Rental coverage for when your car is at the body shop

Timothy J. Haas — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:46:40 +0000

One of the most valuable – and often overlooked – coverages on an auto policy is rental reimbursement coverage. Many agents don’t quote this coverage, because at the beginning of their relationship with you, they’re trying to win your business. They try to keep their premium low compared to other insurance quotes you may have received. (This is why it’s nice to have an agent who take time to talk with you, as a friend, and with whom you can build a beneficial relationship).

Many times after an accident, the body shop can take two to three weeks to fully repair your car. Well, if you have only one car available to you, how are you going to get around? Answer: rent one, but who will pay for it?

This is where rental reimbursement coverage comes in. The coverage is offered in terms of a daily rental reimbursement rate, like $20, $30, $40 or $50 per day of car rental. In CT and NY, an average rental sedan would cost about $35 to $45 per day to rent. The coverage term is usually 30 days.

And how much does the coverage cost? It’s cheap . . . only $12 to $25 every year. This is a great deal considering a car rental for thirty days could cost nearly $1000 or even more.

Rental reimbursement coverage is not for everyone. However, everyone who has their primary car in the shop for more than a few days wishes they had taken the coverage, if it was ever offered. Please consider yourself informed, and do the right thing. Call your friendly agent.

The Haas Agency » body shop

Rental coverage for when your car is at the body shop