If your business travel includes renting a vehicle, safety is a necessary consideration. The following provides information about renting a vehicle, safely operating a rental vehicle and what to do in the event of an accident.

Basic Rental Procedures

• List both your company and your name on the rental agreement.
• List your company’s business address, not your home address, on the contract.
• If physical damage coverage for your company’s commercial auto policy is not necessary, waive the coverage.
• Do not purchase gas from the rental agency. Rather, fill the vehicle prior to returning it.

When Driving a Rented Vehicle

• Use seat belts at all times. Let other workers ride with you only if the vehicle has a seat belt for each person.
• Before you begin driving, check your manual and become familiar with the vehicle’s mirrors, lights, wipers, windows and other components, and make adjustments as needed.
• Do not use your cell phone while driving. If you receive a call, pull over at a safe location and return the call. Never text while driving.
• Always drive the speed limit.
• If you start to feel tired or drowsy while driving, stop and take a break.
• In bad weather conditions, slow down and drive cautiously. If the weather becomes too severe to drive safely, pull over at the nearest safe place and wait it out.
• Do not drink and drive.

In the Event of an Accident

• Stay calm. Do not argue with others involved in the accident.
• Call an ambulance if anyone is injured. Assist those injured but do not administer first aid unless you are qualified.
• Call the police. Do not discuss what happened with anyone except the police.
• Do not admit responsibility for the accident, or sign a statement.
• Do not disclose policy limits to anyone.
• Telephone a report to Your Company and fill out the company’s “What to do in Case of a Claim” form.