Life does not stop after a car accident. You will still need to drive to doctors’ appointments, your kids to school, and use a vehicle to complete daily errands, such as buying groceries. If your vehicle was severely damaged during the crash, you may wonder how you are going to ensure that all of these tasks are completed. You may be able to rent a car after a crash, and if someone else was at fault for the collision, they may be liable for paying for it. So, how long will insurance pay for a rental car after an accident? Below, our West Virginia car accident lawyer explains.
How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car in West Virginia?
Auto insurance is meant to act as a safety net and financially protect you after an accident. Comprehensive auto insurance policies offer many features, including coverage for a rental car while your car is being repaired after an accident. Coverage for rental cars is not only convenient, but it is also an important part of making sure your life is not interrupted after a crash. You may be able to pursue coverage for a rental car after an accident through the liable party’s insurance company or your own.
You may have many questions after an accident, including, ‘How long will car insurance pay for a rental?’ When answering this question and others, there are many factors to consider, including:
- Duration of coverage for rental car: The majority of insurance companies do cover the cost of a rental car after an accident, although the duration of rentals varies significantly. The standard provisions allow for rental car coverage until your vehicle is completely repaired or payment for total loss is made. Some insurance companies set a fixed amount, such as a dollar value or a specific number of days.
- Conditions and limits: Insurance policies often outline both a daily and maximum amount of rental car coverage. For example, a policy may cover a maximum of $50 a day and a maximum total of $1,000. Unless you are willing to pay the difference, it is important to choose a rental car within the policy limits.
Before you ever need insurance coverage, it is important to review the details of your own policy. Most auto insurance policies provide for optional coverage to policyholders for rental cars after an accident. This can be helpful in the immediate days following a crash. Notify your insurance company immediately and inform them of the accident. Failing to do this can result in the cancellation of your policy.
When informing the insurer of the accident, you can also file a claim for rental insurance coverage. Doing this as quickly as possible will ensure you receive the coverage you need as quickly as possible and that there are fewer interruptions in your life.
Is Rental Car Coverage Always Available After an Accident?
Not necessarily. Coverage for rental car reimbursement after an accident is usually an optional addition to auto insurance policies. If you did not select this type of coverage when purchasing your policy, it may not be available to you under your own policy.
Additionally, if your vehicle is not yet repaired and coverage for your car rental expires, the insurer is no longer responsible for providing it to you. If you wish to continue renting a car, you may have to pay for it out of your own pocket. Of course, you have the option of claiming directly against the liability insurance for coverage of a rental. The drawback of proceeding in that manner is that, if liability is not immediately accepted, the provision of a rental car may be delayed while liability is investigated.
If coverage for your rental is not available or has expired, you may be able to pursue damages for the cost of continuing to rent. To do this, you will have to determine the negligent party and file a claim with their insurance company.
Including Car Rental Expenses in Your Personal Injury Claim
West Virginia follows tort law after an accident. This means you can file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company to claim the compensation you need. Under the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure, you have the right to claim compensation for all of your losses incurred during a crash. These can include your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and your other losses. The other losses incurred can include any out-of-pocket expenses you incurred during and after the accident, including the cost of a rental car.
When negotiating damage for the cost of a rental car in your personal injury claim, there are certain elements of your case you must prove. These are as follows:
- Loss: You must show that you have lost the use of a vehicle, giving rise to the need for a rental car.
- Documentation: Save all receipts for the use of the rental vehicle, including mileage and the dates you will need transportation. Also, save documentation about your need for the car, such as confirmation of medical appointments.
- Timeframe: Set a realistic timeframe for when you will need a rental vehicle. If you have been paid for a total loss, or your own vehicle has been fully repaired, exaggerating the need for a rental can hurt your case.
A West Virginia car accident lawyer can help you prove the right to and cost of a rental car after an accident.
Call Our Car Accident Lawyer in West Virginia Today
At Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC, our West Virginia car accident lawyer serves clients in ZIP codes 24740, 25301, 26508, and throughout the state. We can determine if your own insurance policy covers the cost of a rental vehicle, help you obtain full damages from the liable party, and handle all the legal details so you can focus on making a full recovery. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation and to get the legal help you need.
