Car accidents are disruptive. They throw off your schedule, drain your energy, and leave you asking basic but important questions. One of the first things people wonder is, Can I get a rental car while mine is in the shop? And if so, who pays for it?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes it’s yes. Sometimes it’s no. And often, it depends on a mix of insurance coverage, fault, timing, and knowing how to ask the right questions.
Your Car is Down. Now What?
Let’s be honest. No one plans for a car accident. But when it happens, you still have to get to work. Pick up the kids. Make doctor appointments. Life doesn’t slow down because you got rear ended at a red light.
So you’re stuck without a car and you’re thinking, “I need a rental, fast.”
The good news? There are paths to getting one. But first, you need to figure out who’s going to pay.
If the Other Driver Was At Fault
This is the best case scenario. If someone else caused the accident and their insurance accepts liability, they’re responsible for your rental car. Plain and simple.
Their insurer should authorize a rental for you as soon as they accept fault. But here’s the catch. That process can take days, sometimes weeks. Insurance companies drag their feet. They investigate. They request statements. Meanwhile, you’re stuck without transportation.
Do you wait? Or do you rent a car yourself and hope to be reimbursed later?
Both are valid choices. But they carry different risks.
Renting a Car Before Liability is Accepted
Let’s say you can’t wait. You rent a car immediately after the crash. Now you’re paying out of pocket, banking on the at fault driver’s insurance to reimburse you later.
That’s reasonable if the other side eventually admits fault. But if the insurance company denies the claim or delays too long, you could end up eating that rental bill.
So how long do you wait before biting the bullet? A few days? A week? There’s no perfect answer. Just know that every day you wait is a day your own wallet stays closed. But every day you act early is a risk you’re taking on your own.
What If You Were At Fault
If the accident was your fault or even if fault is unclear then your own insurance might be the only way to get a rental.
But here’s where people get tripped up. Not every policy includes rental reimbursement. It’s an optional add on and a lot of drivers skip it to save a few dollars each month.
If you have it great. Your insurer will cover a rental while your car is in the shop, up to the daily and total limits. If you don’t have it you’re likely paying out of pocket, regardless of who ends up being at fault.
That’s the harsh truth. Insurance doesn’t care that you need to get to work. If the coverage isn’t there, there’s no obligation to help you.
How Long Will the Rental Be Covered
Let’s assume insurance yours or the other driver’s is covering the rental. That’s only half the battle.
Now you need to ask for how long?
Most insurance companies only pay for a rental until your car is either repaired or declared a total loss. Once they make that decision the clock starts ticking. Even if you haven’t received the repair back. Even if you haven’t bought a new car yet. They’re done paying.
So don’t assume you have unlimited time. Communicate early. Stay in contact with the body shop. Watch for the moment your claim status changes because the rental coverage will likely stop immediately after.
What Kind of Car Can You Get
Another question I get all the time. Do I get to rent the same type of car I had?
If you drive a full size SUV and you get offered a compact sedan it’s frustrating. Especially if you need the space for kids or work gear.
Unfortunately most insurers only cover a standard rental usually a mid size or economy car. Some policies might authorize a larger vehicle if you had one before but don’t count on it. You can always upgrade and pay the difference yourself but insurers aren’t typically in the business of matching vehicle classes.
Unfair? Maybe. But again insurance plays by its own rules. Not your sense of what’s reasonable.
What About Third Party Rentals Like Turo
Turo and other car sharing platforms are popular now. People often ask if they can use them instead of going through traditional rental companies.
Some insurers allow it. Others don’t.
Always check with the claims adjuster first. If you rent a car through an app and the insurer won’t reimburse it you’re on the hook. Even if it costs less than a regular rental.
Traditional companies like Enterprise Hertz and Avis are usually safer bets if you’re dealing with insurance. They’re already in the system. They know how to bill insurers directly and how to handle claims.
Should You Use a Lawyer
If you’re dealing with delays denials or confusion around your rental coverage a lawyer can absolutely help. Not because you need someone to make threats. But because attorneys know how to move things forward without wasting time.
Insurance companies respond faster when they know someone is watching. And a lawyer can help track communication protect your rights and make sure you’re not getting pushed around.
No one needs a lawsuit to get a rental car. But sometimes a little legal pressure clears the path faster than a dozen polite phone calls.
Can You Be Reimbursed for Rideshare or Public Transit
You can under certain circumstances. But reimbursement for rideshare or public transportation is less common than people think.
Most insurers will say we’ll give you a rental. Take it or leave it. If you choose not to use their authorized rental and instead take Ubers to work they might argue that’s your choice not their responsibility.
Still it’s worth documenting everything. Keep your receipts. Track your mileage. Sometimes if a rental wasn’t available or practical a savvy lawyer can help argue for reimbursement later.
Watch Out for Rental Car Charges
Another trap? Additional charges the insurance company won’t cover.
Things like damage waivers fuel charges or upgrades. The rental company might offer you insurance roadside assistance GPS add ons. None of that is covered by the auto insurer.
You’re responsible for the base rental rate. Anything extra you sign up for is on your tab.
Read the fine print before you drive off the lot. Don’t assume the insurance company is paying for convenience.
What If You Were Injured
If you were hurt in the accident the rental car issue gets even more tangled. You’re not just dealing with property damage anymore. You’re in a full blown injury claim.
In that case getting a rental might just be one piece of a much bigger puzzle. You’re looking at medical bills time off work long term pain. And insurance companies will use every excuse to delay payment or minimize your needs.
A good injury lawyer won’t just help with your medical side. They’ll also make sure the rental situation is handled properly so you’re not left stranded or forced to pay out of pocket because an adjuster stalled too long.
What To Do Right After the Crash
Here’s what I recommend both as a lawyer and someone who’s seen too many people left in the dark.
Take photos of everything. Get the other driver’s information. Call your insurer quickly even if you think the other person was at fault. And ask about rental coverage right away.
Don’t wait to be offered help. Ask for it. Push for it. Follow up if things are delayed.
And if things get complicated or start to feel unfair that’s when you bring in someone who speaks the insurance company’s language.
You Have More Power Than You Think
Car rental problems after an accident aren’t just logistical headaches. They’re about control. About getting your life back on track as fast as possible.
Insurance companies have procedures policies and scripts. But you have options. You have rights. And you don’t have to accept silence or delays as your only answer.
Ask questions. Document everything. And when you need help get it early not after things go sideways.
Because a rental car isn’t just a convenience. It’s your connection to normal life. And you shouldn’t have to fight to stay moving.