Special rules may apply to rented cars, pedestrians and other circumstances.

Rented or Leased Automobiles

Generally, your insurance policy will protect you from any harm you may suffer from a motor vehicle accident. You need not buy insurance coverage from the rental company unless you want to increase your coverage.

Pedestrian or Bicyclist

In a few states, the law presumes that the driver of the automobile is at fault if a pedestrian or bicyclist is injured in an accident involving the automobile. However the pedestrian or bicyclist has violated any traffic rule or statute, this presumption is rebutted. In states with no fault laws, pedestrians who have an auto insurance policy are covered even if they are hit by a vehicle while they are walking.

Animals

If a pet animal caused the accident, the injured party can claim compensation from the owner of the vehicle. Similarly if a pet animal is injured in an accident, the owner can sue the driver whose fault resulted in the accident. However in many states there are laws that limit the amount of compensation payable to the pet owner.