If you’ve been in a crash, figuring out how to get a rental car after a car accident can feel overwhelming. Reliable transportation is essential for work, family, and daily life. The good news is, many insurance policies provide ways to cover rental costs after a collision. Whether your case involves a minor fender bender or a serious accident, knowing how insurance coverage, liability, and rental agreements work will help you secure a replacement vehicle quickly.
This guide explains the steps you need to take, how different policies apply, and what alternative options exist when insurance doesn’t fully cover the costs. By understanding your rights and staying organized, you’ll be better positioned to get a rental car after a car accident without unnecessary delays or out-of-pocket expenses.
understanding your insurance coverage
The first step in figuring out how to get a rental car after a car accident is checking your auto insurance policy. Two types of coverage often come into play:
- collision coverage: pays to repair or replace your car after an accident with another vehicle or object. It does not cover rental cars.
- rental reimbursement coverage: an optional add-on that pays for a rental while your car is being repaired. Policies include daily and maximum limits (e.g., $30/day up to $900).
Each insurer—whether geico, state farm, or progressive—has different rules for this coverage. Check your policy or talk with your adjuster right away. If the other driver was at fault, their liability insurance may be required to cover your rental costs. Understanding these coverage types is critical if you want to get a rental car after a car accident without paying out of pocket.
steps to obtain a rental car after an accident
To smoothly get a rental car after a car accident, follow these steps:
- notify your insurance company: report the accident immediately and ask about rental reimbursement benefits.
- get claim details: have your claim number, driver’s license, and insurance information ready when contacting rental agencies.
- use recommended rental agencies: insurers often partner with companies like enterprise or hertz to simplify billing.
- confirm limits: know how long you can keep the rental (usually until your car is repaired or a settlement is reached).
- track communications: keep records of emails, claim updates, and rental contracts in case of disputes.
Taking these steps ensures you can get a rental car after a car accident efficiently while staying within policy limits.
additional options for getting a rental car
Sometimes insurance coverage isn’t enough. Fortunately, there are other ways to get a rental car after a car accident:
- credit card rental coverage: many visa, mastercard, and amex cards provide rental insurance if you pay with the card. check terms before relying on this benefit.
- third-party rental insurance: providers like allianz, bonzah, and insuremyrentalcar offer affordable coverage outside of rental agencies.
- peer-to-peer rentals: services like turo and getaround connect you with private car owners, often at lower costs than traditional rental companies.
- other driver’s insurer: if you weren’t at fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance is usually responsible for providing you with a rental car.
Exploring these options can give you more flexibility and ensure you can get a rental car after a car accident even if your insurer’s coverage falls short.
why legal guidance helps with rental car claims
Insurers sometimes delay or dispute rental coverage, especially if fault is contested. If your car accident insurance claim is denied, or if you are struggling to get a rental car after a car accident in los angeles, a lawyer can step in to negotiate on your behalf. Legal representation can make sure you are reimbursed for transportation costs and protect you from low settlement tactics.
for related guides, see:
- car accident insurance claim denied
- how to get a police report for a car accident
- free consultation with an accident attorney
faq: how to get a rental car after a car accident
does insurance always cover rental cars?
not always. you need rental reimbursement coverage on your policy, or the at-fault driver’s insurer must accept responsibility.
how long can i keep a rental car after an accident?
typically until your car is repaired or a settlement is made, subject to daily and total dollar limits in your policy.
what if the other driver’s insurer refuses to pay?
you may need to use your own rental reimbursement coverage, then pursue reimbursement later. a lawyer can help enforce your rights.
can i use a peer-to-peer rental service like turo?
yes, but confirm with your insurer if reimbursement applies, as some insurers only cover rentals from traditional agencies.
get legal help in los angeles
if you’re struggling to get a rental car after a car accident in los angeles, glendale, burbank, or pasadena, grun law corporation can help. our firm assists clients with denied claims, rental reimbursement disputes, and accident-related compensation.
📞 call (818) 433-7742 or schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced los angeles accident attorney today.
references:
nerdwallet on rental reimbursement •
insurance information institute on rental cars
