U-haul rental got hit, am I screwed?
Question:
I think U-haul will make me pay for any damage to the truck, the question is, will the other party's insurance reimburse me for what I have to pay? U-haul told ME to "go after" the other party for money.
Answer:
It's very possible that your own insurance company will cover you for
this. Certainly doesn't hurt to call them. And, as the U-Haul guy says,
the other party's insurance (assuming he HAS insurance) should cover
it.
If you used a gold or platinum credit card for the rental, then you may be
covered by the credit card company.
You didn't mention how you paid so I thought mentioning it might be
beneficial. If you paid with cash or a standard card then "never mind."
Regardless, the guy that rear-ended you is financially responsible for any
damages and his insurance (assuming he has some) should pay. Of course,
U-haul doesn't care where the money comes from and they'll start with you.
However, a nice letter the the U-haul franchises manager with a copy of the
police report and contact and insurance information on the guy that hit you
may get U-haul off of you and onto the other guy. I say may because it
probably depends on how customer oriented the franchise owner is. I can't
hurt to try.
That should protect you, in theory anyway. But you will have to pay
U-haul and then sue the other driver. And it may not go to trial for
a year or longer.
Visit or write the police agency that took the report and get a copy
of it. That and a copy of your U-haul bill, and maybe some photos,
should be all the evidence you need.
Small claims court in CA now allows cases of up to $5k.
The Arizona plates on the vehicle won't matter. The court where it
happened is the one that will have jurisdiction.
Another thing to do is read your rental agreement. I believe there is a
clause that says that if you are in an accidents, you agree to pay Uhaul
the rental amount for evey day the truck is out of commission. That can
up to alot of money in no time.
U Haul has to either provide minimum insurance (which is pretty low,
but thats a different point) or demand proof of insurance from you for
liability.
Consider it a lesson. I never rent without insurance, though I never
yet damaged a rental car (and hope to keep it that way). Hint: Some gold
cards and some auto insurances provide collision insurance for short
term rentals. The gold cards (not all of them - read your contract!)
only do so if you pay for the rental with them.
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