Is their insurance responsible for my rental car?

Question

I was in an auto accident that was found to be the other drivers fault. My car was a total loss and as a result I had to use a rental car while I waited to receive payment for my car from the insurance company. It took them 3 months to finish processing my payment, so I ended up paying for a rental car for three months. After I did receive payment, I sent the insurance company my receipts for the car rental and asked for reimbursement, but they said they only cover up to 7 days for a rental car, despite the fact that it took them 3 months to give me the money to replace my car. In the state of California, exactly what are they responsible for covering? Do they have a legal obligation to cover any expenses I incur from the accident? Or are they in the right to offer me only a weeks worth of rental car? And if there is a law, could anyone point me to it?

Answer 1

It is natural to use the others insurance. especially if they are at fault but it is not necessarily always the way to do it.  Probably too late now but You should have asked your own insurance company if they would pay for a rental for longer than 7 days.  if they would have you might be in better shape.  Often you will be treated better by using your own insurance (pay your deductible, if any) and let your compamy go after the other party and his insurance co.  When they collect, they would return your deductible to you

Answer 2

I'm in the same situation - it does not seem fair. They told me that it would be covered until I received the check.  I can't buy a car until I have the money and I have to get to work some how. My situation is in IL.

Answer 3

GreatFish, I recommend you visit a nearby car insurance agent to help. Since I live in Kentucky I can't recommend anyone in California, but here is an resource that can help you. http://www.usinsuranceadvisor.com/Auto-I...



Good Luck!

Answer 4

all insurances are different. most that i know of in calif only cover 1 week of car rental when an accident occurs. you didn't mention the insurance company, so we don't know what they are responsible for other than paying for your car, any medical expenses incurred due to the accident, and 1 week rental. sucks, huh? and we live in this so called great state!

Answer 5

You should have purchased rental coverage on your own policy.

Sorry...

Answer 6

if the accident is not your fault then they should pay for it.  who are you asking for the reimburstment from? you need to ask from the guy's insurance company that hit you. not YOUR insurance company.