Are Rental Cars Covered When Yours Is in the Shop?

When your car is in the shop for collision repair, an immediate question many drivers ask is: “Will my insurance pay for a rental while I wait?”

At Chaney’s Collision Centers, we want you to stay mobile and stress-free during repairs. Here’s the real story on when, how, and if rental cars are covered—and how to make sure you’re not caught off-guard.

What Is Rental Reimbursement Coverage?

Most standard car insurance policies do not automatically include rental car coverage. Instead, rental reimbursement coverage is an optional add-on that helps pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired following a covered accident. Without this extra coverage, you’ll generally be responsible for the full cost of the rental out of your own pocket.

Rental reimbursement covers the cost of a rental only if your car is out of service due to a covered claim, like a collision or a comprehensive insurance-covered incident (e.g., theft or weather damage).
This coverage is usually available if you already have collision and comprehensive coverage.
Adding rental reimbursement typically costs just a few dollars per month.

What Does Rental Reimbursement Actually Cover?

Rental reimbursement pays for:

The daily cost of a standard rental vehicle while your car is being repaired for a covered claim.
Usually, there’s a daily and total coverage limit (e.g., $30–$50 per day, up to a maximum of $900 or 30 days).
The type and size of the rental car covered will often be similar to your own vehicle, but check your policy for details.

It’s important to note:

If your repairs take longer than the allowed coverage duration or daily cost, you must pay any overages yourself.
Routine maintenance or mechanical breakdowns generally do NOT qualify for a rental—only accident- or damage-related shop visits do.

When Insurance Might Cover a Rental

You’re at fault in an accident: If you have rental reimbursement added to your policy, your insurer will typically provide a rental car while yours is repaired.
You’re not at fault: The at-fault driver’s insurance may cover your rental, though this can involve waiting for claims approval or reimbursement.
Your car is stolen or damaged by debris, fire, or hail: If your policy has comprehensive coverage with the rental reimbursement added, coverage still applies.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Rental Coverage?

Without the add-on:

You’re expected to arrange and pay for a rental independently while your car is at the shop.
The insurance-reimbursed rental only kicks in if your claim and policy specifically include it.

How Chaney’s Collision Centers Can Help

At Chaney’s Collision Centers, making your repair experience as smooth as possible is our mission. We work directly with all major insurance companies and can assist you in setting up a rental car during your repairs, but the cost coverage depends on your insurance policy. We always recommend checking your policy details—or asking your agent—before you need a rental, so there are no expensive surprises.

Quick Tips

Review your insurance policy for rental coverage specifics before an accident occurs.
Add rental reimbursement coverage if it’s not already included—peace of mind often costs less than renting a car for a single day out-of-pocket.
Ask your insurer about daily and total limits so you’re not left paying for a longer-than-expected repair.

Conclusion

Are rental cars covered when yours is in the shop? The answer: only if you’ve planned ahead with the right coverage. Take a few minutes to check your policy now, so if an accident ever happens, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is picking up your keys from Chaney’s Collision Centers—and not how you’ll get there.