Car-sharing is a popular way to rent a car for short-term trips. Users can rent cars from a company or another individual without the hassle, expense, and 24-hour commitment associated with traditional rental car companies. The convenience and affordability of car-shares have made Zipcar, Evo, and Modo vehicles pervasive in many Canadian cities — but an increase of these vehicles on the road also raises the likelihood of a car-share accident.
Were you hurt in an accident involving a car-share in Vancouver? You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and crash-related losses. But it’s crucial to understand what’s expected of you based on the terms of your rental agreement before you file an insurance claim.
Some companies hold drivers financially responsible for specific costs, such as deductibles for vehicle repairs. If you’re not familiar with these requirements, you could wind up on the hook for out-of-pocket expenses that the company or your insurance provider should cover.
Not sure what to do? Call or contact a car-share accident lawyer at Warnett Hallen LLP for a free consultation.
Insurance Coverage for Common Car-Share Companies
The insurance coverage provided by car-share providers varies from company to company. Ideally, you should review every detail included in the agreement before you sign it so you’re aware of the costs you could incur if there’s an accident. Realistically, most of us don’t have time to read the fine print. That’s why we’ve included an overview of the coverage offered by some of the most popular car-share companies in British Columbia.
Evo
Evo provides third-party liability coverage for its car-share vehicles. However, there’s a deductible of up to $1,000, which you would have to pay if you cause an accident.
You could also be financially responsible for expenses resulting from a crash if you violate any of the rental agreement terms, such as driving under the influence.
Disturbingly, Evo doesn’t cover car-share accidents caused by the poor condition of the car. For example, if a faulty part leads to a crash, the company would not assume liability for your losses.
Modo
Modo is another car-share company that provides third-party liability insurance. If you’re in a crash while behind the wheel of one of their vehicles, you may have to pay up to a $1,000 deductible for the damage. However, there are two damage fee options you can choose from to eliminate this deductible. You must purchase one of these options in advance and re-enroll after the crash.
What to Do After a Car-Share Accident
No one is ever prepared for an accident. It’s a traumatic experience that can have significant emotional, physical, and financial repercussions. However, there are some steps you should follow to protect your rights.
Call the police immediately after the crash. Inform them of what happened and wait for an officer to arrive at the scene. If necessary, request an ambulance to take you and other injured parties to the hospital.
Notify the car-share service promptly. You should request a copy of the insurance policy so that you understand your rights and responsibilities. An experienced Vancouver car-share accident lawyer could represent you and handle these aspects of the claim.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
The layers of insurance coverage involved in a car-share accident can be confusing. Trying to determine what compensation you’re eligible to receive can cause significant stress. However, the Vancouver car-share accident lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP have extensive experience handling cases like these. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Vancouver car accident lawyer.
