Can I Get a Rental Car During the Repair Process?

April 23, 2025

Need a ride after an accident?

Here’s how rental car coverage works and what to expect during the collision repair process.

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough — but being without a car while it’s in the shop makes things even harder. One of the most common questions we hear is, “Can I get a rental car during the repair process?” The good news? Yes, in most cases, you can. But the details depend on a few important factors, like who’s at fault, your insurance policy, and where you go for repairs. Let’s break it down.

Need a ride after an accident?

Here’s how rental car coverage works and what to expect during the collision repair process.

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough — but being without a car while it’s in the shop makes things even harder. One of the most common questions we hear is, “Can I get a rental car during the repair process?” The good news? Yes, in most cases, you can. But the details depend on a few important factors, like who’s at fault, your insurance policy, and where you go for repairs. Let’s break it down.

Does Insurance Cover a Rental Car After an Accident?

Does Insurance Cover a Rental Car After an Accident?

If the Other Driver is at Fault:



If you weren’t at fault, the other driver’s insurance is usually responsible for paying for your rental car. In most cases, they’ll either book the rental for you or reimburse you later. 


Tip:  Work with a collision expert who communicates directly with insurance companies. It can speed up this process and help avoid delays.

If You Were at Fault

(or There's Shared Fault): 

You’ll need rental reimbursement coverage on your own auto policy. This is an optional add-on — not everyone has it. 
If you do, your insurer will cover the cost of a rental up to a daily limit (for example, $40/day for 30 days). 

If the Other Driver is at Fault:



If you weren’t at fault, the other driver’s insurance is usually responsible for paying for your rental car. In most cases, they’ll either book the rental for you or reimburse you later. 


Tip:  Work with a collision expert who communicates directly with insurance companies. It can speed up this process and help avoid delays.

If You Were at Fault

(or There's Shared Fault): 

You’ll need rental reimbursement coverage on your own auto policy. This is an optional add-on — not everyone has it. 
If you do, your insurer will cover the cost of a rental up to a daily limit (for example, $40/day for 30 days). 

What If I Don’t Have

Rental Coverage?

If you don’t have rental coverage and the other driver wasn’t fully at fault, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for a rental. But there are still ways to save: 


  • Some body shops offer discounted rental rates 
  • Others, like VICE Collision, offer expedited rental and loaner car assistance to help keep you moving 

What If I Don’t Have Rental Coverage?

If you don’t have rental coverage and the other driver wasn’t fully at fault, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for a rental. But there are still ways to save: 


  • Some body shops offer discounted rental rates 
  • Others, like VICE Collision, offer expedited rental and loaner car assistance to help keep you moving 

What Type of Rental Car Can I Get?

It depends on your policy or what the other driver’s insurance approves. Most rental coverage plans provide a basic sedan or compact car. If you need a larger vehicle (like an SUV or truck), you may have to pay the difference. 


  • Pro tip: Check your policy or ask your repair center to help you understand your options. 

What Type of Rental Car Can I Get?

It depends on your policy or what the other driver’s insurance approves. Most rental coverage plans provide a basic sedan or compact car. If you need a larger vehicle (like an SUV or truck), you may have to pay the difference. 


  • Pro tip: Check your policy or ask your repair center to help you understand your options. 

How Long Can I Keep the Rental?

Your rental car coverage usually lasts until:


  • Your car is fully repaired 
  • The insurance company declares it a total loss 
  • You reach your policy’s daily or dollar limit


If repairs are delayed or take longer than expected, your shop should keep you updated and work with your insurance to help extend the rental if possible. 

How Long Can I Keep the Rental?

Your rental car coverage usually lasts until:


  • Your car is fully repaired 
  • The insurance company declares it a total loss 
  • You reach your policy’s daily or dollar limit



If repairs are delayed or take longer than expected, your shop should keep you updated and work with your insurance to help extend the rental if possible. 

How Long Can I Keep the Rental?

Your rental car coverage usually lasts until:


  • Your car is fully repaired 
  • The insurance company declares it a total loss 
  • You reach your policy’s daily or dollar limit



If repairs are delayed or take longer than expected, your shop should keep you updated and work with your insurance to help extend the rental if possible. 

Why Choose VICE

for Collision Repairs and Rental Help?

At VICE Collision, we know how frustrating it is to lose access to your car. That’s why we provide: 


Expedited rental and loaner car assistance 
Direct communication with insurance companies 
White-glove pick-up and delivery service 
Support for attorneys and injury claims


We help keep your life moving — even after an accident. 

Why Choose VICE

for Collision Repairs and Rental Help?

At VICE Collision, we know how frustrating it is to lose access to your car. That’s why we provide: 


Expedited rental and loaner car assistance 
Direct communication with insurance companies 
White-glove pick-up and delivery service 
Support for attorneys and injury claims


We help keep your life moving — even after an accident. 

Bottom Line:

Yes, You Can Get a Rental Car

If you're asking, “Can I get a rental car while my car is being repaired?” — the answer is usually yes. Just be sure to:


  • Check your insurance coverage 
  • Ask your repair shop for support 
  • Choose a collision repair partner that goes the extra mile


Need help now? Contact VICE today and we’ll walk you through the process — no stress, no surprises.

Bottom Line:

Yes, You Can Get a Rental Car

If you're asking, “Can I get a rental car while my car is being repaired?” — the answer is usually yes. Just be sure to:


  • Check your insurance coverage 
  • Ask your repair shop for support 
  • Choose a collision repair partner that goes the extra mile


Need help now? Contact VICE today and we’ll walk you through the process — no stress, no surprises.

Know someone navigating the repair process after an accident? Share this blog to help them understand how rental car coverage works and what to expect while their vehicle is in the shop.

Know someone navigating the repair process after an accident? Share this blog to help them understand how rental car coverage works and what to expect while their vehicle is in the shop.