Car Accidents – How to Get a Rental Car

If your car gets into an accident, you have two choices: it's your fault or not. If you are at fault, you can get a rental car with your own insurance company if you have rental car insurance.

If you are innocent, you can get a rental car with driver's insurance. Some state laws require insurance companies to pay "reasonable transportation costs" or "reasonable costs incurred in renting a replacement vehicle" through driver error when repairing your damaged vehicle.

Guilty drivers' insurance usually doesn't allow rental cars until they can talk to the insured and confirm that he or she is really at fault. This can be a problem if the insured cannot be contacted by them or if they lie about the accident. You can also hire a rental car after an accident for ease of traveling on the road.

65,960 Car Accident Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

Most companies pay a fixed amount, such as $20 per day. However, if there are special circumstances that require a vehicle similar to your damaged vehicle, report this to the insurance company to see if this cost is covered.

You need a car – any car – so you will argue about the same car as yours, but you need to get back on the road soon. You have kids to take to soccer practice and you have to go to work in the morning, so "basically staying" may not be the best approach. You have to choose your battle and right now your main need is to get another phone.

If another driver causes an accident, ask the insurance company to rent a car. If you are at fault, rent a car through your insurance company, but only if you have rental car coverage.