Can I Get a Rental Car After an Accident in Florida?

Bill Allen | April 5, 2023 | Car Accidents

Can I Get a Rental Car After an Accident in Florida?

If you have been in a car accident in Florida, you may be wondering if you can rent a car to use while yours is being repaired. The good news is that, in many cases, you can get a rental car after accident. 

However, there are some factors to consider, such as who will pay for the rental car and how long you can keep it. In this blog post, we’ll answer some common questions about rental cars after an accident in Florida.

Renting a Car After an Accident in Florida

You can generally get a rental car after an accident in Florida. However, Florida’s “no-fault” car insurance rules may complicate things. By default, you must go through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance carrier for compensation after a crash. Only if your injuries are considered “serious” under Florida law can you pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. 

As a result, you’ll likely need to go through your insurance carrier to rent a car, assuming you have that coverage. However, if you do not have this coverage and are eligible to file a claim against the driver responsible for your crash, they or their insurance company may eventually pay for your rental car. Until then, you may have to pay for it out-of-pocket – at least initially.

How Long Will Insurance Pay for Rental Car After Accident?

The length of time that insurance will pay for a rental car after an accident can vary depending on the insurance policy and the circumstances of the accident. In general, insurance will pay for a rental car for as long as your car is being repaired or until the insurance company determines that your car is a total loss.

If the insurance company determines that your car is a total loss, they will typically provide you with a settlement that includes the value of your car and any rental car expenses up to that point. However, the terms of your insurance policy will dictate whether this is an option. 

If you need a rental car for longer than the insurance company is willing to pay for, you may need to pay for the additional rental car time out of your own pocket.

How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car?

If you have rental car coverage on your own insurance policy, your insurance company will typically pay for a rental car for a specific length of time, such as 30 days. However, if your car is not repaired within that time frame, you may need to pay for the additional rental car time out of your own pocket.

Will the Other Person’s Insurance Pay for a Rental Car?

If the accident was not your fault, the other person’s insurance company may have to pay for a rental car for you to use while your car is being repaired. However, as noted above, this is only an option in Florida if your injuries are considered “serious.”

Further, it’s possible that you will still need to pay for the rental car on your own upfront. After your case settles, you may be reimbursed for these costs from the at-fault party or their insurer.

In conclusion, if you have been in a car accident in Florida, you can usually get a rental car to use while your car is being repaired. Whether the other person’s insurance company or your own insurance company will pay for the rental car will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the insurance policy.

If you have any questions about getting a rental car after an accident, it is recommended to contact your insurance company or an experienced car accident attorney.

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala car accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292