Who Pays for the Rental Car While My Car Is in the Repair Shop in Georgia?

The at-fault driver’s insurance provider typically pays for the rental car while your car is in the repair shop in Georgia. If you were in a car accident in Georgia, there’s a high chance that your vehicle is either in need of repairs or total replacement.

A situation like this can leave you wondering how you’ll manage to get around without access to your car as a mode of transportation. Thankfully, a Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you figure out where to obtain a rental car while your vehicle is inaccessible. 

Why Does the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company Usually Pay For Your Rental Car?

The at-fault party’s insurance company usually pays for your rental car because the person they insure was found liable for the crash. As a result, the at-fault party’s insurance provider is also responsible for the expenses incurred as a result of the collision. 

Now, there are 10 tactics insurance companies use to deny and devalue car accident claims, but luckily, personal injury lawyers are aware of these techniques. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can combat the manipulation in your pursuit of a fair compensation offer. 

Your lawyer can also help you initiate the process of filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. The financial stress of a collision can be overwhelming, but the good news is that you can include the unexpected expenses as part of your claim. 

What Happens If the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the at-fault driver is either uninsured or without sufficient insurance to cover your rental car expenses, you might have to turn to your insurance policy instead. If your policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can use it to cover your rental car costs. 

This type of insurance is designed to protect you in situations where other drivers cannot pay for the damages that they caused—for example, the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Without this coverage, you may have to pay for the rental out-of-pocket temporarily. 

What To Expect After Your Claim for a Rental Car is Approved 

If the claim you file with the other driver’s insurance is approved, the insurer will likely work with a rental car company so that you have a rental to use while your car is in the shop. You’ll either need to pick up the car yourself or agree to have the rental delivered to you. 

As appreciative as you might be about getting to rent a car, remember that insurance companies try to minimize the amount of money they pay out to victims like you. Similarly, it is not uncommon for them to offer you the smallest and cheapest vehicle available.

However, your lawyer will know that insurance companies should strive to provide you with a car that is comparable to the vehicle you were driving at the time of the accident. Your attorney can work towards obtaining a rental car that is closer in quality and value to your own car. 

Will You Have to Pay Anything Before the Insurance Company Accepts Your Claim?

It depends. The cost of your rental car is typically included as part of the compensatory damages you can seek in a car accident claim, along with other expenses like medical bills and property damage. But what if you don’t have access to your settlement money yet?

The rental car company may ask you to put your credit card on file before they give you access to a rental car. They might also encourage you to purchase insurance that will cover the car while it’s in your possession. 

Unfortunately, in some cases, the other driver’s insurance company will drag out their decision or challenge who is actually at fault. This can make matters difficult if you need a car now but you haven’t received an insurance offer yet. Here’s what might happen as a result: 

• Paying upfront: You might have to pay out-of-pocket until the settlement you’re waiting on reimburses the cost of renting a car.  
• Asking your lawyer for help: Not everyone has the means to pay for a rental car out of pocket, even if they know they’ll be reimbursed later on. If you don’t have the money to rent a car upfront, your attorney can fight to expedite the settlement process. 

Reach Out To Our Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney For Help With Your Car Accident Claim in Georgia

In need of a rental car while your vehicle is in the repair shop? Are you wondering if there’s a way to have the at-fault party’s insurance company pay for your rental car? At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to help you figure out the process of renting a car after a collision. 

We have over 25 years of experience helping people just like you recover from a car accident, and we’re here for you. Reach out to us as soon as possible to learn about our firm and what we can do for your case.