How long will insurance pay for a rental car?

For repairs: until your car is fixed. For total loss: a "reasonable" period, typically 7-14 days after the settlement offer. Insurance companies often try to cut rental coverage early — we fight to extend it.

Can I get reimbursed if I didn't rent a car?

Yes. Loss of use compensation applies even if you borrowed a car, used rideshare, or went without transportation. You're entitled to the equivalent daily rental value for the period you were without your vehicle.

Who pays for my rental car after an accident?

The at-fault driver's liability insurance pays for your rental. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage or rental reimbursement coverage may apply.

What if insurance cuts off my rental early?

This is a common tactic. Under Utah R590-190, they must act fairly. Document the date your rental was cut off and why you still needed it. We can negotiate continued coverage or loss of use compensation.

Do I have to use the insurance company's preferred rental company?

No. You can rent from any company. However, using the insurer's preferred vendor (often Enterprise) may allow direct billing, avoiding out-of-pocket costs while the claim is processed.

What type of rental car am I entitled to?

You're entitled to a comparable vehicle — similar size and class to your damaged car. If you drove an SUV, you should get an SUV rental, not a compact car.

How do I file a loss of use claim?

Document the dates you were without your vehicle, get a quote for a comparable daily rental rate, and submit it as part of your property damage claim. We handle this as part of our comprehensive claim service.

Rental Reimbursement & Loss of Use

You Shouldn't Pay for a Rental
When It Wasn't Your Fault.

The at-fault driver's insurance owes you a rental car for every day you're without your vehicle — or loss of use compensation even if you don't rent. We make sure they pay every penny.

Call 801-799-9999 Free Case Review

What You're Owed — Three Scenarios

Your rental coverage depends on your situation. In all three cases, the at-fault driver's insurance pays.

Your Car Is Being Repaired

Until repairs are complete

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for a rental from the day of the accident until your car is returned to you. If the shop delays, that's not your problem — the rental coverage continues.

Your Car Is a Total Loss

7–14 days after settlement offer (negotiable)

Insurance tries to cut rental after making a total loss offer. We negotiate to keep it running until you can reasonably find and purchase a replacement vehicle.

You Didn't Rent a Car

Entire period without vehicle

Even if you used rideshare, borrowed a car, or went without — you're owed "loss of use" compensation equal to the daily rental rate of a comparable vehicle.

Rental Coverage vs. Loss of Use

Rental Reimbursement

You rented a car and want reimbursement
Covers the actual rental cost paid
Direct billing available through some insurers
Must be a comparable vehicle class

Loss of Use Compensation

You did NOT rent a car (or used rideshare/borrowed)
Pays the equivalent daily rental rate as cash
Often overlooked — most people don't know to claim it
Can be $1,500–$2,400+ for longer claims

Watch Out

When Insurance Cuts Off Your Rental Early

This is one of the most common tactics. Here's what they say — and how to fight back.

"Repairs should be done by now"

Repair timelines are the shop's responsibility, not yours. Parts delays, hidden damage, and quality issues extend timelines — and the insurer owes rental for every day.

"We already made you a total loss offer"

Making an offer doesn't end your need for transportation. You need time to review the offer, negotiate, and find a replacement vehicle. Demand continued rental until you have a replacement.

"Your policy only covers 30 days"

Your own policy rental limits don't apply when the other driver was at fault. The at-fault driver's liability coverage owes you rental for the entire duration — no cap.

"We'll only pay for a compact car"

You're entitled to a comparable vehicle. If you drove an SUV, truck, or full-size sedan, the rental should match.

Rental Recovery Questions

Common questions about rental reimbursement and loss of use after an accident.

For repairs: until your car is fixed. For total loss: a "reasonable" period, typically 7-14 days after the settlement offer. We fight to extend it when insurance tries to cut it short.

Loss of use compensation covers the value of being without your vehicle, even if you don't rent a car. It's calculated based on the daily rental rate of a comparable vehicle.

Yes. Loss of use applies even if you borrowed a car, used rideshare, or went without. You're entitled to the equivalent daily rental value.

The at-fault driver's liability insurance pays for your rental. If uninsured, your own uninsured motorist or rental reimbursement coverage may apply.

Document the cutoff date and your continued need. We negotiate extended coverage or file for loss of use compensation for the remaining days.

A comparable vehicle — similar size and class to your damaged car. SUV drivers get SUV rentals, not compact cars.

It depends on your vehicle type and the local daily rental rate. A comparable SUV rental at $50-80/day for 30 days without a car = $1,500-$2,400 in loss of use compensation.

Document the dates without your vehicle, get a comparable daily rental rate quote, and submit as part of your property damage claim. We handle this as part of our service.