How to Get a Rental While Having Collision Repair

Whether you can get a rental car while having collision repair depends on the type of policy you have. If you don't have that stipulation in your policy, you may still be able to get a rental, and then have the price deducted or reported. If you can, find out in advance what your company policy entitles you to receive. Otherwise, make sure you get everything you need at the time of filling your collision repair report.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Copy of insurance policy
• Rental voucher

1. Check your insurance policy to see whether you are covered for a rental while having collision repair. This has become a standard item in most insurance forms, but the small print varies--some cover the full price of the rental, while others only pay for a percentage of the rental or provide one for only a few days.

2. Find out whether there are specific car brands you must choose from in order to meet the policy rules. You may be limited to the same type of car you have, to one of similar value or to a certain rental price. Choosing something in the wrong category may void the rental reimbursement agreement.

3. Pay out of your pocket if that is what your policy requires, and then file for a reimbursement. In order to do this, get a detailed receipt from the rental company specifying the price, date and length of the rental, and make sure the details coincide with the time your car will be under repair.

4. Get a rental voucher from your insurance company if that is the standard practice according to your policy. If you do get one, you more than likely will need to use a particular company and car type, but the voucher should still cover the full price of the rental, including insurance and any required extras.

5. Ask questions before you get a rental while having collision repair. Most companies will cover the price of the rental but may not provide money for gas, additional fees or insurance. You need to know in advance whether you will be responsible for these added costs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you pay for the rental out of your own pocket because you have no insurance coverage, you may still be able to get a reimbursement during tax time. If you use your car for business trips or as part of a similar arrangement, you should be able to declare the rental price as a business expense.
• If you have no original rental coverage through your insurance, you may be able to get a discount on one by connecting your insurance company with professional associations where you are a member, such as AAA.