Getting into an accident is bad enough—you’re hurt, your car is wrecked, and now you need a rental just to keep your life moving. If you’re thinking, “I was in an accident and need a rental car,” don’t let the insurance companies push you around when it comes to covering that cost. It’s time to stop being polite… and GET RUDE.

At RUDIN LAW, we know the games insurance companies play. They delay claims, lowball you, and hope you’ll settle for less. But we’re here to help you take control and get what you need. This blog will break down who’s responsible for your rental car expenses after an accident in New Orleans and show you how to protect yourself.

Hurt in a car accident and need a rental? Don’t let the insurance company give you the runaround. It’s time to stop being polite and GET RUDE with RUDIN LAW. We handle the insurance companies, so you don’t have to. Contact us at (504) 500-5504 to schedule your FREE case review.

Who’s Paying for the Rental? Here’s What You Need to Know.

When you’re dealing with insurance, it all depends on the details. Here are some key points to consider:

If You Have Rental Reimbursement Coverage – Use It to Avoid Delays.

If you’ve added rental reimbursement to your policy, this is the time to use it—especially if the other driver’s insurance is dragging its feet. Even if the other driver was at fault, their insurance company may take time to investigate and approve the rental car coverage. Using your own rental reimbursement coverage can help you get a car right away without waiting on the other side’s approval. Just remember, your insurance company can seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer later on – in insurance lingo, it’s called “subrogation.”

If the Other Driver is at Fault – Make Their Insurance Pay.

Louisiana is an “at-fault” state, which means that if the other driver caused the accident, their insurance should cover your rental costs. But don’t expect them to hand it over easily. They’ll likely delay to “investigate” – or even dispute who’s at fault, dragging out the process. This is where you need someone in your corner who’s not afraid to GET RUDE and demand what’s fair.

What if You’re Partly at Fault? Louisiana’s Comparative Fault Rule.

In Louisiana, even if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you can still get compensation. Let’s say you’re found 25% responsible for the crash. The other driver’s insurance should still cover 75% of your rental car expenses. But insurance companies don’t make this easy—they’re hoping you don’t know your rights. That’s why it’s critical to have a tough advocate on your side to make sure they pay their share.

Don’t Wait – Speed Up Your Rental Coverage

Need a rental car right away? Here are some steps you can take to push the process forward and avoid unnecessary delays:

• Report the Accident Immediately: Don’t wait. Contact both your insurance and the at-fault driver’s insurance right after the crash. The faster you report, the faster they’re forced to respond.
• Document the Details: Take photos, get a police report, and collect witness statements if possible. Insurance companies look for any excuse to deny or delay your claim—don’t give them one.
• Call RUDIN LAW: If the insurance company is giving you the runaround, it’s time to GET RUDE. At RUDIN LAW, we know how to put pressure on them to get you the rental coverage you need without the wait.

What to Do If You Don’t Have Rental Reimbursement Coverage

Maybe you didn’t add rental reimbursement to your policy, or maybe the at-fault driver’s insurance is dragging their feet. Here’s what you can do if you’re stuck without immediate rental coverage:

• Pay Out of Pocket and Seek Reimbursement: Cover the rental cost yourself, keep all your receipts, and go after the at-fault driver’s insurance for reimbursement. We know it’s not ideal, but sometimes it’s the fastest way to get a rental and keep moving.
• Use Credit Card Rental Benefits: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance as a perk. Check with your credit card company and see if they’ll cover your rental temporarily.
• Go for a Lower-Cost Option: If you need to pay upfront, consider choosing a smaller or more affordable rental car until the insurance company steps up. It may not be ideal, but it can help bridge the gap.

Not Sure About Your Coverage? Here’s What You Need to Do

If you’re feeling confused about rental coverage after an accident, here’s a quick action plan to follow:

• Check Your Policy: Take a look at your auto insurance policy. Do you have rental reimbursement? If you’re not sure, call your agent and ask. Knowing your coverage makes a difference.
• Get Written Confirmation: If an insurance company agrees to cover your rental, ask for it in writing. Don’t let them backpedal later.
• Keep a Record of Everything: Save all your receipts and emails related to the accident and rental expenses. Documentation is key if they try to dispute your claim down the line.

Why You Need a New Orleans Auto Accident Attorney Who’s Not Afraid to GET RUDE

So, not only are you having issues getting the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover your rental car, but now they’re hitting you with a lowball settlement offer for your injuries. This isn’t just about a car rental—it’s about your recovery and getting what you need to recover. Insurance companies love to act fast when it means paying you less, hoping you’ll settle quickly just to move on. But don’t let them take advantage of you.

At RUDIN LAW, we know how to stand up to these tactics. With our R-U-D-E Method, we’re not just focused on the rental car; we’re focused on making sure every part of your claim is handled aggressively and fairly:

RESEARCH: Let’s get started with a chat! We’ll walk you through a consultation, pinpointing potential problems and asking for any necessary documents. UNDERSTAND: By the end, we’ll have a clear understanding of your legal concerns and be able to offer valuable insights and solutions to move forward. DEVELOP: We’ll develop a customized legal strategy tailored to your specific situation, addressing your concerns and goals. EXECUTE: We’ll implement the legal strategy, providing expert guidance and advocacy to achieve the desired outcome.

If the insurance company thinks you’ll settle for less, it’s time to prove them wrong. At RUDIN LAW, we don’t let insurance companies call the shots—we’re here to make sure you’re taken care of every step of the way.

Ready to GET RUDE and Take Control After Your Accident?

Don’t let the insurance companies call the shots. At RUDIN LAW, you’re not just hiring any New Orleans car wreck attorney—you’re hiring a former defense lawyer who spent over a decade working for insurance companies. We know their strategies, their fears, and exactly what they don’t want to hear. This inside knowledge gives you a real advantage. We’re honest, transparent, and blunt because that’s what gets results.

At RUDIN LAW, we believe in getting you the money you need to move forward. When you work with us, you’ll reach your New Orleans personal injury lawyer directly, and we’ll stand up to the insurance companies together, making sure they pay what they owe.

If you’re ready to stop being polite and start fighting back, contact us today for a FREE case review at (504) 500-5504, or fill out our secure online form. With us in your corner, you’ll get an attorney who knows the other side and isn’t afraid to GET RUDE to secure what you’re owed. Don’t wait—time is critical in cases like these. Let’s get started now and put you back in the driver’s seat. At RUDIN LAW, we’re committed to standing up for individuals and families across Louisiana and Texas.

Get Hurt? Get Help. GET RUDE.

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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.

RUDIN LAW
5500 Prytania St. #404
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 500-5504
https://www.getrude.com/