Is It Worth Getting a Rental Car After an Accident?

Following a car accident, one of the first questions many drivers ask themselves is this: Is it worth getting a rental car after an accident?

It can be very overwhelming for most people following a car accident. Between calling your auto insurance company and getting medical treatment to dealing with the repair shop, it's typically important to have transportation. This is where a rental car might be a great option. However, it's not right for every situation.

The decision to get a rental car following a car accident depends on a number of factors, including auto insurance coverage, who was at fault, how long repairs will take, and even if the rental car costs are worth it.

Here, we look at whether or not it's worth getting a rental car and how a law firm, like Tom Fowler Law, can help you with the process. They are able to help with questions like is it worth appealing a denied insurance claim?

Understanding Rental Car Coverage After a Car Accident

In Iowa, there are generally three ways a rental car can be covered following a car accident:

1. Through the at-fault driver’s insurance. - If another driver caused the crash, their insurance company is generally responsible for paying for your rental vehicle while your car is being repaired or a replacement vehicle is purchased.

2. Through your own auto insurance policy. - If you purchased rental car cost coverage as part of your auto policy, your insurance will pay for a rental car, even if you were at fault or the other driver’s insurer is delaying payment.

3. Out-of-pocket payment. - If the at fault driver's insurance company won't cover rental car expenses, and you don't have car rental insurance, you may need to pay a rental car company yourself and later seek reimbursement once fault is determined.

Each situation is different, but understanding your rights and if you have rental reimbursement insurance can prevent unnecessary financial stress.

Why a Car Rental Can Be Worth It

For most accident victims, working with a car rental company to get a rental is more than simply convenient. It's really a necessity. If you live in an area where a car is necessary, without one, it can be difficult to get to work, take your kids to school, or even attend medical appointments.

Here are a few reasons why securing a rental vehicle after a crash is often worth the effort:

1. Maintain Your Daily Routine

Recovering from a car accident is stressful. You don't want to add to that stress by disrupting your routine until your vehicle is fixed.

2. Protect Your Financial Stability

You also need to protect your finances. If you can't drive to work, you may lose income or even your job. A rental car ensures that you have a way to work, and it can limit additional financial hardships following a crash.

3. Strengthen Your Claim

Using a rental car shows that the accident had an impact on your daily life. This also can strengthen your claim for damages when negotiating with the at-fault driver's insurance agent or company.

4. Ensure Fair Compensation

If the other driver was at fault, you are entitled to recover the cost of repairs and replacement, but also the loss of use of your vehicle. A rental car will help, and the at fault driver's insurance will cover rental costs.

Common Problems When Trying to Get a Rental Car

While Iowa law allows accident victims to recover reasonable transportation expenses, insurance companies do not always make the process easy. Common issues include:

• Delays in determining fault. Insurance companies often drag out investigations, leaving victims without a vehicle for days or weeks. An insurance adjuster should be working to do this quickly.

• Coverage disputes. Some insurers refuse to pay for rentals until repairs begin, or they may limit reimbursement to a specific dollar amount per day. Though coverage limits do exist, rental car insurance should allow you to get something.

• Insufficient rental reimbursement coverage. Many policies have low daily limits (e.g., $30 per day), which may not cover a comparable vehicle. Major rental car companies may work with insurers to match that, however.

When these problems arise, the best accident lawyers in Des Moines can step in to push for faster resolution and ensure your rental costs are covered.

Who Pays for the Rental Car in Iowa?

The answer depends on who caused the accident:

If the Other Driver Was at Fault:

Their insurance company should pay for your rental car until your vehicle is repaired or replaced. However, you may need to cover the cost upfront and then seek reimbursement once fault is officially accepted.

If You Were Partially at Fault:

Iowa follows a comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover damages (including rental expenses) as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the crash. Your reimbursement may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.

If Fault Is Still Being Investigated:

If there’s a delay in determining liability, your best option may be to use your own rental coverage or pay temporarily out of pocket. You might also use your liability insurance if you were at fault. Your attorney can later seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

How Long Does Insurance Cover a Rental?

Insurance companies are generally required to cover the cost of a rental car for a reasonable amount of time—usually the length of time it takes to repair your vehicle or, if it’s totaled, until you receive a settlement for its value.

However, “reasonable” can be subjective. Disputes sometimes arise if the insurer claims repairs should have been completed faster or argues that delays weren’t their responsibility. Keeping records of repair timelines and communications with the body shop can help protect your rights.

What to Do If the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay

If an insurer delays or denies coverage for your rental car, don’t assume their decision is final. Iowa law requires insurance companies to handle claims in good faith—that means fairly, honestly, and promptly.

If the company unreasonably refuses to pay for your rental vehicle, you may have grounds for a bad faith insurance claim, which could allow you to recover additional damages. This is when a car accident lawyer is invaluable.

At Tom Fowler Law, the legal team helps accident victims navigate these disputes, ensuring insurers fulfill their legal obligations and that clients receive full compensation for their losses.

How an Attorney Can Help

Getting a rental car after a crash seems simple—but insurance companies often make it difficult. A Des Moines personal injury attorney can help by:

• Reviewing your policy and the at-fault driver’s coverage

• Handling communication with adjusters

• Ensuring the insurer pays for a comparable rental vehicle

• Demanding reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses

• Pursuing additional damages for loss of use or bad faith delays

At Tom Fowler Law, the firm represents clients throughout the Des Moines area who are dealing with insurance disputes after car accidents. The team understands the tactics insurers use and works to ensure victims are treated fairly at every step. They will make the at-fault driver pay and ensure your rights are protected.