After being in a Knoxville car wreck, you’ll need a way to get around. You still have work, errands, and other duties to take care of. The expenses that go along with a rental car are often a concern.
At Hotz & Associates, P.C., we know how overwhelming these situations can be. Our Knoxville car accident lawyers have helped countless people navigate rental reimbursement, insurance delays, and repair-related claims. Here’s what you need to know about rental car costs after a wreck, and what to do if the insurance companies aren’t cooperating.
Will the other driver’s insurance pay for my rental car?
Tennessee is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused the wreck is usually responsible for covering damages, including the cost of a rental car. You or your lawyer can file a third-party claim with their insurance and request rental reimbursement. Keep in mind that insurers aren’t required by law to cover rental costs. But they often do so once the fault is acknowledged and the rental period is deemed reasonable.
If your car is declared a total loss, the insurance company may cover rental costs only up to a few days after the settlement offer is made. Once they determine your vehicle can’t be repaired, they consider your transportation needs resolved with the payout. If you need a rental beyond that window, you may have to cover the cost of it yourself unless your policy includes extended rental reimbursement.
What if my own insurance covers rental cars?
Your own insurance policy may include rental reimbursement coverage, but this is optional in Tennessee. It’s not automatically included in standard liability policies.
If you added rental reimbursement when you bought your policy, your insurer will cover some or all of the cost of a rental car, depending on your daily and per-claim limits. It’s a good idea to call your provider after a wreck and ask:
- Do I have rental coverage?
- What’s the daily and maximum dollar limit?
- How many days am I covered for?
Even if the other driver is at fault or partially at fault, using your own rental coverage can help you get back on the road faster, and then your insurer may try to get reimbursement from the other party’s insurance later.
What if no insurance covers my rental?
If the at-fault driver’s insurance refuses to pay, or their liability hasn’t been established yet, and you don’t have rental reimbursement on your policy, you may be left paying out of pocket.
Even if you have to cover a rental short-term, keep all receipts and records. These may be important in helping you recover compensation later.
What if I’m driving a rental car and get into a wreck?
If you’re driving a rental car in Tennessee and get into a wreck, who pays for the damage depends on several factors:
- If you own a personal auto policy, your coverage likely extends to the rental vehicle
- If you don’t have insurance, you’ll need to rely on the rental agency’s coverage (or purchase their optional insurance)
- If another driver caused the wreck, their insurance should cover the damage under a third-party insurance claim
Rental companies are required to offer basic coverage, but may also push renters to buy loss damage waivers (LDWs) or collision damage waivers (CDWs). These can offer additional peace of mind, but aren’t legally required if you already have coverage.
Before signing anything, talk to your insurance provider to confirm if your policy covers damage to a rental car or any other rental car expenses.
How long will insurance pay for a rental?
There’s no hard rule, but most insurance companies will pay for a rental for a “reasonable period.” This is often based on how long the repairs should take. For a totaled vehicle, that usually means a few days past the date of settlement.
Tip: Ask the body shop for an estimated completion date and share that with the insurance company. This helps avoid any arguments about excessive rental charges.
What if the other driver’s insurance is stalling?
Unfortunately, delays are common. Insurance adjusters may:
- Dispute fault to avoid paying
- Claim your rental costs are excessive
- Offer a lower daily rate than what’s actually available
This is where a lawyer steps in. Our Knoxville attorneys know the tactics insurance companies use and how to push back.
Talk to a Knoxville car accident lawyer about rental reimbursement
Being in a wreck is stressful enough. Worrying about how to get to work or pick up your kids shouldn’t be another burden.
At Hotz & Associates, P.C., we’ll help you understand your rights and work to recover any rental car costs the insurance companies should be paying. We’ve helped injured Tennesseans for decades, and we’re here to help you file a rental car after an accident. Call (865) 582-0042 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.