Getting into a car accident is never a pleasant experience, but it can be even more frustrating when you’re not at fault. In addition to dealing with the emotional and physical trauma of the accident, you may also need to figure out how to get around while your car is being repaired. Luckily, if the other driver was at fault, their insurance may cover the cost of a rental car. Here’s what you need to know about at fault driver insurance and rental cars.
What is At Fault Driver Insurance?
At fault driver insurance, also known as liability insurance, is a type of car insurance that covers the cost of damages and injuries that you cause to others in an accident. This means that if you’re involved in an accident and it’s determined that you were at fault, your insurance will pay for the other party’s expenses, up to the limit of your policy.
It’s important to note that liability insurance does not cover damages to your own car or injuries you sustain in an accident. For that, you’ll need additional coverage, such as collision insurance or personal injury protection (PIP).
Does At Fault Driver Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
If you’re involved in an accident and the other driver is found to be at fault, their liability insurance may cover the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired. This is known as rental reimbursement coverage, and it’s typically included as part of a liability insurance policy.
However, the amount of rental reimbursement coverage you have will depend on the limits of the other driver’s policy. For example, if their policy has a limit of $30 per day for rental reimbursement, you’ll only be able to rent a car for up to $30 per day. If the cost of the rental car exceeds that amount, you’ll need to pay the difference out of pocket.
How Do You File a Rental Reimbursement Claim?
If you need to file a rental reimbursement claim, you’ll need to provide the at fault driver’s insurance company with a copy of your rental car receipt. You’ll also need to provide documentation showing the length of time your car was in the shop for repairs.
Once the insurance company has received this information, they’ll review your claim and determine whether or not to approve it. If your claim is approved, they’ll either reimburse you for the cost of the rental car or pay the rental car company directly.
What if the At Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the at fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to get a rental car through your own insurance policy. Depending on the type of coverage you have, your policy may include rental reimbursement coverage or you may be able to add it as an optional coverage.
If you don’t have rental reimbursement coverage and the at fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you may need to pay for the rental car out of pocket. However, you may be able to recover these costs through a lawsuit or by filing a claim with your own insurance company.
Conclusion
If you’re involved in a car accident and the other driver is at fault, their insurance may cover the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired. However, the amount of rental reimbursement coverage you have will depend on the limits of their policy. If the at fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to get a rental car through your own insurance policy or by paying out of pocket and seeking reimbursement later. By understanding how at fault driver insurance works and the options available to you, you can make the best decision for your situation.
