Car Insurance How long will insurance pay for a rental car after a total loss? Insurance will usually pay for a rental car after a total loss until your car’s value is assessed and the settlement is offered, which can take a few days to a few weeks. Coverage typically ends once you accept the settlement. Check your policy for specific details, as coverage limits may vary. View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area Written by Insure.com's Editor | Updated on: January 27, 2025 The page is part of the topic how to keep your totaled car Why you can trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry. Understanding the duration of rental car coverage after a total loss is crucial for those navigating insurance claims. Insurance companies provide rental car reimbursement for a limited period, following a total loss event. This timeframe allows policyholders sufficient time to arrange alternative transportation while awaiting settlement or purchasing a new vehicle. Familiarizing yourself with these details can help you manage expectations and plan accordingly during the claims process. Key Takeaways Rental car coverage after a total loss typically lasts until your car’s value is assessed and the settlement is processed, which can take a few days to weeks. Coverage often ends once you accept the settlement, meaning you may need to cover rental costs yourself if more time is needed. It’s important to review your policy details and communicate with your claims adjuster to ensure you have enough rental coverage during the claims process. Duration of rental car coverage During the evaluation period – The insurance company covers a rental car during the time it takes to assess your totaled car’s value and process the settlement offer. This can range from a few days to a couple of weeks. Settlement acceptance – The rental coverage usually stops once you accept the settlement. You might need to pay out-of-pocket for the rental if you need more time. Check your policy and communicate Review your policy – Each policy is different, so understand the terms of your rental coverage. Inform your adjuster – Stay in touch with your claims adjuster. Discuss this with them if you need more rental coverage due to delays. The bottom line Understanding the limits of your rental car coverage after a total loss can help you better plan for transportation needs. Since coverage typically ends after the settlement is accepted, it’s important to review your policy and stay in communication with your claims adjuster. This will ensure you have the right information and can request additional coverage if needed. Frequently asked questions What is rental car reimbursement? Rental car reimbursement is offered by some car insurance policies that help pay for the cost of renting a car if your own vehicle is being repaired or replaced after an accident, theft, or other covered event. It helps cover the expense of having a temporary vehicle while your car is out of service. The amount and duration of the rental car coverage can vary depending on your insurance policy. How much do insurance companies pay for a rental car after a total loss? Insurance companies reimburse rental cars after a total loss for a limited period, often up to 30 days, with daily reimbursement limits ranging from $25 to $75, depending on the policy. It’s important to review your specific policy details, as coverage durations and limits can vary. ✕ Have we answered your question? Yes No Awesome! We appreciate your feedback. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! We're sorry to hear that! Your feedback helps us improve. Could you let us know how we can make it better? Please enter valid input. We appreciate your feedback and are working to enhance your experience. In case you missed it Best Car Insurance Companies of 2025 The most and least expensive states for car insurance in 2025 What is full coverage car insurance? How much does car insurance cost for seniors in 2025? A complete guide to adding a teenager to your car insurance policy in 2025 What to do after a car accident that’s not your fault Total warfare: What to do when your auto insurer totals your car Car insurance claims: Who gets the claims check? 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