Does the other driver’s insurance pay for my rental car if they were at fault?
Yes, the at-fault driver's insurance company is generally responsible for paying for your rental car under their property damage liability coverage. This is referred to as 'loss of use' compensation, which covers your transportation needs while your vehicle is being repaired or until a total loss settlement is reached. However, getting a third-party insurer to authorize a rental quickly can be difficult, as they will often refuse to pay until they complete their liability investigation.
Does my own insurance cover a rental car if the accident was my fault?
Your own insurance company will only pay for a rental car if you have specific 'rental reimbursement' coverage selected on your policy prior to the accident. This is an optional coverage, meaning standard collision and comprehensive policies do not automatically include it. If you have this coverage, your insurer will pay for a rental up to a daily and overall policy limit, such as thirty dollars per day up to a maximum of nine hundred dollars.
What is 'Loss of Use' and can you claim it in Arizona?
Loss of use is your legal right in Arizona to be compensated for the loss of your vehicle's utility while it is undergoing repairs. If you are the not-at-fault party, you are entitled to this compensation even if you do not actually rent a vehicle, though insurance companies rarely volunteer this information. The rate is typically calculated based on the daily rental cost of a vehicle similar in class to the one that was damaged.
Navigating insurance claims and rental car logistics after an accident in Glendale, Peoria, or Surprise can be overwhelming. At Liberty Collision Center, we advocate for you—not the insurance company—to ensure your repairs are done safely with OEM parts and proper ADAS calibration. Call us today at (623) 931-2110 to discuss your claim and schedule your repair.
How does insurance delay affect rental car coverage limits?
Insurance companies often try to limit the number of days they pay for your rental, even if repair delays are completely out of your control. Many insurers impose strict limits based on their own 'estimated' repair times rather than the actual time required to perform safe structural repairs and necessary ADAS calibrations. Because Liberty Collision Center is an independent shop that does not participate in insurer-controlled Direct Repair Programs (DRPs), we fight to ensure the insurance company extends your rental coverage to match the actual, realistic timeline required for a proper, safe repair.
- Verify your policy: Check your declaration page for 'Rental Reimbursement' coverage and its specific daily limits before assuming your insurer will cover the bill.
- Demand third-party direct billing: If the other driver is at fault, demand their insurer set up a direct-bill agreement with the rental agency to avoid paying out of pocket.
- Keep records of delays: Document any delays caused by insurance inspector backlogs or supplemental repair approvals to justify extending your rental period.