Overview
When your car is damaged or you can't drive while recovering from injuries, you may need a rental. Some states or insurance policies cover rental car expenses, while others don't. Additional expenses like medical transportation, household help, or childcare necessitated by your injuries can sometimes be recovered too. Understanding what expenses you can claim helps you not leave money on the table when you settle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover the cost of a rental car after an accident?
Often yes. Some insurance policies include rental reimbursement coverage, and in some cases the at-fault driver's liability insurance will cover a reasonable rental car cost while your vehicle is being repaired. The key is that the rental must be necessary because of the accident. Some states are more generous about this than others, so your location and policy details matter.
What if I don't have rental coverage and can't afford to rent a car?
You may be able to recover rental costs as part of your personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, especially if you needed a rental for medical appointments or other accident-related purposes. Keep all receipts and documentation of why the rental was necessary. A lawyer can argue these costs should come out of the settlement.
What other expenses can I recover besides medical bills and lost wages?
Depending on your circumstances, you might recover costs for transportation to medical appointments, childcare or household help you needed while recovering, modifications to your home if your injury requires accessibility adaptations, medical equipment or supplies, and other costs directly caused by your injury. You need to show these expenses were necessary because of the accident and were reasonable.
Do I need to save all my receipts?
Yes. Keep receipts and documentation for any accident-related expense you want to recover, including rental cars, transportation, childcare, household services, and medical supplies. These receipts are your proof that you incurred these costs and the amounts.
Is there a time limit for claiming these expenses?
You can claim ongoing expenses throughout your recovery period as long as they're connected to your accident injury. Some expenses, like home modifications, can sometimes be claimed even years after the accident if they're necessary because of permanent injuries.
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Get A Free Case Review →This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and every case is different. Contact us to discuss the specific facts of your situation.
