How does insurance give you a rental?

Asked by: Christian Gorczany  |  Last update: September 8, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (8 votes)

Insurance companies provide a rental car through "rental reimbursement coverage," an optional policy add-on that covers transportation costs while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered, non-maintenance claim. It typically pays a set daily amount (e.g., $ 30 / day $ 3 0 / d a y ) for a limited time, usually requiring you to have collision and comprehensive coverage.

How does insurance rental coverage work?

Rental coverage options vary by insurance company and policy. Most policies cover a daily amount up to a limited number of days or dollars. If the daily amount is flat (eg $40), any vehicle you select under that should include the rate and tax of the rental car if you want to avoid paying part of the rental.

How much will insurance pay for a rental?

In most cases, rental reimbursement coverage will cover a certain dollar amount per day up to a total limit. For example, you might have rental reimbursement coverage for $40 per day up to $1,200.

How to get a rental from your insurance company?

Renting a vehicle with reimbursement coverage

  1. Contact your insurance agent or claims department. First, contact your insurance agent and confirm your options for renting a vehicle via your insurance coverage.
  2. File a claim with your insurance agent. ...
  3. Confirm your rental booking through your insurance.

Can I use my insurance to get a rental?

Yes, you can often get a rental car through your insurance if you have Rental Reimbursement coverage on your policy, which pays for a rental while your car is repaired after a covered claim (like an accident). If you're not at fault in an accident, the other driver's insurance may also cover a rental. You need to check your specific policy for "rental reimbursement" or "transportation expense" coverage, as it's usually an optional add-on requiring collision/comprehensive, and it has daily/total limits. 

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How long will insurance pay for a rental?

Exact coverage limits will vary by insurer, so it's important to check for specific coverage information. With Progressive's rental car reimbursement coverage, daily limits are typically $40–70 and coverage lasts up to a total of 30 or 45 days, depending on your state.

Do insurance companies help with rentals?

Yes, your personal auto insurance often covers rentals, extending your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to rental cars, but you need to check your specific policy for limits and ensure it covers the rental's value, deductibles, and potential loss-of-use fees; also, your credit card might offer secondary coverage, but always verify details beforehand, especially for international rentals. 

Will my rates go up if I report an accident?

Key Takeaways: Accident Impact on Insurance

Average Cost Increase: According to Forbes data, drivers can expect an average annual premium increase of $740 following an at-fault accident. Percentage Hike: Major insurers typically raise rates between 21% and 73% depending on the severity of the claim.

How much does RentalCover usually cost?

RentalCover offers an excellent alternative to options like rental companies. On average, our cover costs $20 per day, compared to an average price of $70 to $90 if you buy from car rental companies†.

How long will insurance pay for a rental car after total loss?

How long will insurance pay for a rental car in California? Insurance will pay for a rental car for a reasonable period necessary to repair your vehicle or until you receive a settlement offer if your vehicle is declared a total loss.

What does rental insurance cover you for?

It can cover any damage or loss of possessions while they're located in your home, including things like furniture, electrical appliances, clothing, televisions, computers and jewellery. Some people assume that their personal contents will be covered by their landlord's insurance policy, however this is not the case.

Is it better to not file an insurance claim?

It's often better to file a claim if there are injuries, significant damage (well over your deductible), or another party involved to protect yourself legally, but you might skip filing for minor damage where the repair cost is close to or below your deductible to avoid premium increases, as a claim can raise rates significantly and limit future choices. The decision involves weighing the immediate repair cost against potential long-term premium hikes, but failing to report serious incidents can lead to denied coverage or legal trouble later. 

What is the 80% rule in property insurance?

The 80% rule states that the policy must cover at least 80% of the property's total replacement cost, which would be the amount that it would take to rebuild the house from the ground up.

How do I tell if my insurance covers a rental?

Yes, you can often get a rental car through your insurance if you have Rental Reimbursement coverage on your policy, which pays for a rental while your car is repaired after a covered claim (like an accident). If you're not at fault in an accident, the other driver's insurance may also cover a rental. You need to check your specific policy for "rental reimbursement" or "transportation expense" coverage, as it's usually an optional add-on requiring collision/comprehensive, and it has daily/total limits. 

Will insurance pay for a rental?

Yes, your personal auto insurance often covers rentals, extending your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to rental cars, but you need to check your specific policy for limits and ensure it covers the rental's value, deductibles, and potential loss-of-use fees; also, your credit card might offer secondary coverage, but always verify details beforehand, especially for international rentals. 

What if the accident wasn't my fault?

Report the accident: Drivers who have been in an accident caused by someone else should generally report a car accident to law enforcement. By dispatching police to the scene, they can assess the situation, interview witnesses, and make an initial judgment of who was at fault.

Can I get a rental while my car is being repaired?

Rental reimbursement coverage helps you pay for transportation expenses, such as a rental car or public transportation fare, while your own vehicle is being repaired after a covered insurance claim.

How long does insurance take to pay out after accepting an offer?

Once a settlement agreement is accepted (either privately or via court procedures), payment is often processed within 14 to 28 days. In many out-of-court cases, insurers aim to settle payments in about 14 days after acceptance of the offer.