Rent a car?

[Rob]

...Sargent Hall said Jamaican law gives the guy 24 hours to report the accident before they could do anything and once that period of time went by he would start the process.

Once I heard this I figured I was screwed but I went back Friday anyway just in case a miracle happened.

I arrived at the police station at 3:00 as requested by Sargent Hall but he wasn't there. They called him on his radio and he was out in the bush but they said he was on his way. Once he got there 30 minutes later he quickly said he had no paperwork available and I was now going to need the rental agency to contact him next week since I was leaving the following day.

Negrilmon,

Yes, I am sure that corruption exists in Jamaica as it does everywhere. Heck, even my old high school in Columbus Ohio was raided this past week for grade and attendance tampering - all the records were confiscated.

Anyhow, it sounds like what Sargent Hall told you is exactly correct. The law does provide the other party 24 hours to report the incident so no other paperwork can be started until that point. It does not mean that it would be completed in that 24 time period - just that nothing can proceed until the 24 hour time period is over. As mentioned, a fender bender is not a major priority and the fact you were leaving the next day put you in a time crunch situation. Last time I was involved in an accident here - the paperwork took about a week to be completed.

I would follow up with the rental agency - a reputable agency will receive the information from the Negril Police Station and will process it with their insurance company. From experience, this process can take a while, but once the agency processes the claim, you should be reimbursed on your credit card. This is normal operating procedure.

And yes, hiring a legally licensed and insured red plated driver does have its advantages...

[Ly Shell]

Negrilmon

I would follow up with the rental agency - a reputable agency will receive the information from the Negril Police Station and will process it with their insurance company. From experience, this process can take a while, but once the agency processes the claim, you should be reimbursed on your credit card. This is normal operating procedure....

I think Rob has a valid point here that I would pursue. If there is anything I can do to help, please PM me and I will do my best. Lyle

[negrilmon]

I think Rob has a valid point here that I would pursue. If there is anything I can do to help, please PM me and I will do my best. Lyle

Thank you Lyle! Were you the couple who offered to help when I pulled over? You were staying on the garden side of Coral Seas?

If so what a small world...never thought I would run in to you on this site! Funny!!

I'll call the agency tomorrow and see what is happening.

Thanks again!

[negrilmon]

Negrilmon,

Yes, I am sure that corruption exists in Jamaica as it does everywhere. Heck, even my old high school in Columbus Ohio was raided this past week for grade and attendance tampering - all the records were confiscated.

Anyhow, it sounds like what Sargent Hall told you is exactly correct. The law does provide the other party 24 hours to report the incident so no other paperwork can be started until that point. It does not mean that it would be completed in that 24 time period - just that nothing can proceed until the 24 hour time period is over. As mentioned, a fender bender is not a major priority and the fact you were leaving the next day put you in a time crunch situation. Last time I was involved in an accident here - the paperwork took about a week to be completed.

I would follow up with the rental agency - a reputable agency will receive the information from the Negril Police Station and will process it with their insurance company. From experience, this process can take a while, but once the agency processes the claim, you should be reimbursed on your credit card. This is normal operating procedure.

And yes, hiring a legally licensed and insured red plated driver does have its advantages...

Thanks Rob!!!... I'll get in touch with Chalis Car Rental and see If they are going through this process. If not I'll ask that they start.

I"ll be sure to let you know the outcome!