September 4, 2023 
When reserving a rental car while your vehicle is at the mechanic’s, to attend a special event, or so you can drive your family around on vacation, you may be asked if you want to buy supplemental liability insurance from the rental car company in case you are involved in a collision.
Purchasing supplemental insurance can help you afford expenses in the event of a New York rental car accident, but it can be difficult to determine what level of coverage you really need. The package you choose can have important implications for your future finances.
Our rental car accident lawyers at Cellino Law can help you navigate the aftermath of a rental car accident, including how any supplemental insurance you bought factors in. Schedule a free consultation with our team at (888) 888-8888 or reach out through our online form today.
Understanding Supplemental Liability Insurance Coverage for Rental Cars
Supplemental Liability Insurance is intended to cover costs related to the other party’s damages, like car repairs, medical bills, or property damage. In a typical New York car accident, the driver would first file a claim against their own insurance policy under the state’s no-fault doctrine.
If their damages exceeded what their personal insurance covered, then they could pursue other avenues to obtain compensation, including filing a personal injury claim against you. If you were at fault for the car accident, it is critical that you have sufficient coverage to compensate for costs like:
- Medical bills
- Car repairs
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Supplemental Liability Insurance should not be confused with Personal Accident Insurance for rental cars. Personal Accident Insurance is meant to cover the rental car driver and their passengers’ emergency medical care for their injuries and other costs after an auto collision.
Who Needs Supplemental Rental Car Insurance in New York
Let’s assume that you carry personal car insurance. Even if it meets New York’s requirements for auto liability coverage, that does not necessarily mean you don’t need supplemental liability coverage. Not all car insurance policies cover damages in the event of a rental car accident.
New Yorkers should carefully review their car insurance policies to determine if they need to buy supplemental liability coverage before they rent a car. It can usually be added on to the bill for the rental car as a relatively low daily fee and should last the duration of the rental agreement.
Drivers who do not possess their own car insurance, which is not uncommon in places with strong public transportation networks like New York City, need to purchase Supplemental Liability Insurance for their rental cars or risk being responsible for out-of-pocket costs.
How Much Supplemental Liability Insurance Do You Need if You Are Renting a Car in New York
The level of Supplemental Liability Insurance you buy mostly depends on whether you have personal auto insurance and what your net worth is. It is generally recommended that your rental car insurance equal your net worth, whether that’s SLI alone or in combination with your personal coverage.
Rental car companies offer a range of Supplemental Liability Insurance policies, with companies like Budget offering coverage up to 1 or even 2 million dollars. The SLI protects you from having to pay the other driver’s expenses on your own, but it can be voided if you use the vehicle in a prohibited manner or capacity.
Why You Need a New York Rental Car Accident Lawyer to Negotiate Your Claim
After being involved in a New York collision in a rental car, you need an advocate who is exclusively dedicated to representing your interests. Hiring a personal injury attorney to litigate your rental car lawsuit is essential in protecting your rights in the situation.
Rental car accident claims are often complex given that they already involve a third party outside of you and the other driver, and other factors like multiple negligent parties or extensive damages can further complicate matters. You can’t afford to take a chance on being treated fairly.
A personal injury lawyer can provide guidance on how insurance will be applied, work to ensure that your percentage of the liability is accurate, and coordinate communication with the other parties. If you pursue compensation, they can also identify, quantify, and fight for your damages.
Choose Cellino Law to Represent You in a New York Rental Car Accident Claim
The personal injury lawyers of Cellino Law have recovered billions of dollars for our clients damages over our 65 years of service to New Yorkers injured in accidents. This has earned us numerous awards over the years and a reputation for high client satisfaction rates.
At Cellino Law, we don’t shy away from tough claims because we recognize that that is often when our clients need us the most. As your rental car accident lawyers, we will channel our efforts into protecting you from being taken advantage of and recovering fair compensation.
We work diligently to build trust with our clients as we leverage our legal expertise and resources for your benefit. Our legal team will tenaciously pursue maximum compensation for your damages and work to limit your liability in a New York rental car accident lawsuit.
Contact Cellino Law About Your New York Rental Car Accident Lawsuit Today
As seasoned personal injury lawyers, our team at Cellino Law knows that trying to figure out what insurance you need can be a lengthy and confusing process. If you aren’t properly covered, there can be significant legal and financial ramifications.
Our auto accident lawyers can help you sort through the aftermath of a rental car accident to determine your next steps if you are eligible to file a New York personal injury claim, and how your insurance plays a role in the case.
We are committed to protecting the rights of injured New Yorkers and helping them secure fair settlements. Our team of personal injury attorneys can help you schedule a free consultation when you give us a call at (888) 888-8888 or reach out through our online form today.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.