If my car breaks down, will insurance cover a rental?
Insurance will cover rental car fees if the vehicle breakdown is connected to an accident. However, you must have rental car reimbursement attached to your insurance policy. Adding rental reimbursement can increase your monthly car insurance rates by $2 and $15. Car Insurance companies won't fix your vehicle if it suddenly breaks down. But MBI or a car warranty can. Shop around and compare multiple insurance companies to get the best deal.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 4, 2024
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Sudden mechanical breakdowns aren’t covered by standard car insurance
- Rental car reimbursement can cover rental expenses
- If a car accident causes a breakdown, it can be covered
Do you need a rental car after an accident totals your vehicle? Insurance companies could provide a refund for rental car fees if your vehicle broke down after an accident.
Can you use your car insurance policy for a rental if you have a vehicle breakdown? Don’t worry – we’re here to help you answer this question and more.
Read this guide to learn how car insurance companies cover rental cars and why you must buy specialty insurance for sudden vehicle breakdowns.
Does car insurance cover rental if car breaks down?
It depends on your car insurance policy. Liability-only policies usually don’t provide rentals after an accident. However, if you’re not at fault in a car accident, you could request a rental car from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
When you’re at fault in a car accident, you can get rental car assistance if you have rental car reimbursement on your policy. Auto insurance companies only provide coverage for car breakdown when it’s connected to an accident.
You can’t add rental car reimbursement immediately after an accident. Therefore, you should get rental car reimbursement at the start of your insurance policy.
Your car insurance company won’t pay for rental car expenses if your vehicle breaks down due to normal wear, faulty repairs, or lousy car parts.
This also applies to no-fault insurance coverages like collision and comprehensive insurance. Collision insurance pays for car damage regardless of who’s at fault in a car accident.
Meanwhile, comprehensive coverage pays for unforeseen accidents that don’t involve collisions, such as animal damage, fire damage, flooding, storms, and vandalism.
What is rental car reimbursement?
Rental car reimbursement is coverage that provides a refund for any rental car fees you paid after an accident. Your insurance company will provide a refund once your vehicle repairs are finished.
Insurance companies provide a refund once your vehicle repairs are finished.
What’s the difference between rental car reimbursement and rental car insurance?
Rental reimbursement is coverage you receive from the insurance company. The renal company provides rental car insurance.
Some car insurance companies extend your liability limits to a rental car, but you can get an extra layer of protection when buying rental insurance. Both policy types don’t pay for vehicle breakdowns outside of car accidents.
How much is rental car reimbursement coverage?
Rental reimbursement costs about $2 to $15 per month. However, some car insurance companies may charge more. Try shopping with the best insurance companies in your area to get the best deal.
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Is rental car reimbursement included in full coverage insurance?
Yes, it is. If you’re buying full coverage car insurance, rental car reimbursement will likely be part of the package. If not, ask your insurance agent about adding the coverage to your policy.
Full coverage insurance is about $94 per month. However, the factors that affect the price of car insurance can lower your monthly rates or drive them up.
Your insurance rates are significantly impacted by where you live. Let’s look at the average cost of auto insurance by the state.
Average Monthly Rates for Full Coverage Insurance by State
States | Average Monthly Full Coverage Rates |
---|---|
Alabama | $83 |
Alaska | $91 |
Arizona | $92 |
Arkansas | $85 |
California | $93 |
Colorado | $98 |
Connecticut | $106 |
Delaware | $110 |
District of Columbia | $122 |
Florida | $118 |
Georgia | $106 |
Hawaii | $76 |
Idaho | $65 |
Illinois | $80 |
Indiana | $69 |
Iowa | $65 |
Kansas | $78 |
Kentucky | $86 |
Louisiana | $135 |
Maine | $63 |
Maryland | $104 |
Massachusetts | $100 |
Michigan | $126 |
Minnesota | $78 |
Mississippi | $91 |
Missouri | $82 |
Montana | $80 |
Nebraska | $76 |
Nevada | $106 |
New Hampshire | $72 |
New Jersey | $121 |
New Mexico | $87 |
New York | $124 |
North Carolina | $69 |
North Dakota | $68 |
Ohio | $71 |
Oklahoma | $90 |
Oregon | $85 |
Pennsylvania | $88 |
Rhode Island | $121 |
South Carolina | $94 |
South Dakota | $72 |
Tennessee | $79 |
Texas | $106 |
Utah | $81 |
Vermont | $69 |
Virginia | $76 |
Washington | $89 |
West Virginia | $89 |
Wisconsin | $67 |
Wyoming | $78 |
Countrywide | $94 |
Your full coverage rates could be more expensive if you add rental car reimbursement to your insurance policy. However, full coverage insurance likely has rental reimbursement coverage.
