How to Get a Rental Car After an Accident Your Complete Guide

Wondering how to get a rental car after an accident? You’re not alone. The process can feel confusing, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of a collision and need to get back on the road.

To get a rental car after an accident, you typically need to file an insurance claim and secure a claim number. The responsible insurance company—either yours or the at-fault party’s—will then authorize the rental based on policy coverages like rental reimbursement or their liability for your loss of use. You will then coordinate with a rental agency to pick up a vehicle.

From our experience handling hundreds of claims, the key is understanding the process and your rights. This guide provides the exact steps for securing a temporary vehicle. You’ll discover how to determine who pays and navigate the insurance system with confidence.

Key Facts

• The Claim Number is Essential: You cannot get an insurance-paid rental car without first filing a claim and receiving a claim number, which acts as the authorization for the entire process.
• Two Main Payment Paths Exist: Either the at-fault driver’s insurance pays through their liability coverage, or your own insurance pays if you have specific “rental reimbursement” coverage on your policy.
• A “Comparable Vehicle” is Standard: When you are not at fault, industry standards and many state insurance laws entitle you to a rental car of a similar size and class to your own damaged vehicle.
• Total Loss Changes the Rules: If your car is declared a total loss, insurance typically only pays for the rental for a few days after a settlement offer is made, not for an indefinite period.
• A Deposit is Almost Always Required: Even when insurance covers the daily rate, you will need a personal credit card to provide a security deposit to the rental agency for incidentals.

How Do I Get a Rental Car After an Accident?

The first step is always to file an insurance claim to get a claim number. From our experience handling hundreds of claims, the very first step is always to ensure you are safe and have official documentation like a police report. This report is crucial because it helps the insurance adjuster determine who was at fault, which dictates the entire rental car process. Once you have a claim number, you can proceed.

After an accident, you have two primary routes to get a rental car, and the path you take depends entirely on who was responsible for the collision.

• File a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: If the other driver was clearly at fault, you can file what is known as a “third-party claim” directly against their insurance policy. Their liability coverage is responsible for your “loss of use.”
• File a Claim with Your Own Insurance: If you were at fault, or if fault is unclear, you can use your own policy. This is only possible if you have previously purchased “rental reimbursement” coverage.

No matter which path you take, clear communication with the insurance adjuster is key. They are the ones who will give the final authorization for the rental car company to provide you with a vehicle and bill them directly.

Who Pays for a Rental Car After an Accident?

The responsible party’s insurance pays for the rental car, which is determined by who was at fault for the accident. This is the most critical question for drivers, as it determines whether you will face out-of-pocket expenses. The financial responsibility flows from a legal concept called liability. If another driver is liable, their insurance must cover your damages, including the loss of use of your vehicle.

If you are at fault, your own insurance will only pay if you have the specific coverage. This distinction between a contractual obligation (your policy) and a legal one (their liability) is central to the process. State insurance laws regulate how “loss of use” claims are handled, but the core principle is consistent. The table below breaks down the common scenarios.

Scenario	Primary Payer	Your Action	Coverage Type Used
You Were NOT At-Fault	The other driver’s insurance company	File a third-party claim against their policy for “loss of use.”	Their Property Damage Liability
You Were AT-Fault	Your own insurance company	File a first-party claim using your own policy.	Your “Rental Reimbursement” Coverage
Fault is Disputed / Unclear	Your own insurance company (initially)	Use your own “Rental Reimbursement” coverage. Your insurer will then try to recover costs from the other party’s insurer via subrogation.	Your “Rental Reimbursement” Coverage
Hit-and-Run / Uninsured Driver	Your own insurance company	File a claim using your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) or Collision coverage, if you have it.	Your UMPD or Collision Coverage

Understanding these payment flows is the first step to avoiding unexpected bills. For instance, if fault is disputed, using your own coverage is often the fastest way to get a car. Your insurance company will then handle the fight for reimbursement through a process called subrogation, which is when your insurer gets its money back from the at-fault party’s provider.

What if the Accident Wasn’t My Fault?

When you are not at fault, you have a legal right to compensation for your ‘loss of use,’ which includes a rental car. This compensation comes from the at-fault driver’s property damage liability insurance. Expect this process to take 2-3 business days for approval, as their adjuster must first accept liability. Here are the exact steps to take:

1. Gather Information: Collect the other driver’s name, insurance company, policy number, and the police report number. These are essential for filing a claim.
2. File a Third-Party Claim: Call the other driver’s insurance company to report the accident and initiate a third-party property damage claim.
3. Get a Claim Number: You will be assigned a claim number and an insurance adjuster. This number is your reference for all communication.
4. Wait for Liability Acceptance: The adjuster will investigate and must formally accept liability on behalf of their driver before they will authorize a rental car.
5. Get Authorization: Once liability is accepted, ask the adjuster for the authorized daily rate and the name of their preferred rental car agency.

