Is the driver who hit me responsible for car rental costs? 5 Answers as of November 29, 2011

I live in California and my car was hit. Is the other driver legally responsible for my car rental costs during repairs or just damage to my vehicle? There were no injuries, damage was under $550 and no insurance companies are involved.

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Law Office of David Baum | David M. Baum

Yes, the other driver is responsible for reasonable costs you incurred for a rental car while your damaged vehicle is being repaired.

Answer Applies to: California

Replied: 11/29/2011

Law Offices of William W. Burns | William W. Burns

The insurance carrier for the person who hit you will normally pay up to 1 month of car rental. If there is no carrier, then the person who hit you should pay for the car rental.

Answer Applies to: California

Replied: 11/28/2011

Law Offices of Michael Stephenson | Michael Stephenson

Yes! A negligent driver is responsible for essentially all damages that are reasonably caused by his/her acts. In your case, if the driver had not hit your car, you would not have had to rent a car. Thus, the law considers the driver's negligence a "but-for" cause of your car rental costs and would therefore require that he/she compensate you for those costs.

Answer Applies to: California

Replied: 11/28/2011

Gilbert & Bourke, LLP | Brian J. Bourke

They are responsible for the reasonable rental value of your car for the period of time it was being repaired. This is in addition to the cost of repairs.

Answer Applies to: California

Replied: 11/28/2011