After a car accident, you may need a rental vehicle while your car gets repaired or replaced. But navigating the insurance claims process and figuring out who pays for that rental car can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of the crash. Who pays for rental car after car accident? Will the at-fault driver’s insurance cover your rental costs, or will you have to rely on your policy? What kind of rental car can you get, and for how long? Before renting a car, understand your rights and options before you get back on the road without breaking the bank.
Does At-Fault Driver Pay for Rental Car?
In Tennessee’s state laws, the at-fault driver’s insurance company typically must pay for your rental car after an accident. The at-fault motorist’s liability coverage should include compensation for reasonable rental car expenses while your vehicle gets fixed.
However, getting the other driver’s insurer to agree to rental costs often takes persistence. The insurance adjuster may question whether their policyholder is to blame and argue that they do not have to pick up the tab. Having an experienced car accident lawyer can make a big difference. Your attorney can document the other driver’s fault, demonstrate your need for a rental, and negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair deal.
Will Insurance Cover a Rental Car After an Accident?
If the other driver lacks sufficient insurance or flees the scene, you may need to turn to your auto insurance for help with certain costs. Rental insurance is an optional add-on to your policy that provides a set amount per day or accident for rental car expenses while your car is in the shop. Rental reimbursement coverage usually costs just a few dollars a month but can prove invaluable if you need a temporary vehicle after a crash.
Let’s explore some other types of insurance options that might help you cover the costs while you’re waiting for the other driver’s insurer to accept your claim.
Collision Coverage
Another optional extra, collision coverage should pay for repairs to your vehicle, minus your deductible, after an accident. Some collision policies include some provision for rental car coverage, though the limits may be lower than a standalone rental reimbursement plan.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers vehicle damage from non-collision events like theft, fire, flooding, or falling objects. Like collision coverage, comprehensive policies often include rental car coverage, subject to a daily limit and maximum number of days.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If an uninsured or hit-and-run driver is involved in your accident, UM coverage can fill in for the at-fault driver’s missing coverage. Similarly, underinsured motorist coverage can bridge the gap between an at-fault driver’s policy limits and the full extent of your losses.
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Insurance Claim for Rental Car Costs
To secure a rental car after an accident, you typically need to file a claim with either the at-fault driver’s carrier or your insurer, or both. Check your liability insurance and your personal auto insurance policy if it covers accidents in a rental car. Provide documentation of the damage to the rental car company vehicle and the expected timeline for repairs. If you have rental reimbursement coverage or another applicable policy, your insurance company may set up a direct billing arrangement with the rental agency. Otherwise, you may need to avoid total loss for the rental car, pay out of pocket, and seek reimbursement from the insurer. This can include costs such as medical bills, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
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Rental Car Coverage After an Accident
The type of rental car you can get depends on your insurance policy and the specifics of your claim. Most insurers cap rental costs at a certain amount per day, such as $30 or $50. They also limit how many days of rental coverage you can receive, often at most 30 days. Rental reimbursement plans may restrict you to a vehicle comparable in size and features to your rental car. So, if you drive an economy sedan, don’t expect the insurer to pay for a luxury SUV rental.
At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, we help car accident victims in Tennessee get back on the road after a wreck. If you’re struggling to secure a rental car or fair compensation after a crash, our attorneys can deal with the insurance company and fight for the full value of your claim. We know the key to your recovery is getting you back to normal life as quickly as possible.
If you’ve been in an accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Call our law office at (901) 526-2126 or contact us online for a free consultation on your car accident case. We’ve helped 35,000 people over our 40 years in practice, securing over half a billion in compensation on their behalf. Let our Memphis car accident lawyers put our experience, skills, and reputation to work pursuing the recovery you deserve.
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