Casey is a founding partner at River Run Law Group. Casey has tried numerous cases across the Commonwealth in both General District Court and Circuit Court. He has earned millions of dollars for his clients through trials, mediations, and settlements.
Have you been in a car accident in Virginia and are now without a vehicle? You’re likely thinking about how you’ll get around while your car is being repaired or replaced. Don’t worry, we can help.
At River Run Law, we understand the frustration and inconvenience of being involved in a car accident. That’s why we’ve put together this information to help you understand your rights regarding rental car coverage.
We’ll answer your questions about how long the insurance company will pay for a rental car after a car accident in Virginia so you can focus on returning to your routine.
Understanding Your Rental Car Coverage After a Virginia Car Accident
After an accident, you may be entitled to a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced. How do you get this coverage? There are two main ways:
- Through the at-fault driver’s insurance. When another driver causes an accident, their insurance should cover your rental car because Virginia law requires all drivers to have liability insurance to pay for damages they cause to others.
- Through your own insurance. You can add rental reimbursement coverage to your policy. While it’s optional, your insurance company in Virginia must offer it to you.
Knowing how long this coverage might last can help you plan and avoid unexpected expenses. Let’s look at the factors influencing how long you can keep a rental car after an accident.
How Long Will the Insurance Company Pay for a Rental Car After a Car Accident?
Several aspects influence how long insurance will pay for a rental car after an accident. Here are some of the most important ones to keep in mind.
Who Was at Fault for the Accident?
When it comes to rental car coverage, the first thing to consider is who caused the accident. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance company is responsible for covering your rental.
This protects you from having to pay out-of-pocket for a rental car due to someone else’s actions. However, if you were at fault, your own rental reimbursement coverage (if you have it) would come into play.
What Does Your Insurance Policy Say?
Your insurance policy will outline the terms of your rental car coverage, including the daily rate limit and the maximum amount or number of days the coverage will last.
Review your policy carefully to understand your coverage limits, and keep a copy with you, along with the police report and any receipts for rental car expenses. Doing so can help you avoid surprises and ensure you use your coverage effectively.
How Long Will It Take to Repair or Replace Your Car?
The duration of your rental car coverage often depends on the time it takes to repair or replace your vehicle. If your car needs repairs, the insurance company (yours or the at-fault driver’s) will typically cover the rental car for that period.
However, suppose your car is a total loss, meaning it’s more cost-effective to replace it than to repair it. In that case, the rental coverage usually extends until you receive the settlement check from the insurance company. Sometimes, they may give you a few extra days to allow you time to find a new vehicle.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
When the other driver caused the accident but doesn’t have insurance or lacks enough insurance to cover your rental car costs, you still have options. You can use your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This protection on your policy helps when the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks insurance to cover your damages.
Accidents caused by uninsured drivers are unfortunately common. Should the at-fault driver have no insurance, you can’t make a claim through their insurer for a rental. In this situation, you would either need to pay for the rental car yourself or file a claim under your own policy’s rental coverage if you have it.
If the accident with the uninsured driver caused you injuries or other losses, our team of Richmond personal injury attorneys can help. They can take legal action against the at-fault driver to recover damages on your behalf.
What If the Insurance Company Denies My Rental Car Claim?
It’s frustrating, but sometimes insurance companies deny rental car claims or try to limit coverage. This can happen for different reasons, like disagreements about who caused the accident, the appropriate rental period, or exceeding the daily rate allowed by your policy.
But do not give up if your rental car claim is denied. Look closely at your insurance policy to understand why they denied it and see if their reasons match what your policy says.
If you think the denial is wrong, reach out to the insurance company and explain your situation— you might be able to work out a solution. And if that doesn’t work, talking to an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and help ensure you get your claim approved.
For a free legal consultation, call (804) 889-0500
River Run Law Can Support Your Rental Car Coverage Claim
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be stressful. At River Run Law, our experienced Richmond personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through the process, making sure you receive the rental car coverage you are entitled to under Virginia law.
We can help you with:
- Understanding your insurance policy and Virginia’s insurance laws,
- Dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company,
- Resolving any disputes about your rental car coverage, and
- Securing the rental car support you need without unnecessary delays.
As a firm ranked among the top 4% nationwide in the Best Law Firms® 15th edition, River Run Law is committed to client-centered service and effective representation.
This recognition reflects our dedication to going above and beyond for each client. If rental car coverage issues are causing you concern after an accident, reach out to us.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation Today
Getting the rental car coverage you need after an accident shouldn’t be a hassle. With River Run Law, you’ll have the support to focus on what matters: moving forward.
If you’ve been in a car accident and need help with your rental car coverage, call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our Richmond personal injury attorneys.
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