Does Car Insurance Cover a Rental While Your Car Is Repaired?

Only if you carry rental reimbursement coverage. It pays for a rental while your car is repaired after a covered claim.

By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Last updated 2026

How it works

• Applies after a covered claim.
• Pays a daily amount up to a cap.

If the other driver is at fault

You may claim a rental through their liability insurance instead.

Frequently asked questions

Automatic?

No — you need rental reimbursement coverage.

During maintenance?

No — only covered-claim repairs.

The bottom line

A rental during repairs is covered only with rental reimbursement (or an at-fault driver’s insurance).

Related guides

• Does My Insurance Cover a Rental Car?

Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.