How to get a rental car after a car accident

If you’ve been in a car accident that leaves your vehicle damaged and in need of repairs, it won’t be long before you’ll be searching for a short-term replacement or alternative modes of transportation. Since you’re likely not often in this situation, you may not be sure what the next step is. We’ll walk you through how to know whether your insurance will pay for a rental car after a car accident, how rental reimbursement coverage works and what to do if your insurance doesn’t cover this expense.

Who pays for a rental car after a car accident 

The biggest question most people have is whether you or your insurance provider will pay for the rental car after a car accident. In order for the latter to happen, you must have rental reimbursement coverage on your car insurance policy. This is typically an optional add-on that you pay an extra premium to have. It kicks in after a covered insurance claim to provide reimbursement for transportation expenses, such as a rental car, taxi rides or public transportation, while your damaged vehicle is being repaired.

Talk to your car insurance provider to see if you have rental reimbursement coverage and whether your particular situation is covered under terms of the policy. If so, ask what the process is for getting a rental car after a car accident. They may allow you to choose any rental agency, for example, but if the company you use isn’t within your insurance provider’s partner network, you may have to pay out of pocket and then be reimbursed for expenses versus having the rental agency bill your insurance provider directly.

Finally, ask what the coverage limits are. For example, your policy may only cover $25 per day for up to 30 days. If your covered transportation expenses exceed that amount, you will likely have to pay the difference. Also, additional expenses like gas, tolls and parking may not be covered under the reimbursement plan. All of the information above is important to keep in mind during your conversation with your insurance provider so that you leave the conversation knowing exactly what is covered under the plan, what you are responsible for and what steps to take next. 

Transportation options during vehicle repair

Whether or not you have rental reimbursement coverage, you’ll need to find a way (or ways) to go around town while your vehicle is in the repair shop. The options at your disposal will of course depend on where you live. Here are some ideas for you to look into.

1. Rental car

Yes, getting a rental car after a car accident is an obvious choice, but we want to bring a couple things to your attention to help you save money. If you choose to rent a car but have a tight daily budget, check into rates at non-airport locations to avoid the extra fees that come with airport-based rentals. Review the benefits of any memberships you have, like AAA or an alumni association, to see if you qualify for a promotional rate. And reserve for longer periods, like a week or more, to take advantage of discounted rates for long-term bookings.

2. Car sharing

This is a rental car alternative that puts money back into the local community. That’s because the vehicle you book is owned by a person — instead of the rental company — and the owner gets paid to let others drive their vehicle. Avail car sharing is a popular option in Chicago and Denver, with dozens of self-service locations throughout neighborhoods in both cities.

3. Public transportation

When considering public transportation options, like bus, subway and light rail networks, check routes, average wait times and safety records to see if each meets your requirements. Note that schedules change outside of rush hour periods and on weekends and holidays.

4. Taxis and ride shares

Getting a car on demand is a convenient way to get to your destination, but it comes at a cost that can easily strain your budget if your rental reimbursement has a daily coverage limit. This could be a good option for occasional usage, paired with public transportation or getting around on foot.

5. Walk, run, bike or scooter

If you don’t need to travel far, then give your pedometer or sports watch a workout. You may even adopt some healthy habits that stay with you long after you get your car back.

How Avail helps you after a car accident

If you need a rental car after a car accident, try Avail car sharing instead. You won’t pay more to add a second driver or to modify your reservation as your vehicle repair timeline changes. Pick up a car at Avail’s convenient neighborhood location in Chicago or Denver, and return it to the same location when you get your car back. Allstate insurance coverage and 24/7 roadside assistance are available for every trip to help keep you protected.