{"id":12000,"date":"2025-06-02T20:29:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T20:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=12000"},"modified":"2025-05-30T20:30:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T20:30:19","slug":"rental-car-reimbursement-coverage-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/rental-car-reimbursement-coverage-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Really Need Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When shopping for auto insurance<\/a>, you may have come across a common add-on called rental car reimbursement coverage. This plan kicks in to help you cover a rental when your car is out of commission during a covered event. But is it really necessary?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, everyone has different insurance needs; rental reimbursement could be a game-changer for some drivers, while others may not need the extra coverage. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about rental car reimbursement<\/a> protection, including how it works, when you need it, and whether or not it\u2019s right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, what is rental coverage? Rental car reimbursement coverage is a type of insurance that will pay for your rental if your car is in the shop due to a covered event. Your policy will essentially pay for you to rent a vehicle for up to a certain number of days or a certain dollar amount. Some insurers will reimburse you after you pay, while others can work directly with local businesses so you don\u2019t have to pay anything out of pocket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, most full coverage plans will include some sort of reimbursement for renting a car after an accident. However, you may need to purchase it as a separate type of optional auto insurance coverage, especially if you don\u2019t have a full coverage policy already. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When It Applies (and When It Doesn\u2019t)<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your insurance won\u2019t simply pay for your rental whenever you want. The reason you\u2019re renting the vehicle has to be related to a covered accident or other event. For example, if you get into an accident and your car is in the shop, you could qualify for reimbursement. However, your policy won\u2019t apply if your vehicle breaks down because of a mechanical issue. If you wouldn\u2019t be able to file an insurance claim for the repair, your insurance won\u2019t pay for you to rent a replacement vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences From Rental Insurance<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While rental reimbursement insurance and rental car insurance both relate to the process of renting a vehicle, they\u2019re actually two different types of protection. With reimbursement, your insurer is essentially paying for you to have a replacement vehicle for a certain amount of time. Rental car insurance, on the other hand, refers to a policy that insures a hired vehicle while you\u2019re driving it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Misconceptions<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people think that insurers will reimburse you for your replacement vehicle for as long as you need. However, that\u2019s not always the case. Most carriers will have a limit on the amount of time they\u2019ll pay for a hired car. If you need the vehicle beyond that limit, you\u2019ll need to pay out of pocket. For example, if your car gets totaled, some insurers will only pay for a replacement for a week or two. If you need extra time to find and buy a new vehicle, you\u2019ll be on your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Benefits of Rental Reimbursement Coverage<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If an accident happens that seriously damages or totals your car, having your insurance pay for a replacement vehicle can make a big difference. Even if you don\u2019t think you need rental coverage, you might be surprised by how much it can help. Here are some of the main benefits of signing up for this auto insurance add-on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintaining Your Daily Routine After an Accident<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Losing access to your transportation can be a major disruption, even if it\u2019s just for a couple of days. Being able to rent a car right away is essential for keeping up with your lifestyle and responsibilities. Plus, repair times can often stretch on for longer than expected, especially if you were in a serious accident. The right coverage will ensure you have the transportation you need while your vehicle is getting fixed up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your reimbursement protection can help if you\u2019re wondering, \u201cHow do I get a rental car after an accident?\u201d Your carrier will walk you through the process once you file your claim, so you can get back on the road right away. Talk to your agent about the proper steps to take after an accident<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Financial Protection and Peace of Mind<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cost of renting a vehicle<\/a> can be quite high, even if you\u2019re just hiring a car for a couple of days. Rental reimbursement coverage is usually an affordable add-on that won\u2019t make a huge difference in your monthly budget.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it can be the difference between being able to afford alternative transportation and being stuck at home until your vehicle is fully repaired. This extra protection will reassure you that even if you get into an accident, you won\u2019t have to scramble to pay for a replacement vehicle on your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You Consider Getting This Coverage?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Is rental reimbursement worth it for car insurance? Typically, it\u2019s a great deal, but it\u2019s up to you to decide what level of protection you need. Anyone who drives can benefit from getting reimbursement protection. However, some drivers may need it more than others. Here\u2019s how to decide if it\u2019s right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assessing Your Risk and Needs<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, think about how important it is for you to have reliable, consistent transportation. If you use your car to commute every day and don\u2019t live in a city with public transit, being able to rent a car after an accident could be make-or-break. However, if you have multiple vehicles or only drive every now and then, you might be able to leave your vehicle in the shop for a while. If you drive frequently and your car is your only method of transportation, getting the reimbursement coverage is much more urgent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost vs. Benefit Breakdown<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next, research the cost of the add-on. For many carriers, this is a standard part of full coverage or even comprehensive plans, making the price negligible. Even if it is a separate add-on, it can still be pretty cheap, easily offsetting the high price of renting a vehicle in most areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Add Rental Car Reimbursement to Your Policy<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to make sure you can rent a car for free if you get into an accident, start by contacting your insurer. They may have different levels of coverage with different payout limits. After exploring your options, ask to add the coverage to your plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make Life Easier After an Accident \u2014 Add Rental Coverage With Freeway Insurance<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rental reimbursement coverage is just one more way you can get peace of mind and save money in the event of an accident. If you need repairs after a collision, a reimbursement plan will make it much easier \u2014 and more affordable \u2014 to rent another vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for dependable insurance designed to keep your out-of-pocket costs low, Freeway Insurance has plans for you. With all kinds of helpful add-ons available, it\u2019s easy to craft a custom plan that gives you just the right amount of protection. Get your quote today by visiting us online<\/a>, talking to an agent in person<\/a>, or calling 800-777-5620<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs About Rental Reimbursement Coverage<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Still unsure about adding this coverage to your plan? Explore these frequently asked questions to learn more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Add Rental Reimbursement After an Accident?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can update your coverage with new car insurance add-ons at any point. However, your new protection won\u2019t apply to any pre-existing accidents. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to plan ahead and update your policy to make sure you\u2019re fully covered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Will Insurance Pay for You To Rent a Car After an Accident?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Insurers have different policies for how long they will pay for rentals. Some may only pay for a week, while others may pay for a month or more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars Abroad?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you need to rent a vehicle while you\u2019re in another country, your coverage may vary. If you\u2019re concerned, reach out to your insurer to go over your options before you take any trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I Get to Choose My Rental Company or Car?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Usually, you can choose between available companies in your area. However, some insurers partner with specific businesses that they pay directly, so it\u2019s easier to go through their preferred providers. You can also typically choose a category of vehicle, as long as it\u2019s within your daily payout limits. However, if you want an option that exceeds your insurer\u2019s daily limit, you will have to pay the difference on your own. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When shopping for auto insurance, you may have come across a common add-on called rental car reimbursement coverage. This plan kicks in to help you cover a rental when your car is out of commission during a covered event. But is it really necessary?   Ultimately, everyone has different insurance needs; rental reimbursement could be a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1002628,"featured_media":12002,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,52,51],"tags":[],"importance":[],"type-content":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12000"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1002628"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12000"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12000\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12003,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12000\/revisions\/12003"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12002"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12000"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12000"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12000"},{"taxonomy":"importance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/importance?post=12000"},{"taxonomy":"type-content","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-content?post=12000"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}