It’s stressful enough to get into a car accident even more so if your car needs to be repaired. A rental car can help you get around while you wait for repairs or a settlement. Who pays for the rental car after an accident? How long will insurance pay for a rental car? Here’s everything you need to know about substitute transportation coverage and rental car reimbursement.
How does substitute transportation coverage work?
Your car insurance will help pay for a rental car if you carry substitute transportation coverage for your vehicle. Substitute transportation coverage reimburses you for a rental car or other substitute transportation if your car is damaged from a covered accident.
At Plymouth Rock, substitute transportation doesn’t just mean rental cars. We’ll also reimburse you for other means of transportation, such as taxi, train or bus expenses. No matter which kind of substitute transportation you decide to go with, be sure to hang on to your receipts. You’ll need to submit them to get your reimbursement.
Substitute transportation coverage helps pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
This substitute transportation coverage does not cover any additional rental charges. Things like mileage charges, fuel, navigation devices, tolls, additional insurance or collision damage waivers will not be covered. If you already carry comprehensive or collision coverage on one of your personal vehicles, those coverages will apply to any rental cars you drive.
Keep in mind that substitute transportation coverage only applies if your car is unavailable after a covered claim. It won’t reimburse you for any other situations where you wouldn’t have your car, like in the event of maintenance or for vacation purposes.
How long is a rental car covered after an accident?
How long insurance covers a rental car depends on which insurance company you file your claim with.
Generally, if your car is damaged by another at-fault driver you can pursue damages, like substitute transportation expenses, from their car insurance company. The company must first conduct their investigation into liability for the claim. However, it may take weeks or months before you receive money to cover substitute transportation expenses.
Instead, you can file a claim with your own insurance policy if you carry comprehensive or collision coverage. Plymouth Rock will help you arrange for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. This way, you’ll be back on the road in no time while you wait for your repairs.
Our substitute transportation coverage starts when your car is brought into the shop if it’s drivable, the day the claim is reported if it’s not or 48 hours after it’s reported stolen.
Your rental car expenses will be covered until the earliest of the following:
- After a reasonable period to repair your car
- When your car is returned to you
- When your car is replaced
- After 30 days
- When your rental limit is exhausted
- Three days after you receive a settlement for a totaled or stolen car
Limits and reimbursement coverage explained
When you select substitute transportation coverage, you’ll get to choose your limits. For example, you may see a coverage limit of $50/$1,500. The first number is the maximum amount you can get reimbursed per day. The second number is the total maximum for the 30 day period.
This doesn’t mean you can spend less per day and have a longer coverage period. It also doesn’t mean you get to have a higher daily limit for a shorter period. If your daily rental expenses are higher than your limit, you will have to pay the remainder out of pocket. No matter the case, your rental reimbursement period cannot exceed 30 days per claim.
We know that being without your car can be stressful. That’s why we’ve designed our claims process to be quick and simple, with great exclusive benefits that save you time.
Eligible customers can take advantage of our Door-to-Door Valet Claim Service®, included at no charge with comprehensive or collision coverage*. We’ll pick up your car, transport it to the Door-to-Door® shop of your choice and bring it back when it’s done. You’ll never have to leave your home or office to get your car fixed. We’ll even coordinate a rental car for customers with rental coverage to be delivered to you.
Now let’s talk about you
Do you have the right coverage for your vehicle? We’d love to chat with you about it. Call us at 800-516-9242 or speak to a local agent.
If you’d rather not talk, you can get a quote quickly and easily online. Just enter your ZIP code to get started and see how much you could save!
*Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, features and benefits are not available in all states or companies. Door-to-Door Valet Claim Service is available in CT, NH, NJ, PA, NY and MA.
