Rental coverage depends on your policy and on who was at fault. Check your daily limit and number of days before repair starts, then ask the shop for a realistic timeline so you can plan.
Key takeaways
- Check daily limit and days.
- At-fault claims differ.
- Ask for a timeline.
Your own coverage
Rental reimbursement is optional coverage with a daily cap.
Not-at-fault
The other driver's insurer may owe a rental for the repair period.
Timeline
Repair length determines rental cost.
Delays
Parts delays can exceed coverage.
Ask early
Call your insurer on day one.
What your policy may say
Rental coverage usually has two limits: a daily dollar cap and a maximum number of days or total dollars. A policy might pay a modest daily amount, which covers an economy car but not a large SUV. Read the declarations page for the limits before you reserve a car.
If you do not carry rental coverage, you may still be able to recover rental costs from an at-fault driver's insurer. That recovery depends on fault being established and on the other insurer agreeing to the claim, so keep every receipt.
Planning around the repair timeline
The longer the repair, the more a rental costs. Ask the shop for an honest timeline when you approve the estimate, including parts delivery and paint curing. If parts are slow, ask whether a partial schedule could get you back in the car sooner.
Pick up your rental only when you need it. Some drivers reserve at the moment of the crash and pay for days the car has not even entered the shop. Also confirm with your insurer when rental coverage starts and stops: some policies end it a few days after the repair is finished, others when the car is declared a total loss.
Get a free estimate in Santa Clara
Questions about insurance claims? Read our Insurance Claims page, call (408) 243-2530, or send photos through the estimate form. International Auto Center Body Shop, 1499 Lincoln St, Santa Clara, CA 95050. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Is rental coverage automatic?
No.
What if repair runs long?
Ask insurer about extensions.
Who pays if not at fault?
Possibly the other driver's insurer.
Can the shop arrange a rental?
Ask.