How to Get a Rental Car After a Car Accident

If you have been injured in a car accident in South Carolina, securing a rental car is often a pressing concern. While property damage alone typically does not warrant legal representation, managing transportation becomes a crucial part of your recovery process when injuries are involved. At HawkLaw P.A., we help our injury clients with every aspect of their case, including their rentals.

So today, we’re addressing some of the questions we hear the most often from our own clients.

My Car Was Damaged in a Wreck; What Do I Do?

1. Report the accident to your insurance company.
2. Obtain a copy of the police report.
3. Take photos of the vehicle damage.
4. Schedule an inspection with a repair shop.
5. Contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company to initiate a claim.
6. Request a rental vehicle through your insurance or the at-fault party’s insurer.
7. Keep all receipts and documentation related to the rental.

When Should I Get My Rental Car?

As soon as possible. If your vehicle is undrivable, try to arrange a rental immediately after reporting the accident, especially if you’re in a single-vehicle household. You’ll need a way to get to doctors’ appointments, after all.

Do I Have a Choice in What Vehicle I Rent?

Generally, yes. Insurance companies typically cover a rental comparable to your damaged vehicle. However, they may have agreements with specific rental agencies, which could influence your options. Always confirm with your insurer about approved rental providers and coverage limits.

What to Bring to the Rental Company

• Valid driver’s license
• Credit card for a security deposit
• Insurance claim number
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Contact information for your insurance adjuster

What to Do If There Are No Rental Cars Available

In situations where rental vehicles are scarce:

• Utilize rideshare services like Uber or Lyft: These can serve as temporary transportation solutions.
• Keep detailed records and receipts of all transportation expenses: Keep every receipt. You can claim these expenses as economic losses, but you have to keep records of them.
• Inform your attorney about the lack of rental availability: First, because you want to keep your attorney in the loop about every aspect of the case; and second, because you don’t want any additional hassles if your ability to rent a vehicle is delayed.

Does Insurance Cover a Rental Car After an Accident?

In most cases, insurance will cover a rental car after an accident. Usually, if the other driver is at fault, their insurance should cover your rental costs. If you’re at fault, your rental coverage depends on your policy. Many insurers offer optional rental reimbursement coverage, which can be invaluable.

Determining If Your Own Insurance Covers You

Review your policy or consult with your insurance agent to confirm if you have rental reimbursement coverage. This coverage is especially beneficial if the at-fault driver is uninsured or unlicensed.

Submitting a Claim Through the At-Fault Party’s Insurance

If the other driver is at fault, you or your attorney can:

• File a claim with their insurance company.
• Provide necessary documentation, including the police report and repair estimates, to support your claim and facilitate processing.
• Request rental coverage during the repair period.

Be aware that the at-fault party’s insurer may have limitations on rental duration and daily rates.

Does It Matter If I Caused the Accident?

Yes. If you’re at fault, your eligibility for rental coverage depends on your policy. Rental reimbursement coverage assures you’re not left without transportation during repairs.

Should I Consider Using AAA or Another Service for My Rental Car?

In some cases, a membership service like AAA can provide significant benefits when you need a rental car after an accident:

• Discounted Rental Rates: These services often partner with major rental car companies to offer members reduced daily rates, free upgrades, and sometimes even fee waivers. This can be especially helpful if your insurance policy has a daily rental cap (e.g., $30 per day), but the vehicle you need exceeds that rate.
• Guaranteed Availability: Some services offer priority booking or access to rental cars even when availability is limited
• Additional Coverage Benefits: Certain memberships include basic rental car coverage (such as liability or damage waivers), which may supplement what your auto insurance already covers.
• Help With Alternate Transportation: If no rental vehicles are available, some membership programs can also help coordinate alternate transportation, like rideshares, shuttles, or even temporary carpool services, depending on your level of coverage.

Which Insurance Companies Offer Rental Coverage in South Carolina?

South Carolina law requires that drivers carry liability and uninsured motorist insurance coverage. Many insurance policies offer optional rental reimbursement coverage, including:

• State Farm
• Progressive
• GEICO
• Allstate
• USAA
• Liberty Mutual
• Auto-Owners Insurance
• Farm Bureau
• American National
• Travelers
• Nationwide

What Happens If Repairs Take Longer Than Expected?

Even if your insurance (or the other driver’s) covers a rental vehicle, there’s usually a cap on how long you can keep it. Most policies limit rental coverage to around 30 days, sometimes less. That may be enough for minor damage, but short enough for serious repairs or parts shortages.

So what do you do?

• Talk to your insurance adjuster: If your shop provides an updated repair timeline, your insurer may extend coverage.
• Get proof of delays: If your car is stuck in the shop due to supply chain issues or backordered parts, get documentation. It could help your case for an extension or reimbursement.
• Explore alternate transportation options: If rental coverage runs out, consider carpooling, public transport, or rideshare services. Keep receipts in case you’re later reimbursed.

What Happens If My Car Is Totaled?

If your car is declared a total loss, rental car coverage typically lasts until the insurance company makes a settlement offer, not until you receive the check or buy a replacement vehicle. That timeline can feel incredibly short when juggling recovery, finances, and vehicle replacement.

Your rental coverage could end within a few days of the total loss decision, which can be especially frustrating if you’re still recovering from injuries.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Act quickly once a vehicle is totaled. The faster you accept the settlement offer (assuming it’s fair), the sooner you can move on to purchasing a new car.
• Ask your insurer for a written cutoff date. Knowing exactly when the rental ends helps you plan.
• Keep receipts if you pay out of pocket for transportation. If delays are due to the insurance process, your lawyer may be able to help recoup the extra cost.

As with repairs, your insurance company may be flexible in extenuating circumstances, but extensions aren’t guaranteed.

The South Carolina Injury Lawyers at HawkLaw P.A. Are Here to Help After a Crash

As accident lawyers in South Carolina, we know how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a serious car accident. It’s a lot, from physical recovery to dealing with insurance claims, transportation, and lost wages. That’s why HawkLaw P.A. is here to help South Carolina injury victims every step of the way.

While we do not take property damage-only cases, rental car issues often become part of a broader injury claim. HawkLaw P.A. is proud to fight for injured people throughout South Carolina. Contact us in Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, or Spartanburg.