You may be entitled to a replacement vehicle for the entire repair period — if the claim is set up correctly.
Being without a car in Los Angeles is not an option for most people. Whether the insurance company pays for a rental, and for how long, depends on the type of claim and how the repair timeline is documented. Here's what to expect.
When another driver caused the accident, their liability insurer is responsible for your "loss of use" — a comparable rental vehicle for the reasonable time it takes to repair your car, or, in a total loss, until a reasonable period after the settlement offer. There is no daily cap from your own policy and no deductible.
Disputes usually involve two things: the insurer setting a rental cutoff before repairs are done, or offering a smaller vehicle class than yours. Both can be challenged with a documented repair schedule.
If you file under your own policy, a rental is only covered if you carry rental reimbursement (sometimes called transportation expense) coverage. It comes with daily and total limits — for example $30/day up to $900. If the other driver was at fault, your insurer may recover the rental cost through subrogation.
We set up the rental through the claim from day one, document the repair schedule so the adjuster extends coverage when supplements or parts delays occur, and keep you informed of the release date so there is no overlap you'd be charged for. If the insurer tries to cut the rental early, we handle the escalation.
Contact us before you rent. We'll make sure the vehicle goes through the claim, not your credit card.
What California insurers owe you when they total your car — and how to push back on a lowball valuation.
Your car lost value the moment it was hit — even after a perfect repair. Here's how to claim that loss.
If the other driver caused the accident, you shouldn't be the one paying a deductible. Here's how it actually works.
Your deductible shouldn't decide whether your car gets repaired properly. Here's how we help.
Your insurer can recommend a shop. They cannot require one. Here's the law and how to use it.