After a car accident, you may find yourself without a vehicle while yours is being repaired or replaced. For many Texans, having access to a rental car is essential to keep life moving, whether it is getting to work, school, or medical appointments. However, understanding who pays for that rental car and what your insurance actually covers can be confusing.
Here is what every driver in Texas should know about rental car coverage after an accident and how to protect themselves from unexpected costs.
Whether your insurance covers a rental vehicle depends on the type of policy you have. Some drivers carry rental reimbursement coverage, an optional add-on that pays for a temporary replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered accident.
If you have this coverage, your insurer will usually pay a daily amount for a rental vehicle up to a certain limit. For example, your policy may cover up to $40 per day for 30 days. It is important to check your policy details or contact your insurance provider to confirm your limits before renting a car.
If another driver caused the accident, their insurance company is typically responsible for paying for your rental car. However, it is not always automatic. Insurance adjusters often delay payments while they investigate fault, which can leave you temporarily without a vehicle.
If you cannot wait for their approval, you may choose to rent a car and seek reimbursement later. Keep all rental receipts, repair estimates, and communication records. These documents can be used to recover your expenses once liability is established.
Rental coverage becomes more complicated when the fault is not immediately clear. If the other driver denies responsibility or the insurance companies disagree, you may have to rely on your own policy for rental costs until the dispute is resolved.
This is one of the most common frustrations accident victims face. Insurance companies may delay reimbursement or deny coverage altogether if they believe their driver was not fully at fault. Having an attorney on your side can help speed up the process and ensure that your costs are properly documented and recovered.
Even if you do not carry rental reimbursement coverage, you still have options. If the other driver is found to be at fault, their insurance is legally required to cover your loss of use. This refers to the reasonable value of not having your vehicle while it is being repaired. It may include the cost of a rental car or financial compensation for the time you were without transportation.
To make sure you are fairly compensated for rental car expenses, take the following steps immediately after the crash:
This provides official documentation of the incident and helps establish fault.
Even if the other driver is at fault, your insurer can assist with temporary coverage and pursue reimbursement later.
Save every document related to your rental vehicle, repairs, and communication with insurance adjusters.
Always confirm your eligibility with your insurer before renting a vehicle.
Our attorneys can negotiate directly with insurance companies and ensure you are reimbursed for every covered expense.
At McCraw Law Group, we understand how stressful it is to be left without transportation after an accident. Our attorneys help clients navigate insurance delays, prove liability, and recover the full cost of rental vehicles or loss of use compensation.
If you were in a car accident and are struggling to get your rental car covered, we can help you understand your rights and pursue fair payment for your losses. Contact McCraw Law Group today for a free consultation and let our team guide you through the process so you can get back on the road with confidence.
If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.
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If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.