Home / Blog / How to Get a Rental Car After an Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault

When you’re in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, the last thing you should worry about is how to get around while your vehicle is being repaired. The good news is that you usually have options for getting a rental car, and in many cases, the at‑fault driver’s insurance may cover that cost. Understanding your rental car coverage and knowing the steps to take can help you get back on the road quickly without bearing the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.

Why Choose Triumph Law Group for Your Accident Claim

When you’re dealing with a car accident claim, having experienced legal guidance can make the process smoother and help you avoid common insurance pitfalls. Triumph Law Group highlights that its attorneys bring many years of combined personal injury experience and that the firm represents clients in Arizona and New Mexico in a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases.

The firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney’s fees upfront, and the firm is paid from a recovery if one is obtained. Triumph Law Group also offers free consultations, 24/7 availability, and bilingual services in English and Spanish, so you can get your questions answered quickly and in your preferred language. If you are dealing with insurance disputes over rental car coverage or pursuing a full claim for your accident injuries, the attorneys at Triumph Law Group can review your options and help you plan your next steps. Call 602-595-5559 for a free consultation today.

Understanding Rental Car Coverage After an Accident

Rental car coverage is a specific type of protection related to vehicle use while your car is out of service. It helps pay for a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired or replaced after an accident, and it can come from more than one place.

If you have your own collision or comprehensive coverage, you may also have purchased rental reimbursement coverage as an optional add‑on. Rental reimbursement typically has a daily dollar limit and a maximum number of days, and it applies regardless of who was at fault in the crash, as long as the loss is covered under your policy. When you are not at fault, the at‑fault driver’s liability insurance is often ultimately responsible for your reasonable rental car costs, but getting that insurer to pay promptly is not always straightforward. Knowing what your own policy offers and how liability coverage works helps you decide which path is fastest and most practical in your situation.

Steps to Get a Rental Car When You’re Not at Fault

Getting a rental car after an accident generally involves several key steps:

Report the accident and, when appropriate, contact the police. In Arizona, law enforcement typically becomes involved when there are injuries, significant vehicle damage, or a hit‑and‑run. Even for minor crashes, having a report can make later insurance discussions easier.
Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicle damage, the other car, the surrounding area, traffic signs or signals, and anything else that may be relevant. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
Notify your own insurer promptly. Report the crash, provide the other driver’s information, and ask about your rental options under your policy. Your insurer can tell you if you have rental reimbursement and how to use it.
Open a claim with the at‑fault driver’s insurer when possible. If liability is clear, that insurer may agree to set up a direct‑bill rental, which means the rental company bills them instead of you.
Arrange the rental. Depending on what each insurer offers, you may receive a direct‑bill rental set‑up, be asked to rent and be reimbursed later, or use your own rental reimbursement coverage while fault is investigated.

The goal is to avoid gaps in transportation while the insurers sort out which company will bear the ultimate cost.

Who Pays for Your Rental Car?

Who pays for your rental car depends on fault, coverage, and practical timing:

At‑fault driver’s liability insurance. When another driver is clearly at fault, their liability insurer is generally expected to cover a reasonable rental period while your vehicle is undriveable or being repaired.
Your own rental reimbursement coverage. If you carry this endorsement, your insurer may pay for a rental immediately, then seek repayment from the other driver’s insurer later. This can be the fastest way to get a vehicle, even if the fault is not yet formally accepted.
Upfront payment with later reimbursement. In some situations, you may pay out of pocket for a rental and seek reimbursement once liability is resolved and the other insurer accepts responsibility.
Uninsured or underinsured at‑fault driver. If the at‑fault driver lacks adequate insurance, your own collision coverage and rental reimbursement endorsement may help with rental costs while you consider additional recovery options, such as an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim or other legal action.

Because policies vary, it is important to review your declarations page or speak with your agent or attorney about your specific limits and endorsements.

Common Challenges and How to Address Them

Accident victims often encounter obstacles when they try to secure rental coverage:

Disputes over fault. If the at‑fault driver’s insurer contests liability, they may delay authorizing a rental.
Disagreement on rental duration. Insurers may argue that repairs should have been completed sooner or that a total loss was declared early, cutting off rental benefits.
Vehicle type disputes. An insurer may approve only a compact rental even though you normally drive a larger vehicle, leading to disagreement over what is “reasonable.”
Uninsured or underinsured drivers. When the responsible driver has no insurance or inadequate coverage, it can be harder to shift costs to their side.

When you face these issues, having an attorney involved can help you dispute unreasonable denials, negotiate additional rental days when justified, and coordinate between insurers so you are not stuck in the middle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the at‑fault driver is uninsured or carries very low limits, your own policy becomes especially important. Collision coverage and any rental reimbursement endorsement you purchased can help cover your rental car while you consider an uninsured motorist property damage claim, a lawsuit against the driver, or other available options. Collecting directly from an uninsured driver can be difficult, so reviewing your coverage with an attorney can be useful before you decide on the next steps.

How long will insurance pay for a rental?

Many policies limit rental reimbursement to a certain daily amount and a maximum number of days, often in the range of two to four weeks, but this is policy‑specific. When the at‑fault driver’s insurer pays, they generally cover a “reasonable” rental period while your vehicle is being repaired or until a total loss settlement is offered. If repairs take longer because of parts delays or shop backlog, you may need to request an extension and provide documentation from the repair facility.

What if my rental car claim is denied?

If your rental claim is denied, carefully review the explanation—common reasons include lack of coverage, fault disputes, or exceeding policy limits. You can appeal a denial, submit additional documents (like repair timelines or estimates), or ask for a written clarification of the policy language relied on. If the denial still seems unfair or confusing, speaking with an attorney can help you determine whether to challenge the decision and how that fits into your broader accident claim.

Get Legal Help with Your Accident Claim

If you’re struggling to get rental car coverage or dealing with disputes between insurance companies, you do not have to manage everything on your own. Triumph Law Group has experience helping accident victims navigate insurance issues, including rental cars, vehicle repairs, and injury claims, under Arizona law.

The firm offers free consultations, works on a contingency fee basis, and states that it is available 24/7 to answer questions about your accident and your options. To discuss your situation and get guidance tailored to your claim, contact Triumph Law Group at 602-595-5559.

Last Updated : June 24, 2026