Does auto insurance cover a rental during car repairs?
Auto insurance covers a rental car during repairs if you have rental reimbursement coverage. Check your car insurance policy to see what's covered, and consider upgrading your personal auto insurance to cover rental cars during repairs.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jun 21, 2024
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Keep reading to learn more about rental car reimbursement and see if the coverage is right for you. (For more information, read our “Does my auto insurance cover rental reimbursement if my car is being repaired?“).
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Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
A basic car insurance policy doesn’t include rental cars since liability auto insurance coverage only pays for bodily injuries and property damage to others. However, full coverage car insurance, including collision and comprehensive coverages, pays for damages to your vehicle from various causes.
You can add rental car coverage if you have full coverage, but it doesn’t come with it. Insurance covers rental cars if you have specific coverage like rental car reimbursement on your policy.
Below are examples of when rental reimbursement coverage kicks in during car repairs:
- Accidents
- Acts of nature, such as floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes
- Falling debris, such as hail or tree limbs
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire or smoke damage
- Animal damage, such as hitting a deer or squirrels damaging your car
If someone else causes the accident, their car insurance may pay for your rental car. However, you’ll have to wait for their insurer to approve the rental and be subject to their limits.
Adding rental car coverage to your policy costs extra, but it’s generally less than renting a car for one day. Including rental car reimbursement on your policy is an inexpensive way to ensure you always have a ride without waiting on another insurance company.
Read more:
- Does auto insurance cover rentals?
- What is the cheapest car rental company?
- Can I get a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?
What is rental reimbursement coverage?
Will insurance pay for a rental car during repairs? If you have rental car coverage, your insurance pays for a rental while your vehicle gets repaired from a covered claim. However, many insurance companies require full coverage to add rental reimbursement.
Each car insurance company decides how it deals with rental car coverage. Some companies pay the rental car company directly, and some require you to pay, then they reimburse you.
This table shows how some of the best auto insurance companies handle rental car coverage.
Rental car reimbursement coverage doesn’t usually come with a standard insurance policy. Instead, it’s an added feature that increases your rates, and not all insurers offer the coverage.
In addition, rental reimbursement coverage does have limits. For example, your policy may pay up to $30 daily for a rental for up to 30 days. So if you choose a more expensive vehicle or need the car for longer than a month, you’ll have to pay any additional fees for your rental out of pocket.
Some insurers also allow you to use public transportation, taxis, and rideshares with the coverage. Check with your car insurance company to see if you have rental car reimbursement coverage and how to use it.
Does insurance cover the rental car when a car is in the shop? Again, there isn’t a cut-and-dry answer — it depends on your car insurance. Many car insurance policies extend to rental cars but read your policy to determine if you need extra coverage.
When doesn’t car insurance cover rental cars?
Car insurance pays for a rental car if your vehicle is getting repaired from a covered loss. However, don’t expect your insurance to pay if you need a rental car for another reason.
Examples of when car insurance doesn’t cover rental cars include:
- Vacation
- Routine maintenance, such as oil changes
- Mechanical breakdowns, such as engine repairs
- You don’t have car rental insurance coverage on your policy
If my car breaks down, will insurance cover a rental? No, insurance only covers rentals if your vehicle needs repairs from a covered claim, such as an accident, fire, or vandalism.
Read more:
- Does auto insurance cover damage caused by an overheated engine?
- What happens if I don’t agree with the amount the insurance company is offering me for repairs to my vehicle?
- Auto Care Guide: When to Get an Oil Change
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Do you need rental car reimbursement?
Although the cost of rental car reimbursement is typically low, it’s still an added expense. Removing unnecessary coverages is a great way to lower your auto insurance rates.
Keep in mind that you may not need rental car reimbursement coverage at all. For example, you can skip coverage if you have another car you can drive while yours gets repaired.
Additionally, if you can use public transportation, borrow a friend’s car, or get rides from others, you don’t need the additional cost of rental car coverage.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage and Coverage for Repairs
When considering your auto insurance policy, you might wonder, “Do I need rental reimbursement?” It’s an optional add-on that could prove invaluable in certain situations.
Similarly, you may question, “Does car insurance cover repairs?” Coverage for repairs typically depends on the nature of the damage and your policy’s provisions. Understanding these aspects can help you make informed decisions about your auto insurance coverage.
