{"id":1441,"date":"2022-12-29T23:46:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T23:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1441"},"modified":"2025-01-17T16:59:53","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T16:59:53","slug":"will-my-insurance-cover-car-rental-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/understanding-auto-insurance\/will-my-insurance-cover-car-rental-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019ve Had an Accident \u2014 Can I Get a Car Rental Reimbursement?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Getting into an accident is bad enough. If your vehicle is now too badly damaged to drive, you\u2019ve got one more thing to worry about: how will you get to work, school and run your errands? The answer to whether you can get a rental depends on several different factors, including the city and state you live in, who is considered to be the at-fault driver and what type of vehicle insurance<\/a> you carry. Let\u2019s take a look at different scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will My Policy Cover a Rental After an Accident?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have rental reimbursement as part of your policy, then yes, if you need it after a covered event. If you\u2019ve been in an accident that was not your fault, the at-fault driver\u2019s liability should provide you a temporary means of transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s uncommon for most policies to include rental reimbursement coverage<\/a> since it is considered an optional add-on. Like comprehensive coverage<\/a> and collision coverage<\/a>, most people who own their vehicles can elect to carry it or not. Those who are financing or leasing will likely be required to carry comprehensive and collision. In some cases, rental reimbursement is automatically part of this type of policy. In other cases, you may not be able to purchase it separately, but only in conjunction with full coverage (comprehensive plus collision plus liability).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 To avoid any unpleasant surprises when you need this most, it\u2019s a good idea to check with your agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Does it Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The good thing is that this is generally a low-cost addition to a policy \u2013 sometimes as low as $2 a month. If you don\u2019t already have it, it\u2019s worth taking a moment to evaluate the benefits of adding it. This is bargain when you consider that the average time it takes to repair a car is about two weeks, which means the rental cost can quickly add up to $500 or more if the accident was your fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does it Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, you have some choices when it comes to using this protection. Your insurer likely has some contracts in place for rental companies in your area, city or state. If you choose to use one of those to rent a vehicle while your own is in the shop for a covered loss, you can typically skip using your own credit card<\/a> to start the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, however, you want to use a company that you choose \u2013 or alternatively, rent from a friend or family member, you\u2019ll either have to use your own credit card or pay with money or a check and get reimbursed from your insurer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Can I Use Rental Car Reimbursement?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve included this type of product in your auto policy, you should know there are some guidelines for when you can use it and for how long. First, this benefit can only be used for a covered claim. A covered claim may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n