(800) 253-1482What Is Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage in Missouri?
Summary: Rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for a rental car if your vehicle is damaged in an accident, but doesn't apply to non-accident-related rentals. Missouri drivers can add this coverage to their insurance to cover transportation costs, even if they are at fault, but will still need to enroll in a collision or comprehensive coverage to qualify. The method of reimbursement/covering the rental costs will vary as will the amount depending on your carrier. However, car insurance with rental reimbursement is a good choice if you can't afford to pay for transportation for weeks at a time out of your own pocket while waiting for your vehicle to be restored. Estimated Read Time: 4 mins
Rental car reimbursement coverage pays for rentals after an accident, even if you're at fault.
Drivers in Missouri can add this to their auto insurance policies and receive reimbursement for the costs up to a daily limit for a set number of days.
You may even be able to cover alternatives like cab fare or rideshare trips.
It's an inexpensive way to protect yourself from more after an accident, ensuring you have transportation while your vehicle is being repaired.
Can I Get Reimbursed for Rental Car After Accident in MO?
There are times in which rental reimbursement coverage will cover the costs of renting a vehicle after an accident, however, it’s not going to cover every situation.
Understanding when you are protected is the key to avoiding unnecessary costs and personalizing your auto insurance in Missouri.
Rental reimbursement coverage applies only when your insurer covers repairs after an accident, not for routine maintenance or vacation rentals.
If another driver is at fault, their insurance usually covers rental costs, however, if they do not have coverage, you can rent a car yourself and get reimbursed, or have your insurer arrange it through your own policy as well.
Keep in mind that you're responsible for gas, mileage, and deposits.
Furthermore, most insurers require you to have collision or comprehensive insurance on your policy in order to qualify for rental car reimbursement coverage.
There's no deductible for car insurance with rental car reimbursement, but you'll still need to pay your collision or comprehensive deductible.
How Does Rental Car Reimbursement Work for Drivers in Missouri?
Some insurers partner with rental car companies to make the reimbursement process easier, allowing direct billing in some cases. However, others may require you to submit receipts to claim reimbursement.
While it's less common, some insurers might also let you bill rentals directly to them with prior authorization.
You have the flexibility to choose any rental service, whether it's an affiliate of your insurer or an independent agency:
- If you go through an affiliated rental service, they can handle the billing directly, saving you the hassle of filing claims yourself.
- If you rent independently, you might even receive discounts by informing the rental company that your car is being replaced due to an accident.
If your vehicle is declared a total loss, the time you have access to a rental car is limited, therefore, it's best to start looking for a replacement vehicle as soon as you know.
Additionally, insurance companies place limits on how much they will pay for a rental car each day and for the entire claim.
The types of incidents covered by car insurance with rental car reimbursement are usually the same as those under your collision or comprehensive policy.
This includes perils like hitting another vehicle, crashing into a stationary object, or hitting wildlife.
However, it's important to remember that rental reimbursement doesn’t cover mechanical breakdowns or non-accident repairs.
Without mechanical breakdown insurance, you'll have to pay for a rental out of pocket if your car needs repairs that aren't related to an accident.
Policies often have limits on how many days you're eligible for a rental and how much they'll pay per day.
For example, some plans offer reimbursement of $40–60 per day for up to 30 days, however, this varies depending on your coverage and carrier.
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you can still file a rental reimbursement claim.
If the other driver is at fault, their insurer will likely cover the rental costs once the fault is established.
However, using your own rental reimbursement coverage can speed up the process if the claims are taking time.
Overall, rental reimbursement is a useful way to avoid paying for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident.
Note: If you have an accident while driving a rental, the claims process will be a bit different.
Is Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage Worth It in Missouri?
Whether or not rental reimbursement coverage is right for you will vary among drivers, however, if you can’t afford to be without transportation after an accident, it’s an optional protection worth exploring.
For drivers on a tight budget, adding rental car reimbursement might take a few extra considerations, since many carriers require you to carry both comprehensive and collision coverage on your auto policy to qualify.
However, if you're not able to cover rental costs for one to two weeks out of pocket while your vehicle is being fixed, it could be a helpful safeguard.
Shopping around for better rates might allow you to add car rental reimbursement without breaking the bank.
For many, going without a vehicle for weeks at a time is a hurdle to healthcare, their employment status, and simply getting everyday errands done.
In the end, rental reimbursement can be a smart choice to ease the inconvenience of being without your car during repairs, offering peace of mind when you need it most.
How to Get Car Insurance With Rental Reimbursement in MO
Major repairs after an accident can take one to three weeks on average and during that time, drivers without the right coverage or alternative means will have to pay for transportation out of their own pockets.
Your car insurance should be personalized to your needs and affordable, but with so many carriers, it’s important to shop around. Otherwise, you may overpay for coverage.
Below, you can shop and compare top-rated auto carriers offering rental reimbursement coverage and much more to drivers in Missouri. Get a free, no-obligation quote in just a few clicks, or ask an agent how you can save by calling the number above.
