Car2Go Accident Lawyers
More and more, people who live in large cities are going without personal vehicles. Whether this is intended to save money, help the environment, or just simplify life overall, it represents a major life choice with significant changes in everyday life. Without a personal vehicle, more planning is necessary to get around town, run errands, and accomplish daily and weekly activities. There may be times when having access to a vehicle is a necessity, such as moving goods or taking a trip with a group of friends.
Along with its largest competitor, Zipcar, Car2Go offers inexpensive, short-term vehicle rentals. For as little as a few dollars, residents of Washington, DC can have access to a vehicle for a quick drive or a longer one. Unlike Zipcar, Car2Go allows users to rent by the minute, which can save money if the drive is shorter than Zipcar’s minimum of half an hour. Zipcar has many more vehicles with different available models, though, so this can be another factor in the decision made by a driver.
Both Zipcar and Car2Go require membership and registration, but while Zipcar charges a monthly fee, Car2Go does not. This makes it a more attractive option for people who use the service less frequently.
Another element of the Car2Go service is that insurance is included with the price of the rental. Unlike Zipcar, Car2Go typically includes collision insurance coverage along with the minimum liability coverage required by law, which protects drivers from having to pay damages on the vehicle if they cause an accident. However, the insurance included with Car2Go does not protect the driver or passengers in case of injuries. Cohen & Cohen
Most personal auto insurance policies carry some form of no-fault coverage, often referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payment Coverage (MedPay). This is a policy which pays out immediately to help defray the initial costs of medical treatment regardless of fault. Auto insurance policies purchased by an individual often also include Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage, which can take effect in accidents caused by another driver with no insurance or poor insurance.
However, Car2Go insurance does not include PIP, Medpay, or Uninsured Motorist coverage, except where required by law. Drivers or passengers in a Car2Go can be left on the hook for their own medical bills if they become the victims of another driver without insurance. Accordingly, it is important that drivers are aware of how their own personal auto policies apply. If a driver does not have a car of his or her own, it may be a good idea to look into non-driver policies, which can be purchased at low cost from major auto insurance companies and provide supplemental insurance in these types of accidents.
If you’ve been injured in an accident while using Car2Go, there may be multiple sources of insurance available to you. Even if you report the accident to the company, they may not disclose all of the possible coverage options. Contacting a Car2Go accident attorney can help ensure that you identify the best path forward.