Read more:
If my car breaks down, will insurance cover towing costs?
Yes, it will. If your vehicle breaks down, your insurance company covers the towing costs.
Sometimes, it depends on the company and your car insurance policy. Most car insurance companies provide emergency roadside assistance, even with liability insurance policies.
Be sure to check the perks of your insurance plan before you purchase a quote. Understanding your policy is essential to receiving the best car insurance service.
How do you get insurance coverage when a car breaks down?
Many drivers invest in mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). MBI is like a car warranty because it covers sudden breakdowns of engines, transmissions, and other essential parts of your car.
Companies like Mercury, AAA, American Family, and Geico have MBI. You can add MBI to your policy for about $100 a year.
A vehicle warranty can provide the same coverage. Car warranties last between three and five years, depending on the manufacturer or dealership.
Therefore, if your car breaks down while it’s under warranty or MBI, use your car insurance policy to tow your vehicle to a mechanic shop or a dealership.
Does mechanical breakdown insurance cover rental car costs?
No, it doesn’t. MBI only covers sudden expenses when your car breaks down. You’ll need to use the rental reimbursement coverage from your insurance policy.
What’s the difference between mechanical breakdown insurance and a car warranty?
MBI provides coverage for older vehicles that can’t get a warranty. A vehicle warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer to fix any defective issues with the most recent model year cars.
For example, it’s unlikely that Toyota would provide a vehicle warranty for a 1999 Toyota Camry. So, you’ll have to find a company that sells MBI to get coverage for the car’s most significant parts.
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Understanding Rental Car Coverage in At-Fault Accidents
Experiencing an at-fault accident with a rental car scenario can be stressful, but knowing your options for coverage can alleviate some of the pressure. If you’re the at-fault driver in an accident, the at-fault driver insurance may pay for the rental car. Instead, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for the rental car costs of the other party involved. However, having rental reimbursement coverage in your policy can ensure that your expenses for a rental car are covered while your vehicle is being repaired, regardless of who is at fault.
Auto Breakdown Insurance and Its Costs
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, having auto breakdown coverage is crucial for peace of mind. Auto breakdown insurance provides assistance and coverage for unexpected mechanical failures, ensuring that you are not stranded on the road. The auto breakdown insurance cost can vary depending on the level of coverage and the provider, but it is generally considered a worthwhile investment for the security it offers. This insurance typically covers towing, roadside assistance, and sometimes even rental car costs, making it an essential part of comprehensive vehicle protection.
Will Insurance Cover a Rental if My Car Breaks Down: The Bottom Line
Your insurance company will cover you when your vehicle breaks down due to an accident, but you’ll need rental car reimbursement on your policy. Most insurance policies with comprehensive coverage have rental reimbursement attached.
If you’re not at fault in an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should cover rental car fees for you.
You won’t receive a rental car or rental reimbursement because your vehicle suddenly broke down. However, a car insurance company can provide free towing for you.
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Comprehensive Guide to Rental and Breakdown Insurance
In the event of a car accident, it’s essential to know that you can add rental car insurance after an accident to ensure you’re not left without transportation. Many auto insurance policies offer rental reimbursement auto insurance, which covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Understanding rental reimbursement auto coverage can save you time and money, as it typically covers daily rental expenses up to a specified limit. If you’re looking for coverage, you can buy rental car insurance online for convenience. It’s also worth noting that the best car insurance for rental cars provides comprehensive coverage, including liability and collision, ensuring peace of mind while driving a rented vehicle.
When your car breaks down, having breakdown car insurance coverage can be a lifesaver. A thorough breakdown insurance comparison helps identify the best car breakdown insurance for your needs, especially if you own an older vehicle, as car breakdown insurance for older cars often covers more specific issues. Car breakdown insurance generally includes services like towing, roadside assistance, and repairs. Moreover, combining your auto insurance with breakdown coverage can be beneficial; the best car insurance with breakdown coverage ensures you’re covered in multiple scenarios. It’s crucial to know if your car insurance covers rental car costs in breakdown situations. Many comprehensive policies include rental reimbursement car insurance, allowing you to claim car rental reimbursement if your car is out of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance pay for a rental car during repairs?
Yes, many insurance policies include coverage for rental cars while your car is being repaired due to an accident or covered incident. This coverage is often part of an optional add-on called “rental reimbursement coverage.”
Does insurance cover rental cars when car is in the shop?
