Many car accidents in Texas require drivers to secure a loaner vehicle for a given period of time while their car is in the shop for repairs. In collisions that result in a totaled vehicle, drivers will most certainly need a rental until the claim is settled.

Coverage for rental car expenses is generally determined by fault. In some instances, this is the other driver’s insurance. At other times, it may be yours.

If you’ve been in a car accident and had to pay out of pocket for a rental car, you may be able to get your money back if you have the right coverage on your policy and follow the documented steps for seeking reimbursement.

Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage

Before seeking reimbursement for your rental, double-check your auto insurance policy. Rental reimbursement is typically an optional add-on; not every policy includes it. If yours does, review the following:

• Your daily coverage limit (e.g., $30/day)
• The maximum payout limit (e.g., $900 total)
• Your coverage duration (how many days it applies)

Rental car reimbursement coverage only applies if your car is undrivable due to a covered claim (like a crash). It doesn’t apply to regular maintenance or breakdowns. Any expenses you incur over your limit will become out-of-pocket expenses.

Notify Your Insurance Company

To get your rental car faster, file your claim immediately and let the adjuster know you’ll need a rental car. Sometimes insurers will pay the rental company directly; other times they’ll reimburse you. Clarify which is the case for your situation ahead of time.

Save All Documentation and Receipts

Make reimbursement as easy as possible by saving all receipts. Keep copies of the rental agreement, proof of payment, final invoice, your claim number, the name of your rental company and any communication you had with your insurance adjuster. More is always better when it comes to documentation for an insurance claim.

Submit a Reimbursement Request

Once your claim is processed and your car is either repaired or declared a total loss, work with your adjuster to submit the required paperwork for reimbursement. Include your claim number and policy number with all documentation. It’s not unusual for reimbursement requests to take up to 14 business days to process.

Contact Us a McKinney Vos PLLC

Securing reimbursement for a rental car can be one more headache in an already exhausting car accident recovery process. If your insurance company is dragging its feet or refusing to reimburse valid rental car expenses, an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer can help you push back and get what you're owed.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation and let us handle the insurance headache while you focus on recovering.