Pro Tip: Ask the adjuster to set up “direct billing” with the rental agency. This means the rental company will bill the insurance company directly, so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement.

What if I Was At Fault (or Fault is Unclear)?

If you are at fault, payment is only possible if you have “Rental Reimbursement” coverage on your policy. To use your own coverage, you must first contact your insurance agent or file a claim online to confirm you have this specific endorsement. This optional coverage is designed for this exact situation, covering the cost of a temporary vehicle while yours is in the repair shop.

This coverage is listed on your policy’s “declarations page” and has specific limits. These limits are typically expressed in two parts:

• Daily Limit: The maximum amount the insurer will pay per day (e.g., $30, $40, or $50).
• Per-Accident Limit: The total maximum amount the insurer will pay for a single claim (e.g., $900 or $1,500 total).

For example, a ‘$40/30 day’ limit means the insurer pays up to $40 per day, for a maximum of 30 days. If your rental costs more than $40 per day, you pay the difference. If you reach the 30-day or total dollar limit before your car is fixed, the coverage ends. It’s a good practice to ask your insurance agent if they have direct billing arrangements with specific rental companies like Enterprise or Hertz to avoid paying upfront.

What Are The Steps to Get a Rental Car Through Insurance?

The process to get a rental car through insurance follows a clear sequence, starting with filing the claim and ending with picking up the vehicle. From practical implementation, having your information ready makes the process significantly smoother.

What You’ll Need:
* Your Driver’s License
* The Insurance Claim Number
* A Major Credit Card (for the security deposit)

Here is a step-by-step guide to the accident rental car process:

1. File Your Claim Immediately: Contact either your insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurer. Provide all necessary details about the accident to get the process started.
2. Obtain Your Claim Number: This number is the most important piece of information you will receive. Write it down and keep it handy. It is your key to everything that follows.
3. Speak with the Insurance Adjuster: An adjuster will be assigned to your claim. They will investigate the accident, review the police report, and assess the damage to your vehicle.
4. Receive Rental Authorization: The adjuster must officially authorize the rental. They will confirm the daily rate they will cover and the duration. Do not rent a car until you have this authorization.
5. Contact the Recommended Rental Agency: Insurance companies have partnerships with agencies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car or Hertz. Using their preferred partner simplifies direct billing.
6. Reserve Your Vehicle: Call the rental agency and provide your claim number. They will verify the authorization with the insurer and help you schedule a pickup time.
7. Pick Up Your Car: Go to the rental agency location with your driver’s license and credit card for the security deposit. Always confirm the daily rate and any taxes to ensure it falls within your approved insurance limit to avoid surprises.

How Long Can I Keep the Rental Car and What Are the Limits?

The duration you can keep a rental car is determined by either your policy’s specific limits or the “reasonable time” it takes to repair your vehicle. It is a common misconception that insurance will pay for the rental indefinitely until your car is ready. In reality, the coverage period is strictly defined.

Here’s how the limits work in different scenarios:

• Using Your Own Policy: If you are using your own rental reimbursement coverage, you are bound by the limits you purchased. This is often stated as a number of days or a total dollar amount (e.g., 30 days or $1,500). Once you hit that cap, you are responsible for any further costs.
• Not-at-Fault Claim (“Reasonable Time”): When the other party’s insurance is paying, they are required to cover a rental for a “reasonable period of repair.” This period is determined by the insurance adjuster based on the body shop’s repair estimate. It is not an open-ended timeframe.
• Total Loss Scenario: If your car is declared a total loss, the rules change. Insurance will typically pay for the rental for a few days (often 3 to 5) after they make a settlement offer. This provides a grace period for you to receive the settlement check and purchase a new vehicle.

What happens if repairs take longer than expected? This is a common point of stress. The key is proactive communication. If the auto body shop discovers supplemental damage that will extend the repair timeline, they must send a supplemental repair estimate to the insurance adjuster immediately. The adjuster must then approve a rental extension.

What If I Have No Rental Coverage or My Claim is Denied?

If you have no rental coverage and an insurance claim is denied, you must explore alternative transportation solutions and pay for them out-of-pocket. This is a difficult situation, but you are not entirely without options. Your goal is to restore your mobility while minimizing your financial risk.

If your claim is denied or you simply don’t have the coverage, here are your best alternatives:

• Pay Out-of-Pocket and Seek Reimbursement: If you were not at fault, you can pay for a rental yourself and try to recover the cost from the at-fault driver’s insurance later. To do this, you must “mitigate your damages,” which means choosing a reasonably priced economy or compact car. Keep all receipts.
• Ask the Repair Shop for a Loaner Car: Many collision centers and auto body shops offer courtesy loaner cars to customers while their vehicle is being repaired. This is often the simplest and cheapest solution if available.
• Use Ridesharing or Public Transit: For shorter repair times, using services like Uber and Lyft or public transportation may be more cost-effective than renting a car. Compare the daily cost to decide.
• Dispute a Denied Claim: If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, do not give up. Escalate the issue to a supervisor at the insurance company. If that fails, you can file a formal complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance, which regulates insurance company practices.

