Rental & injury
How do I get a rental car — and what is "loss of use"?
The short answer: check your own policy first — if you carry rental reimbursement coverage, call your insurer and ask for it directly. If the other driver is at fault, their insurer may owe you a rental or a loss-of-use payment even if you never rent a car. Both have limits and end dates, so confirm them in writing up front.
Two different things with two different payers
- Rental reimbursement (your policy) — optional coverage you bought. It pays for a rental up to a daily cap and a total cap (your declarations page shows the numbers) while your car is being repaired.
- Rental or loss of use (the other driver's policy) — if the other driver is at fault, their liability coverage may include putting you in a comparable rental. In many states you can also claim loss of use — the reasonable value of not having your car — whether or not you actually rented one.
How long does it last?
Typically until the repair is complete and the car is returned — or, for a total loss, until the settlement is paid plus a short grace period. The insurer won't pay open-ended: if the shop is waiting on you to approve a supplement or pick up the car, they'll argue the clock should stop. Keep repair milestones documented.
Getting it set up without a fight
- Read your own policy first. Rental reimbursement is the fastest, least-argued path if you carry it.
- Ask in writing for the limits and end date. Daily cap, total cap, and what stops the clock.
- Rent comparable, not fancy. "Comparable to what you were driving" is the standard; upgrading gives them a reason to cut reimbursement.
- Keep every receipt and the repair timeline. If the claim gets disputed, the paper trail is the argument.
Rental and loss-of-use rules vary by state and by policy. Check your own policy documents and your state's insurance department, or talk to a licensed professional, before acting on a claim.