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Rental while repaired coverage matters more than most drivers realize until a crash takes their car off the road. Repairs often take longer than expected. Parts shortages, insurer inspections, and busy body shops can stretch a simple fix into weeks. Meanwhile, you still need to get to work, school, and appointments. Economy rentals now typically cost $60 to $100 per day in most U.
S. markets. As a result, a two-week repair can easily cost $1,000 or more out of pocket. Fortunately, there are several ways to get a rental while repaired. This guide explains who pays, how much coverage you get, and the steps that keep a rental while repaired affordable.
Who Pays for a Rental While Repaired?
The answer depends mainly on who caused the accident. There are three common paths. First, if another driver is at fault, their insurer typically pays. Second, your own policy may pay through rental reimbursement coverage. Third, you may pay yourself and seek repayment later.
When the other driver is at fault, you file a third-party claim against their property damage liability coverage. In most cases, that insurer owes you a “loss of use” payment. This usually means a comparable rental while repaired, for a reasonable repair period. However, the insurer may first investigate fault. That review can take days. During that time, you may need to cover the rental yourself.
Fault can also be shared. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, the other insurer may only pay 80% of your rental cost. Rules on shared fault vary by state. Some states bar recovery if you are mostly at fault. Others reduce your payment by your share of blame.
If you caused the accident, the other driver’s insurer will not pay. Instead, you need rental reimbursement coverage on your own policy. This is an optional add-on. It is not included in a basic liability-only policy. In addition, it usually requires collision or comprehensive coverage to apply. Without it, you will pay the full cost of a rental while repaired.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage: Limits, Costs, and Gaps
Rental reimbursement coverage pays for a rental car after a covered claim. It applies when your car is in the shop for a covered loss. For example, it can help after a collision, theft, hail, or fire. However, it does not cover routine maintenance or mechanical breakdowns.
Policies have two limits. The first is a daily cap. The second is a per-claim maximum. Daily limits typically range from $30 to $50. Total limits commonly run $900 to $1,500 per claim. Most policies also cap coverage at roughly 30 days.
| Daily Limit | Typical Per-Claim Maximum | Approximate Days Covered | Gap if Rental Costs $70/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30 | $900 | 30 days | $40 per day |
| $40 | $1,200 | 30 days | $30 per day |
| $50 | $1,500 | 30 days | $20 per day |
The gap between your limit and real rental prices is important. For example, say your limit is $30 per day. Your rental costs $50 per day. You would pay the $20 daily difference yourself. Over a 14-day repair, that adds up to $280.
The good news is that this coverage is cheap. In most cases, it adds only a few dollars per month to your premium. Many drivers pay roughly $20 to $40 per year. As a result, choosing a higher daily limit often costs very little extra. Given today’s rental prices, a $50 daily limit is usually the most practical choice for a rental while repaired.
Also check whether your deductible applies. Typically, rental reimbursement has no separate deductible. However, your collision deductible still applies to the repair itself. Coverage ends when repairs are finished or limits run out, whichever comes first. If your car is totaled, coverage often ends a few days after the insurer offers a settlement.
How to Get a Rental While Repaired: Step-by-Step
Acting quickly can save you money and stress. Follow these steps to secure a rental while repaired without surprise bills.
Step 1: Report the claim right away. Call your insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurer within 24 hours if possible. Ask directly whether rental coverage applies. Get your claim number and the adjuster’s name. Write down every phone call and date.
Step 2: Confirm your limits before renting. Check your declarations page. Look for the daily cap and total maximum. If the other driver’s insurer is paying, ask them to confirm liability in writing. Typically, they will not authorize a rental until they accept fault.
Step 3: Use the insurer’s preferred rental company. Many insurers have direct-billing deals with companies like Enterprise or Hertz. In most cases, the rental company bills the insurer directly. As a result, you avoid paying upfront. If you rent elsewhere, you may need to pay first and submit receipts.
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Step 4: Choose a comparable vehicle. Insurers generally pay for a car similar to yours. For example, a compact sedan owner should not expect an SUV. Upgrades usually come out of your pocket. However, if you drive a truck for work, ask for a comparable truck.
Step 5: Watch the repair timeline. Ask the body shop for an estimated completion date. Check in every few days. Delays caused by parts shortages are common. If your coverage is about to run out, ask the adjuster for an extension. Some insurers will extend if the delay is not your fault.
Step 6: Decline duplicate coverage carefully. Rental counters will offer damage waivers. Typically, your personal auto policy extends to a rental car. Many credit cards also offer secondary rental coverage. Confirm this with your insurer before you decline anything.
Step 7: Keep every receipt. Save rental agreements, fuel receipts, and invoices. If you paid out of pocket, submit them promptly. If an at-fault insurer refuses to pay, you may file a complaint with your state insurance department. You can also pursue the claim in small claims court.
Finally, review your policy before you ever need it. Adding rental reimbursement after an accident will not cover that accident. Coverage only applies to future claims. As a result, the best time to plan for a rental while repaired is today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does car insurance automatically cover a rental while repaired?
No, not automatically. Rental reimbursement is an optional add-on to your own policy. However, if another driver caused the accident, their insurer typically owes you a comparable rental while repaired.
How long will insurance pay for a rental car?
In most cases, your own policy pays for up to 30 days or until you hit the dollar limit. For example, a $30-per-day policy usually caps out at $900. An at-fault driver’s insurer typically pays for a “reasonable” repair period instead.
Can I get a rental if the accident was my fault?
Yes, but only if you carry rental reimbursement coverage. Without it, you will pay the full rental cost yourself. As a result, adding this low-cost coverage before an accident is a smart move.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on auto insurance regulations and consumer protection:
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- Federal Trade Commission — Auto Insurance: consumer.ftc.gov
- USA.gov — Car Insurance: usa.gov/car-insurance
Content last reviewed October 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.