If you’ve been in a car accident, chances are your vehicle needs repairs, so you can use it again. You might even need to replace it. You may need a rental car to cover your transportation needs while you take care of your old vehicle, but you may still be asking, “Who pays for the rental car while my car is in the repair shop?”
Insurance should cover the rental costs if the accident wasn’t your fault. However, they may try to drag their feet or give you a vehicle that’s not comparable to your previous vehicle.
The negotiation power of a car accident attorney from The Buzbee Law Firm can help you if you’re in this situation.
When does Insurance Pay for My Rental Car?
If the accident was not your fault and the at-fault insurance accepts that, then liability insurance covers the rental cost. Liability insurance, part of the minimum insurance required in many states, covers all the costs of an accident if you’re not at fault.
Getting compensation in time to pay for the car is another matter. Rental car companies may ask for a credit card to hold on file in case compensation doesn’t arrive quickly. You can still get reimbursed, but a long settlement process could mean you have to pay a little more.
You might also have trouble getting a similar vehicle. Giving accident victims a small cheap vehicle is a way for the insurer to save money. If you need a larger vehicle, say for work or to transport your family, a car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurer to get you a vehicle that meets your needs.
What if I’m at fault, or the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
Your insurance company may offer car rental insurance as an add-on to your policy. Depending on the carrier, it may be a standalone product, part of your UI/UIM coverage, or part of your comprehensive coverage. If you have coverage, you can file a claim with your insurer to assist with rental costs while your car is in the repair shop.
However, there may be limitations on this coverage. They may only pay for a certain number of days or for a certain amount per day. This can limit what cars you can select. You may need to pay out of pocket for the rest if you require a certain vehicle.
Check with your insurance agent about your options for car rental insurance. Sometimes credit card companies also have car rental assistance if you own particular cards, but go with the insurance company first.
Do I Get to Choose My Car?
If you’re going through the other driver’s liability insurance, probably not. The insurer will negotiate with the car rental location near you to choose the vehicle. They may have it delivered to your home, or you may have to pick it up yourself.
Don’t blame the rental company if they try to stick you with a sub-par car. Instead, speak with your car accident lawyer and tell them the situation. They’ll work with the insurer to get the vehicle you need until it is fixed.
If you’re going through your own insurance, you get the choice of car you want from the renter’s inventory. Your per diem payments from your insurer may limit your choices, but if you’re willing to pay more out-of-pocket, then there’s no restriction on what you can rent.
If I’m Using Liability Insurance, Will I Need to Pay Out of Pocket?
If an insurance company drags their decision for a long time or there’s a challenge about who is at fault, it will delay your compensation. You may not be able to show the rental company have a settlement offer. If you don’t have coverage under your insurance, you may need to pay out of pocket until the settlement comes through.
Keep track of all of your expenses and save the receipts. If the case goes your way, you can get the costs you paid reimbursed. If you’re struggling with the costs, contact a car accident attorney to speed up the settlement process.
Be careful about add-ons to your car rental as well. Insurance may pay for the rental of the car, but they may not pay for an add-on insurance policy offered by the rental company. Those charges could be denied, and you’ll have to eat the cost. It’s up to you if you want to pay for these.
Use a Car Accident Attorney to Help
If you live in Texas, contact The Buzbee Law Firm for a free consultation about your situation. We can take you through your options for car rental while your car is in the repair shop. Car accident attorneys do not need payment unless you win your case, so there is no risk to you.
By working with us, you could get a rental car much faster than without representation. Contact us to schedule your consultation.
