How long will insurance pay for my rental car after an accident? The amount of time your insurance company will pay for your rental depends on your policy and the circumstances of your accident.
Thankfully, a North Charleston car accident lawyer can help you understand the process better and what it may look like for you based on the specifics of the accident.
Your Insurance May Pay for a Rental Car After an Accident
Depending on the damage in the accident, your insurance policy may provide coverage for a rental car, which is helpful to know when you are trying to figure out who pays for my rental car after an accident. In your policy, you will see terms about rental reimbursement if you have it. It is always worth checking to see if you opted for the coverage when you signed up for your insurance.
Usually, rental reimbursement coverage will kick in if your vehicle is not drivable after the car crash. For example, if you end up needing repairs and there is a lengthy wait at the repair shop, the coverage could pay for a rental during that time. There are usually limits as to how much your insurance company will actually cover, so it is important to check.
If you did not hold any fault, the other driver’s insurance may also be responsible for the expenses for the rental car. Trying to get their insurance company to pay could create a back-and-forth scenario with adjusters. However, it is important that you do not pay what you are not responsible for after a car accident, so it is worth looking into.
Timeframe that Your Insurance Company May Pay for Your Rental Car
The time period for how long auto insurance pays for a rental car will depend on many factors. The first one is that it will depend on your policy and the maximum number of days or total amount your insurer will pay. For example, if your policy limits you to $30 daily for up to 30 days, you may have to come up with the extra expense on your own.
Another factor to keep in mind is how long it will take to repair your vehicle. An insurance company will usually base rental car coverage on a reasonable repair timeframe. If the repair takes longer than they expect because of a supply chain issue or parts being delayed, you may need to cover additional days yourself.
In a situation where your vehicle is claimed to be a total loss, the rental car coverage will typically end right before you receive a settlement check for the value of your vehicle. This window will give you time to purchase a replacement vehicle but is not open-ended.
How to Get the Rental Car Paid for by the At-Fault Party
If the car accident was not your fault, you may be able to have the at-fault driver’s insurance pay for your rental car. This could take a bit of work on your end, but it may be worth it. Some ways you may be able to get the other driver’s insurance to pay are the following:
- File a claim with the other driver’s insurance company as soon as you are able to.
- Be sure to preserve your accident evidence at the scene and provide all documentation, which could include estimates of damage, police reports, and other proof you have to back up your claim.
- Request reimbursement for the rental car costs within the policy’s limits.
You may need to pay for the rental car upfront and wait for a reimbursement from the other party’s insurance. You should always keep your receipts and records to experience a smoother reimbursement process. Never hesitate to follow up with the insurance agency if there are issues or delays with processing or payments.
What Else Can the At-Fault Party be Responsible for
Aside from potentially covering the cost of your rental car, the other driver’s insurance may be responsible for additional costs related to the car crash. It is helpful to know what you may be entitled to so you can get the most out of your case. Some other responsibilities could include:
- Medical expenses that can result from injuries.
- Damages to your vehicle, including costs for repairs and total loss value.
- Lost or missed wages if you are not able to work because of the accident.
If you are working with the other party’s insurance agency, you must document everything thoroughly. This is important so you can keep your own records up-to-date. If you ever have issues with the insurer in the future, you will be able to back it up with the documentation.
Let Shelly Leeke Law Help You Stay on Top of the Legalities
Dealing with the financial issues from a car accident can feel like the most daunting experience. This is especially true when you are trying to handle it all on your own with no experience. Rental car costs are just a fraction of your case, and they can quickly add up if you are not approaching the situation properly.
With a South Carolina car accident attorney working alongside you on your case, you can better understand the legal terms and get the best outcome possible. Whether you are unsure if you are getting proper reimbursement or receiving potential compensation for other damages, a dedicated team can make all of the difference. Feel free to reach out and see how and if we can help you prove your side and make sure you are getting your rights met properly.
