How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car After an Accident?

After a car crash in Miami, you will need to arrange alternative transportation while your car is being repaired. In cases where it is totaled, you may need to rent a car until you receive your insurance settlement. So, it is easy to wonder, “How long will car insurance pay for a rental car after an accident?” 

The answer depends on whether you have this coverage and the terms of your policy. You may also seek reimbursement for rental car expenses from the at-fault party in certain situations. 
Find out more from our Miami car accident lawyers about how long insurance will pay for a rental car today.

Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car After an Accident?

Rental car coverage is an optional add-on to your existing car insurance policy. In Florida, to add this coverage, you generally are required to have both comprehensive and collision coverage as part of your auto policy. The cost of rental car coverage will vary from an additional $2 to $15 a month, depending on the insurance provider.

While the process for getting a rental car is fairly straightforward, knowing who to contact for payment can be a little trickier.

If you were at fault, your insurance company will only pay for the rental car if you have reimbursement coverage. This is optional coverage, and you’ll need to check with your provider to see if you have it.

If another driver was at fault, you can go straight to their insurance company to file a rental car claim. If fault has not been determined, it’s best to go through your own insurance company first and let them deal with the other company once it’s been decided.

In any scenario, however, it might be faster to just go ahead and pay for the rental car yourself and then file for reimbursement.

How Does Rental Reimbursement Work?

Rental car reimbursement coverage helps cover the costs of renting a car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss or while awaiting your settlement if your vehicle was totaled. 

Other things to know about rental reimbursement include:

• It does not provide coverage for routine maintenance and non-insurance claim repairs. 
• Your policy will have coverage limits:
  • Per day cap will vary and range from $25 to $75, with $50 being the average.
  • Total per-claim cap ranges from $500 to $1,500.
  • The maximum number of covered days is generally 30 days.
• Coverage ends once your vehicle repairs are completed, regardless of when you pick up your vehicle. 
• You are responsible for any costs that exceed your coverage limits. 

Depending on your policy, you may be required to pay for a rental car and be reimbursed later, or your insurance may cover the rental directly up to the policy limits.

How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car After an Accident?

The length of time that your insurance company will pay for a rental varies, depending on the circumstances and your policy. However, most companies cover the rental for up to 30 days.

Most policies are fairly vague on this topic, stating that they will cover a rental car for a reasonable period of time. But this can vary depending on how serious the damage is. Your insurance adjuster will tell you how many days will be covered when they approve the claim.

Rental Reimbursement Limits

How long car insurance will pay for a rental car after an accident is determined by your rental reimbursement limits found on the declarations page of your insurance policy. 

• Daily reimbursement limits: For example, if you have a $50 per-day cap but your daily rental rate is $60, you will have to pay $10 per day for the car rental.
• Per-claim limit caps: This is the maximum allowable amount for a rental car for the rental period. So, if your per-claim limit cap is $1,000, but your total rental costs are $1,500, you will have to pay $500 out of pocket.
• Duration limits: The maximum length of time you are allowed to rent a car per claim period is typically 30 to 45 days. 

Claim Process for Rental Reimbursement

To initiate a claim for an insurance rental car after an accident in Miami, you need to do the following:

• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible and open a claim.
• Confirm rental car coverage.
• Provide the police report number and other information, such as where the car is being repaired.
• Do not make any statements or admit fault as this could hurt your overall accident settlement.
• Obtain a claim approval number.
• Contact a rental car company and provide them with the claim approval number.
• Provide a credit card, insurance information, and driver’s license number.
• Sign the rental car agreement when picking up the car.

Summary Table of Coverage Details

When To Contact an Attorney After an Accident

The insurance claims process can be pretty intense, especially when there are injuries or major damage involved. And what many people don’t realize is that you don’t have to take the first settlement offer the insurance company presents. 

It’s always best to contact a trusted car accident attorney if you have questions or concerns about your claims. They can help you reach the best settlement and guide you along in the complicated process.