Insurance may cover rental cars when your car is in the shop for repairs following a covered event. Check your policy for rental reimbursement coverage to see if you’re eligible for this benefit.
If my car breaks down, will Progressive insurance cover a rental?
Standard auto insurance policies typically do not cover rental cars for mechanical breakdowns. However, some insurers offer optional coverage that includes rental reimbursement for mechanical failures.
Can I get a rental car through my insurance if my car is in the shop?
If your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, you can get a rental car while your car is in the shop for repairs after a covered incident.
Can you get a rental car if your car breaks down?
You can get a rental car if your car breaks down, but whether it’s covered by insurance depends on your policy. Standard policies usually don’t cover rentals for mechanical breakdowns, but optional rental reimbursement coverage might.
Does car insurance cover rental cars if your car breaks down?
Standard car insurance policies typically do not cover rental cars for breakdowns. You may need additional rental reimbursement coverage to be eligible for a rental car in such cases.
Does car insurance cover rental if the car breaks down?
Generally, car insurance does not cover rental cars for mechanical breakdowns unless you have purchased rental reimbursement coverage as an add-on.
Does car insurance pay for a rental?
Car insurance may pay for a rental car if you have rental reimbursement coverage and your car is being repaired due to a covered incident. Check your policy for specific details and coverage limits.
Does Geico cover rental cars if the car breaks down?
GEICO’s standard policies do not cover rental cars for mechanical breakdowns. However, if you have rental reimbursement coverage, you may be eligible for a rental car while your car is in the shop.
Does Geico cover rental cars while the car is in the shop?
GEICO offers rental reimbursement coverage as an optional add-on. If you have this coverage, it may cover rental cars while your car is in the shop for repairs due to a covered event.
Does insurance cover if your car breaks down?
Standard auto insurance policies generally do not cover mechanical breakdowns. You may need to purchase additional coverage, such as rental reimbursement, to get a rental car if your car breaks down.
Does insurance cover a rental car for mechanical repairs?
Insurance typically does not cover rental cars for mechanical repairs unless you have optional rental reimbursement coverage.
Does insurance give you a rental car if your car breaks down?
Insurance does not usually provide a rental car for breakdowns unless you have added rental reimbursement coverage to your policy.
Can I add a rental car to my insurance?
Yes, you can add rental car coverage to your existing auto insurance policy. This coverage can be added at any time, and it will cover the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim.
Can I add insurance to my rental car later?
Typically, rental car insurance needs to be added at the time of renting the vehicle. However, you can often purchase additional coverage directly from the rental company if needed.
Can I add rental car coverage after an accident?
Generally, rental car coverage cannot be added retroactively after an accident. It’s important to have this coverage in place before an accident occurs to ensure you’re covered for a rental car.
Can I add rental car to my insurance?
Yes, you can add rental car reimbursement coverage to your existing auto insurance policy to cover the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered loss.
Can I add rental coverage after an accident?
No, you typically cannot add rental coverage after an accident has already occurred. This coverage needs to be part of your policy prior to the accident to be effective.
Can I add rental insurance after an accident?
Rental insurance cannot be added after an accident. Ensure you have rental reimbursement coverage included in your policy beforehand.
Can I add rental reimbursement after an accident?
No, rental reimbursement coverage must be added to your policy before an accident happens to be eligible for reimbursement.
Can I add rental reimbursement after an accident with Progressive?
No, Progressive, like most insurers, requires that rental reimbursement coverage be added before an accident occurs. It cannot be added retroactively.
Can I buy rental car insurance online?
Yes, you can buy rental car insurance online through various providers, including rental companies and third-party insurers.
Can I claim on insurance if my car breaks down?
If you have breakdown coverage or roadside assistance included in your policy, you can claim on your insurance for services like towing and repairs. Rental reimbursement coverage may also apply if included in your policy.
Can I drive a rental car with my insurance?
Yes, your existing auto insurance policy may extend coverage to a rental car. Check with your insurer to confirm the specifics of your coverage.
Can I get a courtesy car if my car breaks down?
If you have breakdown coverage that includes a courtesy car, or if your repair shop offers one, you may be able to get a courtesy car while your vehicle is being repaired.
Can I get a rental car after an accident?
Yes, if you have rental car reimbursement coverage on your auto insurance policy, you can get a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident.
Can I get a rental car if my car is in the shop?
If your auto insurance policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, you can get a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop for covered repairs.
Can I get a rental car through my insurance?
Yes, if you have rental car reimbursement coverage included in your auto insurance policy, your insurance can cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.