside assistance, which can cover towing fees and other unexpected costs.

More Information:

Are you looking for more information on car rentals? Check out these helpful articles on our website:

• uwsp student hit by car
• car crash virginia beach
• car accident beecher il
• car accident lawyer laureldale pa
• car accident lawyer 93108 santa barbara ca

Need Help?

We’re here to help! Contact us if you have any questions or need assistance with your rental car. You can reach us via WhatsApp: +1(641)206-8880, Email: [email protected] or visit us at 276 Reock St, City of Orange, NJ 07050, United States. We’re available 24/7 to assist you.