If you’ve recently been involved in a car crash in Georgia, you probably have a million questions running through your mind. One of the most common ones we hear at Wade Law is: “Will insurance pay for a rental car after an accident?” It’s a fair question, especially if your vehicle is in the shop or completely totaled.
As a trusted Fayetteville car accident lawyer, Wade Law is here to help you understand how rental car coverage works after an accident, what your rights are, and how to make sure you’re not paying out of pocket when you shouldn’t be. In this post, we’ll break it down in plain language so you can make informed decisions and get back on the road quickly.
Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car After an Accident?
When you’re in a car accident, your vehicle might need repairs or may be a total loss. Either way, you still need a way to get to work, pick up the kids, or run errands. That’s where rental car coverage comes in.
The good news is that insurance will often pay for a rental car after an accident, but it depends on several factors.
- Who was at fault for the accident?
- What type of insurance coverage you or the other driver has
- Your specific insurance policy
It’s always smart to check your insurance policy before an accident happens so you’re not caught off guard. And if you’re already dealing with an accident, know that you don’t have to go through it alone.
Will the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Pay for a Rental Car After an Accident?
If another driver caused the accident, their insurance company should pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced. This is part of their property damage liability coverage.
However, there’s a catch: the insurance company will only start paying once they accept liability. They must first investigate the crash and agree that their driver was at fault. This can take days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the accident.
In the meantime, you might have to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed later. Always keep receipts and documentation to support your claim.
Unfortunately, getting a rental car covered isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are a few hiccups that can occur:
- The insurance company delays accepting fault
- The insurer denies your rental claim
This is where working with a Fayetteville car accident lawyer can make a big difference. At Wade Law, we deal with insurance companies for car accident victims. If they’re stalling, underpaying, or refusing to cover your rental car, we can step in and advocate on your behalf.
Rental Car Coverage If You Were at Fault
If you were responsible for the accident, you’ll need to rely on your own insurance policy to cover a rental car. But here’s the key: rental reimbursement coverage is optional.
Not all insurance policies include this benefit by default. If you don’t have it, you may have to pay for a rental car yourself.
- If you do have rental reimbursement coverage, your policy will specify:
- How much the insurer will pay per day (e.g., $30/day)
- The maximum number of days it will cover (e.g., up to 30 days)
If you rent a car that costs more than your coverage limit, you’ll need to pay the difference.
What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
What happens if the at-fault driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for a rental car? Depending on your policy, your insurance company may cover rental car costs.
Uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage helps protect you if the other driver has no car insurance or their policy limits don’t cover all your costs. Insurance companies in Georgia must offer UM/UIM coverage, but drivers can choose to reject it.
Rental car reimbursement coverage pays for rental expenses while your vehicle is being repaired after a crash. This coverage is optional in Georgia.
How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car After an Accident?
If the rental is being covered, most insurance companies will pay for it only while your car is being repaired or until they make a settlement offer. This means you’ll usually have coverage for:
- The entire time your car is in the repair shop, or
- Until your car is declared a total loss and you receive payment.
Insurance policies may have a time limit for rental car coverage. This time limit is often around 30 days.
What Kind of Rental Car Will Insurance Cover?
Most insurance companies will cover a basic rental vehicle comparable to what you were driving before the accident. If you were driving a small sedan, expect a rental like a compact car. If you need a larger vehicle for specific reasons (like kids or work equipment), speak up and explain why. Some insurers may approve an upgrade if it’s justified.
Tips to Get Your Rental Car Covered
Call your insurance company ASAP. Ask about your rental car options and whether your policy includes rental reimbursement.
Request the claim number from the other driver’s insurer. If they admit fault, you can rent through their preferred agency directly.
- Save all receipts. If you pay out of pocket, you’ll need proof to get reimbursed.
- Don’t wait to get repairs. Delaying repairs can reduce how long you get rental coverage.
- Contact a Fayetteville car accident lawyer. If the insurance company is being difficult, Wade Law can advocate for your rights.
How Wade Law Helps Car Accident Victims in Fayetteville
At Wade Law, we know how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be. You’re dealing with repairs, medical bills, missed work, and maybe even a totaled car. The last thing you should worry about is how to get around while your vehicle is out of commission.
As experienced Fayetteville car accident lawyers, we help clients across Georgia:
- Navigate complex insurance claims
- Understand their rights under Georgia law
- Get compensation for rentals, repairs, lost wages, and more
- Handle negotiations and communications with insurance companies
We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Call 770-282-1188 or contact us online today for your free consultation. We’re here to protect your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and help you move forward.
