Do I have to pay for car rental expenses for the person whose car I hit with my door?
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Do I have to pay for car rental expenses for the person whose car I hit with my door?
One day my door swung open and it hit the car next to me. I told the owner and agreed to pay for the
damage. I paid for the damage. She had to rent a car and she wants me to pay for it. I do not have car
rental on my insurance. Do I have to pay for her car rental?
Asked on July 28, 2017 under Accident Law, Iowa
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
If, as appears to be the case, you were at fault in causing the damage (e.g. were negligent or careless in how you opened the door) and she needed to rent a car while her car was being repaired, you are liable for the reasonable cost of a comparable rental (e.g. she can't upgrade her ride) for the reasonable amount of time it would typically take to make the repairs, since renting a car under these circumstances is a foreseeable (e.g. logical or predictable) consequence of damaging her car. If you were to not voluntarily pay this amount, she could sue you for it (e.g. in small claims court) and would very likely win.
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