If your vehicle was damaged in a car accident in Michigan, you might need a rental car while it’s getting repaired or you’re shopping for a new one. Repairs or replacements take time, and you’ll still need a way to commute, get to doctor’s appointments, and get around in the meantime.
Rental car costs are not cheap, so you may be wondering who’s responsible for paying the bill. It depends.
Who Pays for a Rental Car After an Accident in Michigan?
Michigan motorists must purchase no-fault auto insurance, including Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, property protection insurance, and residual liability insurance.
However, towing and rental car coverage is optional for Michigan drivers. If you purchased towing and rental car coverage as part of your auto insurance policy before the accident occurred, then your insurance policy should cover renting a car. If you don’t have rental car insurance, you might have to pay for the rental yourself.
Obtaining Reimbursement for a Rental Car
If you were involved in an accident and your policy has rental car coverage, your insurance agent should help you acquire a rental vehicle. Many motorists don’t realize that towing and rental car coverage is affordable. You can never predict what will happen on the road, so it’s good to add this coverage to your policy.
If your insurance agent can’t obtain a rental car for you, you can rent a car on your own and pay out of pocket. You can then seek reimbursement from the insurance company later. Make sure your policy will cover the rental car first, or you might end up paying it yourself. You should also find out how long the insurance company will pay for a vehicle since most insurers restrict the time you can keep the rental on their dime.
Get Legal Help After Your Car Accident in Michigan
Christensen Law is a premier Michigan personal injury law firm with offices in Southfield, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids. Our attorneys can help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Reach out today for a free case review.
