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Have you ever thought about what happens if the car you rented gets stolen? It’s not something we like to think about, but it’s important to know.
I found myself in that situation last year. In this article, we’ll explore Enterprise’s policy for stolen cars.
From my experience, I’ll share how they handle these situations and what steps you should take.
It’s simpler than you might think, and knowing the process can give you peace of mind.
Renter’s Liability: Is the Driver Liable When Enterprise Car is Stolen?
When you rent a car, such as from Enterprise, and it gets stolen, there are certain liabilities and responsibilities you should be aware of.
Generally, if you haven’t opted for a loss damage waiver or comprehensive insurance, you might be responsible for the car’s value if it’s not recovered.
The key factors determining your liability include whether you had insurance coverage, where the keys were when the car was stolen, and whether you filed a police report within 24 hours of the theft.
If the keys were left in the ignition or the car was unlocked, your liability increases significantly.
For instance, if you leave the keys in the car and it gets stolen, you could be held responsible for the loss, regardless of any theft protection package you might have.
This is because leaving the keys in the car is seen as negligence on your part and is usually a deal breaker for most companies handling insurance services against car thefts.
Moreover, if the stolen car is involved in an accident or other incident, you might be liable for damages.
In a case reviewed by Justice Michael David McArthur, a renter failed to comply with the rental agreement’s conditions, resulting in the invalidation of the damage waiver.
The renter was then ordered to pay the fair market value of the stolen vehicle, which was declared a total loss, as well as legal fees and court costs.
It’s important to understand the rental agreement’s terms and ensure you comply with them.
This includes reporting the theft to the police and the rental company within the stipulated time frame, usually 24 hours.
Also, be aware of the insurance coverage you have and how it applies in cases of theft.
Some insurance policies may cover the cost of a stolen rental car, but this depends on the specific terms and conditions of your policy.
How to Handle an Enterprise Car Theft
Step 1: Report the Theft Immediately
When your rented car from Enterprise is stolen, the first thing you need to do is report it to the police as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of noticing the theft.
This is a very important step.
When you go to the police, tell them everything you know about the situation.
They will ask for details about the car, like its make, model, color, and license plate number.
Also, tell them where and when you last saw the car.
The police will give you a report number after you tell them all this information. Keep this number safe because you will need it later.
It’s essential to report the theft quickly.
If you wait too long, you might have to pay for the car if it’s not found. Reporting quickly helps the police start looking for the car sooner, which can increase the chances of finding it.
Step 2: Notify Enterprise and Insurance Company
After you’ve reported the stolen rental car to the police, the next step is to inform the rental car company. This is a very important step.
Call the company’s customer service number, which you can usually find on your rental agreement or their website.
When you call, they might have a special option for reporting lost or damaged vehicles. Choose this option.
Tell the company representative that the car you rented has been stolen.
Give them the police report number. They need this to understand what happened and to take the next steps on their side.
It’s good to write down who you talk to, their job title, and their contact details. This information can be helpful later.
The rental car company will ask you for details about the theft.
Answer their questions as best as you can. They will guide you on what to do next. This may include filling out some forms about the incident.
Then, call your insurance company.
This could be the insurance you bought from Enterprise, your own car insurance, or even an insurance plan that comes with your credit card, if you used it to pay for the rental.
Tell the insurance company about the theft and give them the police report number too.
They will also ask you some questions. Your insurance company will tell you what will happen next and if your insurance plan will pay for the stolen car.
Step 3: Follow-up on the Investigation
After you have reported the theft to the police, Enterprise, and your insurance company, it’s important to keep following up on the investigation.
This means staying in contact with the police to see if they have any new information about the stolen car.
You don’t have to call them every day, but checking in regularly, like once every few days, is a good idea.
Also, stay in touch with Enterprise.
They might have updates for you or need more information to help find the car. Responding quickly to any calls or emails from them is important.
For your insurance company, they might need additional details from you or have updates on your coverage and the claim process.
If your insurance covers the theft, they will guide you through the steps you need to take.
Preventing Car Theft the Right Way
Preventing car theft, especially when you are using a rental car like one from Enterprise, is very important.
There are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of the car being stolen. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Always Lock the Car: This might seem obvious, but it’s very important. Every time you leave the car, even if it’s just for a short time, lock all the doors. This is the easiest way to keep the car safe. Thieves are often looking for quick opportunities, and an unlocked car is just that.
- Be Careful Where You Park: Try to park in well-lit areas, especially at night. If you can, park in busy areas where there are lots of people around. Thieves don’t like places where they can easily be seen. If you’re staying at a hotel, use their parking lot if they have one, especially if it’s monitored or has security.
- Don’t Leave Valuables in the Car: Never leave things that look valuable in the car, especially where they can be easily seen. This includes things like bags, electronics, or even sunglasses. If you must leave something in the car, put it in the trunk where it’s not visible. Seeing valuables can tempt thieves to break into the car.
- Be Mindful of the Car Keys: Always keep the car keys with you. Don’t leave them in the car or in a place where someone can easily take them. Some people might leave the car running when they pop into a store – this is a big risk. Always take the keys out of the ignition and bring them with you, even if you’re leaving the car for just a moment.
