Fender bender with rental car

[spawn_x]

What is the name of your state? CA

Had a fender bender with a rental truck today. No damage to mine and his has a dent in the chrome part of the bumper.

His truck is a rental. I offered him to replace the bumper myself with a new one he said he'll ask the rental company and get back to me.

Question: If I do replace the bumper myself and it is in perfect condition (there is 0 body damage, just small ding in bumper) can I have him sign a release form or does the rental agency have to do it? I don't want to have the rental company try to rip me a new one over a small dent that will be fixed with the bumper replacement..

Thanks.

 

[JETX]

If you replace the bumper with a new one (as you claim), why would the rental firm find damage to the bumper??

 

[spawn_x]

Because I see so much fraud go on.

I am basically afraid of being sued for the damage that is not there (well not sued..) and since I don't have the truck in my posession I won't be able to prove that it was NOT there.

People try to get every penny they can from the insurance company, I hope the same doesn't go for the rental agency.

So do you think a release form from him will be sufficient? I am doubting it but thought I'd ask anyway.


I really don't want to end up in a situation where I replace the bumper, he takes the truck back to the rental agency, and they say it still has 1000+ dollars worth of repair, at which point I'm screwed because I already paid out of the pocket for the bumper and will still have to get the Insurance company involved.

 

[JETX]

Okay, so get a release from him for any claims that HE might make as a result of the accident. Show vehicle descriptions, tag #'s, date, time, etc.
Realize though that his release has nothing to do with the rental car company, it only releases you from any claims as a result of that accident.

 

[spawn_x]

Ah, I got it..

So there's basically a good chance they'll try to pull one on me too, it would just be up to me to defend myself and present pictures..

Thanks.

 

[JETX]

I simply don't see your concern.

You had a minor accident with another vehicle. The fact that it is a rental or not is irrelevant (at this time).

If you repair the vehicle (either on your own or by some other method) and get a release from the driver, why would you think that he (the driver) would make a further claim against you??

As for the rental car company, if the damage is repaired, why would they even think or know to make a claim against you?? And even if they did, you have the release signed by the driver/renter waiving any liability on your part.

 

[spawn_x]

I am worried because my insurance is high enough and the last thing I need is someone to claim weekly doctor visits for 6 months on my insurance from a little dent.

I am probably over-reacting about the chances of that happening considering how small of an accident this way, but never hurts to be prepared for the worst. And its not only the driver I'm worried about but the rental company since its their truck and I hope they don't see this as a money making opportunity..

Reading the threads about people being sued for rediculous amounts of money sort of killed my opinion of how many honest people are out there.

Thanks again.

 

[spawn_x]

When my father was doing an insurance claim some time ago his laywer mentioned something about the damage to the car not being enough to cause bodily damage.. is there any truth to that?

If there's only a small DENT in the bumper, can he get thousands in bodily injury?

Seems like it would be too easy to do fraud..

 

[RunningOnEmpty]

The driver of that rental truck has no authority to allow you to repair it. Only the owner can do that. They will not allow you to do the work yourself, as they rent this vehicle to others and are responsible that the vehicle is in safe condition for their renters.

They will most likely want a certified shop to do the bumper replacment. They will most likely want to you also pay for the vehicle's "down time." They cannot rent it and make money from the rental while it's in the shop.

Your best bet is just to contact the rental company and ask them for the total dollar amount required to take care of it. Tell them you want to pay out of your own pocket rather than turning it in to your insurance. Once they tell you the price, you decide if you want to pay it out of your pocket or turn it in to your insurance company. I wouldn't wait too long. If they know who your insurance company is, they will file the claim before you have a chance to decide. Rental companies are like that.

 

[JETX]

Details are clear in the post. If the bumper is replaced with a new one, there is simply no 'claim' to be made by the rental company. I am not suggesting that the replacement be hidden, but the fact is that if the bumper is replaced with new, there is no way (other than verbally) that the rental company would even know of the incident.
Replace the bumper, get a release from the driver and move on. In the unlikely event that the rental company contacts you with a claim, show them the release and let them go after the renter for HIS screwup in releasing liability. BTW, keep a copy of the receipt for the new bumper.... just in case.

 

[spawn_x]

Ok, thank you.