# How Do I Get a Rental Car After a Crash and How Long Can I Use It? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Filing a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company 2. Prolonged Investigation 3. Do NOT Provide the Insurance Provider with a Recorded Statement 4. Insufficient Repayment 5. Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Company 6. Paying for a Rental Car Out of Pocket 7. Totaled Vehicles and Total Loss Claims 8. Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![How Do I Get a Rental Car After a car accident in Houston, TX, and How Long Can I Use It?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/iStock-926104828-300x200.jpg) When you have been involved in a [car crash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), your vehicle may need to be repaired or replaced. Unfortunately, getting a rental car after an accident can be confusing and overly complicated.  Dealing with uncooperative insurance providers can leave claimants feeling completely hopeless and frustrated. If you are having trouble getting a rental car following a car crash, contact a legal professional as soon as possible. In the following post, we will discuss some of the most common questions and concerns that claimants have about getting a rental car after a collision has impacted their vehicle.  ## Filing a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company When you are involved in a car accident that you did not cause, you can [file a claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/is-it-possible-to-file-a-claim-in-houston-tx-without-a-police-report/) for a rental car with the responsible party’s insurance provider. It is important to note that insurance companies are notoriously tightfisted. You are likely to be met with resistance if you file a claim that includes a request for a [rental car](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/who-is-responsible-in-an-accident-involving-a-rental-car/). In fact, the [at-fault driver’s insurance company may not even respond](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-can-i-do-if-a-drivers-insurance-company-refuses-to-accept-liability-for-the-crash/) to your [claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/claim-vs-lawsuit/) in time to secure the alternative transportation that you need. If they do respond, they will likely want you to jump through many hoops that can slow down or weaken your claim. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Prolonged Investigation The [liable](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) party’s insurance company will probably engage in a thorough investigation of your claim. These investigations can take a significant amount of time, making it less likely that you will receive the help that you deserve. An investigation of your claim by the at-fault driver’s insurance provider may entail: - Reviewing [police reports from the accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-long-after-a-car-accident-can-you-file-a-police-report-in-texas/), which can take weeks - Collecting testimonies from [witnesses](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-importance-of-collecting-witness-statements-after-an-auto-accident/) to the crash - Gathering other reports or [evidence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-evidence-in-a-personal-injury-case/) regarding the collision The insurance company will use almost anything that they find through this investigation to undermine your claim. They will also speak with their customer (the [at-fault driver](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-happens-when-you-are-at-fault-in-a-car-accident/)) before approving your claim. If the at-fault driver provides a fraudulent account of the crash, this could also prevent you from receiving the money that is rightfully yours. ## Do NOT Provide the Insurance Provider with a Recorded Statement It is standard practice for insurance companies to request a [recorded statement](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/should-i-give-a-recorded-statement-to-an-adjuster/) from claimants. The adjuster may tell you that you are required to provide such a statement in order to be approved for a rental car reimbursement.  You should know that providing a recorded statement is *not a legal requirement*. In fact, you should always avoid providing the insurance company with a statement in written or recorded form. Adjusters have experience in manipulating well-intentioned claimants. They may ask misleading questions or use quotes out of context in order to undermine the validity of your claim. This may sound unfair…that’s because it is! If you have any questions about what is required for an insurance claim, speak with a qualified legal representative. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Insufficient Repayment Even if you do manage to clear all of the hurdles that the insurance provider puts in your way, your compensation may be insufficient. In [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/), you are entitled to compensation for a vehicle that is of similar size to the one that was [damaged](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/) in the crash.  But insurance companies often lie to claimants. For instance, they may claim that you are limited to a $10-$15 per diem repayment. Be aware of this [fraudulent strategy](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/insurance-bad-faith-lawyer/).  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Company Another option is to file a claim with your own insurance provider. Most claimants believe that their [insurance adjuster](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/insurance-adjuster-in-personal-injury-cases/) will automatically cover the costs of a rental car while theirs is being repaired. Unfortunately, this is not true under most policies. Many companies require drivers to pay an additional $1-2 per month on their policy for rental car coverage. Although this is inexpensive, people sometimes fail to purchase rental insurance because they believe they won’t need it or are unaware of the option. If you *do*pay for this type of coverage on your policy, it should be simple to get coverage for a rental car. Filing a claim through your own provider is usually the easiest option, even if you were not responsible for the crash. ## Paying for a Rental Car Out of Pocket You can also pay for a rental car with your own money if you can afford it. This may be the only option for people who need a car immediately following an accident.  When taking this option, we recommend calling the other driver’s insurance provider and learning which rental company they use. Renting a car that is of similar size to yours from that specific company will make the reimbursement process much simpler if you file a claim later. As we mentioned above, [insurance companies may claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-inside-scoop-on-how-insurance-companies-will-fight-your-personal-injury-claim/) there is a rental limit of $10-15 a day. This is false. However, it *is*a good idea to rent a vehicle for $30 or less per day if you hope to be reimbursed. ## Totaled Vehicles and Total Loss Claims If your car has sustained significant damage, it is smart to begin seeking a permanent replacement vehicle as soon as possible. The insurance company will probably require you to return the rental vehicle quickly once your car is declared to be totaled.  In some cases, your vehicle may be declared to be a “total loss.” In situations like this, you have the option to file a total loss claim. When this happens, your insurance company will compensate you for the vehicle’s value instead of paying for repairs. Under Texas state law, insurance companies must compensate you based on a “[fair market value](https://www.insurancelawsection.org/wp-content/uploads/2020-03-18-Singleton-v-Elephant-Ins.pdf)” for your totaled vehicle. But it is important to note that if you are leasing your car or paying off a car loan when it is totaled, the total loss reimbursement will go to the lienholder for the vehicle. It can be incredibly difficult to secure transportation when your car has been damaged in an accident. If you are dealing with an uncooperative insurance provider, contact an experienced legal professional to determine the best options for your specific circumstances. ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle/) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![Back Injuries After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Back-Injuries-After-a-Car-Accident-2-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/back-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) [Back Injuries After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/back-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) Back injuries after a car accident can manifest in many ways. Back injuries can even cause pain or numbness that seem [![Driving Without a License Versus Driving Without a License on Person](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/driving-without-a-license-versus-driving-without-a-license-on-person/) [Driving Without a License Versus Driving Without a License on Person](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/driving-without-a-license-versus-driving-without-a-license-on-person/) If you’ve been confused about the legal difference between driving without a license and driving without a license [![What To Do if You Suffer from Whiplash Injuries After a Car Accident in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/What-To-Do-if-You-Suffer-from-Whiplash-Injuries-After-a-Car-Accident-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-suffer-from-whiplash-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) [What to Do If You Suffer From Whiplash Injuries After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-suffer-from-whiplash-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) Whiplash is a commonly reported injury after car accidents. Symptoms may appear immediately after the accident, or [![The 5 Most Common Types of Car Crashes](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Houston-Traffic-Accident-Attorney-Brian-White-Personal-Injury-Lawyers-1-300x200.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/rear-end-collisions-causation-physics-and-injuries/) [Rear-End Collisions: Causation, Physics, and Injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/rear-end-collisions-causation-physics-and-injuries/) Data compiled by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that rear-end collisions consistently --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-do-i-get-a-rental-car-after-a-crash-and-how-long-can-i-use-it/