Does Insurance Include Rental Car Reimbursement: The Bottom Line
Insurance covers rental cars if you have the right policy. Rental car reimbursement is a feature you can add to your policy that pays for a rental if your vehicle gets damaged under a covered claim.
Most policies don’t automatically include the feature, and it makes your rates increase. However, rental car reimbursement is typically inexpensive. You can add or remove the coverage at any time.
Rental car reimbursement doesn’t cover a rental for vacation, routine maintenance, or if your car breaks down. Additionally, you might not need the coverage if you have another vehicle to drive, can take public transportation, or can get a lift from someone else.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
A basic car insurance policy doesn’t include rental cars since liability auto insurance coverage only pays for bodily injuries and property damage to others. However, full coverage car insurance, including collision and comprehensive coverages, pays for damages to your vehicle from various causes.
What is rental reimbursement coverage?
Rental reimbursement coverage is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy that pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired from a covered claim. It is not automatically included in standard policies and may require full coverage.
When doesn’t car insurance cover rental cars?
Car insurance pays for a rental car if your vehicle is getting repaired from a covered loss. However, it doesn’t cover rental cars for non-accident-related reasons, such as routine maintenance, breakdowns, or vacations.
Do I need rental car reimbursement coverage?
Whether you need rental car reimbursement coverage depends on your individual circumstances. If you have alternative transportation options or access to another vehicle, you may not need this coverage. Additionally, if you can use public transportation or get rides from others, you may not require rental car reimbursement.
Is there a time limit on how long insurance pays for a rental car?
Yes, each car insurance company sets its own rules regarding rental car coverage. Typically, there is a daily limit and a maximum number of days for which they will reimburse you for a rental car after a covered loss. Once the time limit is reached, you will be responsible for paying for the rental car yourself.
Can I add a rental car to my insurance?
Yes, you can add rental reimbursement coverage to your existing auto insurance policy, typically for an additional premium.
Can I add rental coverage after an accident?
No, rental reimbursement coverage must be added to your policy before an accident occurs. You cannot add it retroactively.
Can I add rental reimbursement after an accident?
No, rental reimbursement coverage cannot be added after an accident has already occurred.
Can I get a rental car through my insurance if my car is in the shop?
Yes, if you have rental reimbursement coverage, your insurance can cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired for a covered claim.
Can I get a rental car while my car is in the shop?
Yes, if you have rental reimbursement coverage on your auto insurance policy, you can get a rental car while your car is in the shop for repairs related to a covered claim.
Can I get reimbursed for a rental car after an accident?
Yes, if you have rental reimbursement coverage, you can get reimbursed for the cost of a rental car after an accident, subject to your policy limits.
Can you add rental reimbursement after an accident?
No, you cannot add rental reimbursement coverage after an accident has occurred.
Can you get a rental car while your car is in the shop?
Yes, if you have rental reimbursement coverage, you can get a rental car while your car is in the shop for repairs from a covered claim.
Can you get a rental through insurance if your car is in the shop?
Yes, if your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, your insurance can cover the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired.
Do body shops give rental cars?
Generally, body shops do not provide rental cars directly. You would need to arrange a rental through a rental car company, possibly covered by your insurance if you have rental reimbursement coverage.
Do body shops provide rental cars?
No, body shops typically do not provide rental cars. Rental cars are usually arranged separately, and your insurance may cover the cost if you have rental reimbursement coverage.
Do car warranties cover rental cars?
Some car warranties may cover rental cars, but this varies by warranty. It is best to check the specific terms of your car warranty.
Do I need rental car insurance in Michigan?
Michigan law does not require rental car insurance, but it is recommended to have rental reimbursement coverage if you want to be covered for rental costs while your car is being repaired from a covered claim.
Do I need rental reimbursement coverage?
Rental reimbursement coverage is optional, but it provides financial protection for rental car costs if your vehicle is in the shop for repairs due to a covered claim.
Do insurance companies pay for rental cars?
Yes, insurance companies can pay for rental cars if you have rental reimbursement coverage on your policy.
Does auto insurance cover rental cars for repairs?
Auto insurance covers rental cars for repairs if you have rental reimbursement coverage.
Does auto insurance cover repairs?
Auto insurance can cover repairs if you have collision or comprehensive coverage for damage due to an accident or other covered incidents.
Does auto insurance cover transmission repair?
