Yes, insurance will pay for a rental car that is undergoing repairs. However, this depends on the circumstances or situation mentioned in your insurance quote.
The coverage also depends on several factors, like the cause of the damage to your vehicle, the limits and terms of your policy, and the type of insurance you have.
When Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car During Repairs?
Here are scenarios where your insurance policy covers a rental car during repairs:
• Covered perils
If your car or vehicle is destroyed or damaged due to a covered threat like theft, accident, natural disaster mentioned in your quote, or vandalism, your insurance may offer coverage for the repair of the rental car.
• Policy coverage
Some insurance quotes have rental car compensation as part of comprehensive or collision coverage. Thus, if your rental car is not functioning because of damage caused by a covered peril, your insurance may pay for the repair.
• Endorsements or add-ons
If you have additional endorsements or add-ons to your insurance policy that you have purchased before, especially for rental car coverage, These provisions can increase coverage for a rental car during repairs beyond what is mentioned in your standard quote.
When Will You Not Receive Coverage?
You will not be receiving coverage if:
• Policy limits
If your insurance quote comes with rental car coverage, there might be limitations on the coverage amount or duration. This means that if the total cost exceeds these limits, you will be liable for the remaining expenses.
• Policy exclusions
Your insurance policy will not cover any exclusions or events that are not mentioned in your quote. For instance, wear and tear and mechanical breakdown are excluded; thus, they will not be covered.
• Inability to meet the policy conditions
Insurance providers may have specific conditions that must be met to qualify for rental car coverage. For instance, using a preferred rental car provider or reporting the claim immediately. Your coverage will be denied if you do not meet these conditions.
How to File a Claim
Here is what you need to do if you want to file a claim for the repair of a rental car with your insurance provider:
- Reach out to the rental company.
- Take photos and videos of the damage.
- Check your rental agreement.
- Check your personal insurance policy.
- File a claim.
- Work together with the rental company.
- Follow up with your insurance company and the rental company.
- Pay your deductible.
- Go through the final settlement.
- Return the vehicle to the rental company.
This is how you effectively file a claim against rental repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rental car coverage included in all insurance policies?
Unfortunately, rental car coverage is not a standard part of all insurance quotes. However, it may be an optional add-on or a part of comprehensive or collision coverage.
How long will insurance pay for a rental car during repairs?
The time it takes for your insurance company to pay for a rental car differs depending on the time needed to repair the car and your policy’s limits. Contact your insurance provider for certain details or check your policy.
Will insurance cover a rental car if my vehicle is in the shop for routine maintenance?
Generally, insurance coverage for rental cars is only applicable when your car is in the repair shop because of a covered peril. Regular maintenance is not usually covered.
Can I choose any rental car provider, or do I have to use the one recommended by my insurance company?
Some insurance providers have preferred rental car companies, but you have the flexibility to select any rental car company you want. However, using a preferred provider might make the reimbursement process easier.
What if the rental car company offers insurance coverage? Do I need it if I have rental car coverage through my own insurance?
If your insurance policy has rental car coverage, you do not need to pay for additional insurance coverage from the rental car company. To find out, check your insurance quote and review it carefully.
