What Happens If a Car Accident Involves a Rental Vehicle?

 Posted on December 14, 2025 in Car Accident

Since car accident claims involve insurance companies, throwing a rental car into the mix can make it more complex. Questions about fault and whose policy pays for damages often come up right away. If you were hurt in a crash involving a rental car in Colorado, whether you were driving the rental or not, speaking with a Fort Collins, CO car accident lawyer can help. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we will investigate the accident, help you understand the laws, and ensure you identify all recoverable damages.

What if the At-Fault Driver Was Driving a Rental Car?

If the other driver caused the accident and was driving a rental car, the claim often starts with that driver’s personal auto insurance. In most cases, a driver’s own policy follows them even when they are in a rental vehicle. That means their liability coverage may pay for injuries and property damage they caused.

Colorado law requires drivers to carry minimum financial responsibility under C.R.S. § 42-7-103. This law sets the minimum insurance limits for bodily injury and property damage. If the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage to fully pay your losses, other insurance policies may come into play.

The rental agreement itself can also affect how coverage is applied. Some agreements place more responsibility on the renter, while others allow limited backup coverage through the rental company.

Can You Use Your Own Auto Insurance After a Rental Car Crash?

If you were the one driving the rental car at the time of the crash, your personal auto insurance policy may still apply. Many Colorado drivers carry collision and comprehensive coverage that extends to rental vehicles. This can help cover the cost of repairs or the full value of the rental car if it is declared a total loss.

Your own policy may also help with extra charges that rental companies sometimes add after an accident. These may include loss-of-use fees for the time the car cannot be rented, administrative processing costs, or reduced value claims. These charges are often not well understood until a bill arrives weeks later.

It is important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the crash. Prompt reporting helps avoid coverage delays and allows your insurer to address rental vehicle damage and related charges right away.

What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Rental Vehicle Accident?

If another person caused the crash, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. These damages may include:

• Medical care, including hospital visits, surgery, therapy, and follow-up treatment

• Lost wages during recovery

• Reduced ability to earn income in the future

• Pain and emotional strain related to the injury

• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

Every case is different. The value of a claim depends on how serious the injuries are, how long recovery takes, and how the accident affects your daily life.

Deadlines also matter. In Colorado, civil actions for car accident claims must be filed within three years under C.R.S. § 13-80-101. If this deadline passes, you may lose the right to seek compensation, even when it is clear that the other driver was at fault. Talk to an attorney right away to seek compensation as quickly as possible.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Larimer County, CO Car Accident Attorney

Attorney Hoggatt brings a strong professional background to these cases. He is a member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, reflecting his commitment to staying informed on injury law and advocating for injured clients across Colorado. If you were hurt in a rental car crash, you need strong legal representation to walk you through the claims process. Call Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. at 970-225-2190 to schedule your free consultation with our Fort Collins, CO car accident lawyer today. Se Habla Español.