Does car insurance cover rental cars for repairs? Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t. You will need to check the terms of the policy to find out for sure. Meanwhile, if you don’t yet need a rental car, you do need to make sure that your car insurance covers anticipated rental car expenses in case you ever need a rental car during repairs.
Policy Types
Your rental reimbursement coverage depends largely on what type of policy you hold.
There is no such thing as stand-alone rental car insurance in Texas. Texas does, however, offer rental reimbursement. It’s just that rental reimbursement is not a type of insurance, but a type of clause in an insurance policy. Even if your auto insurance policy includes rental reimbursement insurance, you need to check the terms in detail.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance covers falling objects, theft, natural disasters, and other damage to your car. These events must not be collision-related, and they must be outside your control. If a tree falls onto your car during a storm, for example, comprehensive insurance should cover it. Consequently, your comprehensive insurance policy likely includes a rental reimbursement clause.
Collision Insurance
Collision insurance covers collision damage to your car, regardless of fault. In other words, you can enforce a collision claim even if the accident was your fault. You might find a rental reimbursement clause in your collision insurance policy. Don’t be surprised, however, if it only applies to accidents that are not your fault.
Liability Insurance
Does the at-fault driver pay for a rental car in Texas? The short answer to this question is yes. Since Texas is not a no-fault state, the negligent driver’s liability insurance should cover your rental reimbursement needs. Nevertheless, it’s best to confirm the details of coverage with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance company.
How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car During Repairs?
Most insurance policies will cover your rental car expenses for up to 30 days after your accident. Even then, the insurance company won’t cover any more time than you need to get your car running again (or get another car). Other terms you need to check include:
- Daily limits (perhaps $40, for example) and a total limit per claim ($1,000, for example).
- Coverage begins when the insurance company approves your claim. It ends when repairs are complete, your car is declared totaled, or you reach a coverage limit.
If your reimbursement needs exceed policy limits, you must either pay out of your own pocket or seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver.
How to Handle a Rental Car Claim
Take the following steps to ensure that you receive reimbursement:
- Choose an appropriate rental car. If your car is a Subaru Legacy, for example, don’t rent a Ferrari to replace it.
- Keep all of your receipts, whether they are paper or digital.
- File a claim with the appropriate insurance company, and be ready to provide them with your receipts.
If the insurance company challenges your claim, you might need to contact a lawyer.
Do You Have a Rental Car Claim Against Your Insurance Company?
An experienced Austin car accident lawyer can help you review the relevant insurance documents to understand the limits and restrictions on your rental reimbursement coverage. They can also help you qualify for other forms of compensation, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering. Under the contingency fee system that almost all personal injury lawyers use, you pay no legal fees unless you win. The sooner you act, the better.
Need a rental car after an accident in Texas? Whether your insurance pays depends on your policy and who was at fault. Rental reimbursement isn’t automatic—it’s a clause found in comprehensive or collision coverage, and even then, limits apply. Texas also allows you to seek rental costs from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Understanding your policy is key. This guide explains what’s covered, how long rental coverage lasts, and what steps to take for reimbursement. If you’re unsure about your rights, an experienced Austin car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process.
Contact our Personal Injury Lawyers at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help With Your Case
If you’ve been injured, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Austin, TX and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
