If your car is totaled after an accident or is in the shop for repairs, getting a rental car fast is often a must. The question is, who is going to pay for it? Depending on how long you need the rental, it can get quite expensive to drive a loaner day in and day out. You don’t want that burden falling on you if you can help it.

Here’s what to know about who pays for the rental car after an accident in Texas, and when that coverage is going to kick in.

The Question of Fault

One of the biggest factors that influences who will pay for the rental (and how long it will take to secure the rental) comes down to fault.

If the other driver caused the crash, their insurance company is responsible for paying for your rental car. That said, typically it will only be covered once liability has been accepted by their insurance company. This can take 1-3 days after the accident depending on how quickly the insurance company investigates and confirms fault. If you need a rental car pronto, you may need to pay for it upfront and seek reimbursement later.

If you caused the accident or fault has yet to be determined, you’ll only have rental car coverage if you purchased rental reimbursement coverage as part of your own auto insurance policy. This coverage kicks in as soon as your insurance company processes the claim and confirms your rental coverage. Often this is much faster than waiting for the other driver’s insurer to accept fault. For car accidents that involve hit-and-runs or uninsured motorists, you’ll also need to look to your own insurance for coverage options.

When tapping into rental coverage reimbursement, keep in mind that most policies have a daily limit for a set number of days. If your rental costs exceed the daily limit, you’ll have to pay the difference.

Have Questions? Contact Us at McKinney Vos PLLC

If you need help getting your rental car covered after an accident in Texas, reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer. Our team at McKinney Vos PLLC can help make sure the right party pays for the loaner and that you’re not stuck covering expenses that aren’t your fault. Call us today at 512-457-8991. We offer free consultations to discuss your options and help you settle your personal injury case.