Can You Get a Rental Car While Your Vehicle Is Being Repaired in Tempe?
One of the most frustrating parts of a car accident in Tempe is figuring out how to get around while your vehicle is in the shop. Whether you're commuting across North Tempe, getting to class near ASU, or picking up your kids in South Tempe, not having a car can disrupt your entire life.
The good news? If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to a rental vehicle at no cost to you—either through your insurance or the at-fault driver’s carrier. But actually getting that rental can be more complicated than it should be. At Tempe Car Accident Attorney, we help injured drivers recover not only medical compensation, but also the practical benefits they need while their vehicle is out of commission.
Arizona Law on Rental Car Coverage After a Crash
In Arizona, there’s no specific statute guaranteeing a rental car after an accident. However, the at-fault party is legally responsible for the damages they caused—and that includes the loss of use of your vehicle. That means if your car is being repaired, the at-fault driver’s insurer may be obligated to pay for your rental.
But don’t expect them to make this process easy. Many insurers drag their feet, dispute fault, or offer you a rental for just a few days—even if your car is in the shop for a week or more. That’s where having legal representation makes a difference. We’ve helped clients across Downtown Tempe and Escalante fight for extended rental coverage when insurers tried to cut corners.
What If You Have Rental Coverage on Your Own Policy?
If you carry rental reimbursement coverage on your own auto insurance policy, your insurer will often pay for a rental upfront—regardless of fault—and then seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance later. This can speed up the process, especially when fault is being investigated.
However, your policy may include daily limits (like $30/day for up to 30 days), and you could still owe out of pocket if the rental exceeds those limits. For crashes that involve significant repair time—like a rollover accident or a vehicle declared a total loss—rental periods may expire before you’re back on the road.
Can You Still Get a Rental if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
If the person who hit you doesn't have insurance, you're likely relying on your own uninsured motorist or collision coverage—but those usually don’t include rental reimbursement unless you’ve added it separately. That’s why working with a Tempe uninsured driver lawyer can help you identify what your policy actually covers and how to get compensated for out-of-pocket expenses.
We’ve worked with drivers near Meyer Park and Holdeman who were left scrambling when an uninsured driver totaled their car and their insurer claimed they weren’t entitled to a rental. Knowing how to apply pressure legally often makes the difference.
What If Your Rental Isn’t Comparable?
Insurance companies love to offer the cheapest rental possible—often a compact or economy car—even if you were driving a truck, SUV, or van before the crash. You’re entitled to a comparable replacement vehicle during the repair period. That means if your SUV is being repaired, you shouldn't be expected to fit your family into a subcompact.
We’ve had clients injured in rideshare crashes or DUI collisions who needed larger rental vehicles to accommodate mobility equipment or child seats. The insurer initially refused—until legal pressure changed their tune.
What Happens If Your Car Is Totaled?
If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, you’ll generally only get a rental until the settlement offer for your vehicle is made, not until you buy a new car. This can leave a major gap between the end of your rental and when you're actually able to replace your car. If the insurance company drags out the total loss process—which happens often—you could be left without transportation.
In more serious crashes, like T-bone impacts or pedestrian accidents, it’s common for the insurance company to take weeks—or even months—to make a fair vehicle valuation offer. A skilled lawyer can keep the pressure on and ensure you’re not left in limbo while they delay.
Do You Still Get a Rental if You Were Partially at Fault?
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system. That means you can still recover compensation—including for loss of vehicle use—even if you were partially responsible for the crash. For example, if you were found 20% at fault in a rear-end collision in South Tempe, the insurance company may still owe you 80% of your rental car expenses.
That said, insurers may argue over who was more at fault in borderline cases, especially those involving distracted drivers or hit-and-run scenarios. These arguments can delay payment or reduce your rental period—unless you have legal support pushing back.
What to Do If the Insurer Denies or Delays Your Rental
If the at-fault driver’s insurer refuses to authorize a rental car, your options include:
Using your own rental coverage and pursuing reimbursement later
Paying out of pocket and documenting every expense
Having your attorney issue a formal demand letter
Filing a property damage claim as part of your larger injury case
We’ve helped drivers in Tempe TBI cases, paralysis injuries, and more obtain reimbursement for rentals months after their insurers originally denied coverage—by showing the denial was in bad faith.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Pay for a Rental You Don’t Owe
If the crash wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Unfortunately, insurance companies often count on the fact that most people don’t know their rights. That’s why it helps to work with a team that does.
Whether your accident happened in Downtown Tempe, Escalante, or even involved an Arizona-wide truck crash, we can help you fight for fair rental coverage and full compensation. Visit our legal resources page to learn more about how property damage and transportation claims fit into your broader injury case.