Auto insurance does not typically cover mechanical issues like transmission repair unless the damage is caused by an accident covered under collision or comprehensive coverage.
Does car insurance cover repairs?
Car insurance covers repairs if the damage is due to a covered event under collision or comprehensive coverage.
Does car insurance pay for repairs?
Yes, if the repairs are necessary due to a covered claim under your collision or comprehensive coverage.
Does full coverage cover rental cars?
Full coverage does not automatically include rental car reimbursement. You need to add rental reimbursement coverage to have rental car costs covered.
Does Geico cover rental cars for repairs?
Geico covers rental cars for repairs if you have added rental reimbursement coverage to your policy.
Does Geico cover a rental car if the car breaks down?
No, Geico’s rental reimbursement coverage does not cover rentals for mechanical breakdowns, only for repairs due to covered claims.
Does Geico cover rental cars for mechanical issues?
No, rental reimbursement coverage from Geico does not cover mechanical issues. It only applies to repairs for covered claims.
Does Geico cover rental cars on vacation?
No, rental reimbursement coverage is specifically for when your car is being repaired due to a covered claim, not for vacation rentals.
Does Geico cover rental cars while the car is in the shop?
Yes, if you have rental reimbursement coverage, Geico covers rental cars while your vehicle is in the shop for repairs from a covered claim.
Does insurance cover car repairs?
Insurance covers car repairs if the damage is due to a covered event under your policy’s collision or comprehensive coverage.
Does insurance cover a rental car for mechanical repairs?
No, insurance does not cover rental cars for mechanical repairs. Rental reimbursement only applies to repairs from covered claims.
Does insurance cover a rental car for repairs?
Yes, if you have rental reimbursement coverage, insurance can cover a rental car for repairs due to a covered claim.
Does insurance cover the rental car when the car is in the shop?
Yes, if you have rental reimbursement coverage, insurance can cover a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop for repairs from a covered claim.
Does insurance give you a rental car if your car breaks down?
No, insurance does not typically provide a rental car if your car breaks down unless you have specific coverage that includes mechanical breakdowns.
Does insurance pay for a rental car?
Insurance can pay for a rental car if you have rental reimbursement coverage and your car is being repaired due to a covered claim.
Does State Farm cover rental cars for repairs?
Yes, if you have rental reimbursement coverage with State Farm, they will cover rental cars for repairs from a covered claim.
How does rental reimbursement work?
Rental reimbursement coverage pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim. It usually involves daily and maximum limits, and some insurers pay the rental company directly, while others reimburse you after you pay upfront.
How long will insurance pay for a rental car?
The duration varies by policy, but typically insurance will pay for a rental car up to a daily limit and for a maximum number of days (e.g., $30 per day for up to 30 days).
If my car breaks down, will insurance cover a rental?
No, standard auto insurance does not cover rental cars for mechanical breakdowns. Rental reimbursement only applies to repairs from covered claims.
If my car breaks down, will insurance cover it?
Insurance does not cover mechanical breakdowns unless you have specific coverage for mechanical issues, which is rare. Standard policies cover accidents and other incidents under collision or comprehensive coverage.
Is rental car reimbursement worth it?
Rental car reimbursement can be worth it if you rely on your car and would need a rental while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim. It provides financial protection at a relatively low cost.
What does rental reimbursement mean?
Rental reimbursement is an optional auto insurance coverage that pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired from a covered claim.
Will insurance cover a rental car while the car is in the shop?
Yes, if you have rental reimbursement coverage, insurance will cover a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim.
Will insurance pay for car repairs?
Insurance will pay for car repairs if the damage is due to a covered event under your policy’s collision or comprehensive coverage.
Will Progressive insurance pay for the rental car during repairs?
Yes, Progressive will pay for a rental car during repairs if you have rental reimbursement coverage as part of your policy.
Will State Farm insurance pay for a rental car during repairs?
Yes, State Farm will pay for a rental car during repairs if you have rental reimbursement coverage as part of your policy.
Will my full coverage insurance cover a rental car?
Full coverage alone does not automatically cover rental cars. You need to have rental reimbursement coverage added to your policy.
Will insurance pay for the rental car during repairs?
Yes, insurance will pay for the rental car during repairs if you have rental reimbursement coverage and the repairs are for a covered claim.
Compare over 200 auto insurance companies at once!
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.