Evo, Modo, Zipcar and other car-share services are becoming more and more popular in Vancouver. These services allow people who don’t own their own cars to hop in a shared car, drive it where they need to go, and leave it when they’re ready to leave it. Car-share services offer people the conveniences of having access to a car without any of the downsides, such as paying for parking and insurance and worrying about maintenance.
In spite of all of the things they simplify, car-share services can complicate things if you get into an accident. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and confused if you get into an accident with a car-share service and don’t know how things work in terms of insurance, liability, and responsibility, but if you know the right steps to take should an accident like this occur, you’ll save yourself a lot of worry and difficulty.
How Does Insurance Work for Car-Share Services?
The most important thing you can do before driving a car share is to get informed. Educate yourself on your chosen car-share company’s insurance plan. Most car shares have a possible damage fee of up to $1,000 if you have an accident and some give the option to acquire or purchase waivers.
Remember that every company has a different policy, so read up and make sure you know the situation for the company you use. All of this information should be available on your chosen car-share company’s website.
What Do I Do if I’m in an Accident Involving a Car-Share Service?
If you are in an accident involving a car-share service, begin by documenting as much as you can at the scene of the accident. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene, take photos of any damages or injuries and of the area where the accident occured.
Report the accident immediately to the car-share company and talk to a personal injury lawyer about your next steps. At Hoogbruin and Company, we offer Consultations to anyone who is looking for help after a road accident.