FAQs About how do i get a rental car after an accident

Can I choose which rental car company to use?

Yes, you can generally choose your preferred rental car company, but it’s often smoother to use one recommended by the insurance company. Insurers like Progressive or Geico have direct billing agreements and negotiated rates with specific agencies like Enterprise or Hertz. Using a preferred partner can help you avoid paying upfront and simplify the process.

Do I have to pay a deposit for the rental car?

Yes, you will almost always need to provide a credit card for a security deposit, even when insurance is paying for the rental itself. This deposit covers potential incidentals like fuel, mileage overages, or damage to the rental car. The deposit is typically a hold on your card, not a charge, and is released after you return the car.

What kind of car will insurance give me?

Insurance is obligated to provide a “comparable” vehicle to the one being repaired, especially in a not-at-fault claim. If you drive an SUV, you should receive an SUV. However, if using your own policy, the daily rate limit (e.g., $30/day) may only cover a compact or standard car, and you would have to pay the difference to upgrade.

Can I get a rental car if my car is declared a total loss?

Yes, you can get a rental car, but the coverage period changes. Once the insurance company declares your car a total loss and makes a settlement offer, they will typically only cover the rental for a short, fixed period (e.g., 3-5 days). This gives you time to accept the settlement and purchase a replacement vehicle.

What if the at-fault driver’s insurance is delaying my rental?

If you’re facing an unreasonable delay, you have two primary options. First, you can use your own rental reimbursement coverage if you have it, and let your insurer fight for reimbursement (subrogation). Second, you can contact your state’s Department of Insurance to report the delay and seek assistance, as insurers have a duty to handle claims promptly.

Is loss of use the same as rental reimbursement?

They are similar concepts but apply in different situations. “Rental reimbursement” is an optional coverage you buy on your own policy. “Loss of use” is a type of damage you can claim from an at-fault driver’s liability insurance. You claim loss of use when someone else is responsible for you being without your car.

What documents do I need to get an accident rental?

You will need your valid driver’s license, the insurance claim number, and a major credit card for the security deposit. It’s also helpful to have the name and contact information for the insurance adjuster handling your claim. The rental agency will use the claim number to verify the billing arrangement with the insurer.

How soon can I get a rental car after an accident?

You can often get a rental car within 1-3 business days after filing the claim. The main factor is how quickly the insurance adjuster can investigate the claim and officially authorize the rental. In a clear-cut not-at-fault situation with a police report, it can be very fast. Disputed fault will cause delays.

Do I need to buy the rental car company’s insurance?

Generally, no, if you have your own comprehensive and collision coverage. Your personal auto policy typically extends to a temporary rental car. However, you should always confirm this with your insurance agent. If you don’t have this coverage, buying the rental agency’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is a wise precaution.

Can I get a rental car for a hit and run accident?

Yes, if you have the right coverage on your own policy. To get a rental after a hit and run, you would typically need to file a claim under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) or Collision coverage. A police report is essential for this type of claim.

Key Takeaways: How to Get a Rental Car After an Accident Summary

• Determine Who Pays First: The entire process hinges on fault. If you’re not at fault, the other driver’s liability insurance pays. If you are at fault, you must have “rental reimbursement” coverage on your own policy.

• Your Claim Number is Your Key: Nothing happens without a claim number. File a claim with the responsible insurance company immediately to get this number, which you will provide to the adjuster and the rental agency.

• Coverage Has Strict Limits: Whether using your own policy or a third-party claim, there are limits. Your policy has daily and total dollar caps (e.g., $40/day, $1200 max), while third-party claims cover a “reasonable period” of repair.

• Communicate Proactively to Avoid Gaps: If repairs are delayed, you must ensure the repair shop communicates with the insurance adjuster to get an extension approved. Don’t assume your rental coverage is unlimited.

• No Coverage Doesn’t Mean No Options: If you lack rental coverage, you can pay out-of-pocket for an economy car and seek reimbursement later (if not at fault), ask the repair shop for a loaner, or use rideshare services to manage costs.

• Document Everything: Keep all receipts, record the names of everyone you speak to, and get agreements in writing or via email. This documentation is crucial for reimbursement and resolving any potential disputes.

Final Thoughts on Getting a Rental Car After an Accident

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is challenging, but securing a rental car doesn’t have to be. The process becomes manageable once you understand the roles of fault, insurance coverage, and communication. Your most powerful tools are a police report and a claim number. By acting quickly, knowing your rights, and communicating clearly with the adjuster and repair shop, you can ensure you have the transportation you need without adding financial strain to an already stressful situation. Whether you’re filing against another driver’s policy or using your own rental reimbursement coverage, following these steps will help you get back on the road with confidence.