Rental Cars After an Accident

If your vehicle was damaged in a collision and you are in need of a rental car this blog is for you! Read on to find the answers to common questions relating to rental cars and Scottsdale auto body repair.

Airpark Collision Car Rental Blog

Who Makes the Car Rental Reservation?

When making a claim with the insurance company tell them you need a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired at the collision center. If you inform the adjuster in advance, your reservation will already be in the rental car company’s computer when you arrive. They will also know to direct bill the car insurance company and not you!

Who Pays for a Rental Car After an Accident?

If you are using your own insurance it will depend on whether or not you purchased rental reimbursement on your car insurance policy. If the other person was at-fault, their insurance should cover the cost of a rental car.

How Much Will the Insurance Company Pay for a Rental Car?

If you are using the other party’s insurance or your own policy (providing you opted for this coverage) there are usually limits of what the car insurance company will pay. Many times I have seen rentals paid for a maximum of 30 days. Sometimes, it is a daily budget set by the insurance company. I recommend having this conversation with your insurance adjuster prior to renting the car.

Sometimes, customers need to rent a large vehicle but only a small car is paid for by the insurance company. I suggest explaining your situation to the adjuster. If they will not cover the larger vehicle, speak with the rental car company. Sometimes the rental car company will work out a deal with you to pay the difference.

On-Site Rental Cars at Auto Body Shop

Most Scottsdale collision repair facilities do not have an inventory of rental cars on their lot. However, some auto body repair shops have a relationship with certain rental car companies who will pick you up at their collision repair facility. This complimentary service helps streamline the collision repair process.

Free Loaner Cars

If you are interested in a free loaner car, this probably means you waived rental car reimbursement on your insurance policy. At this time I am unaware of any Scottsdale auto body shops that provide free loaners. If you need a rental and are planning to pay out of pocket, ask the collision repair facility if the rental car company they work with will extend any auto body shop discounts for the rental car.

Should I Buy Damage Insurance while Renting a Car?

This is a good question, many times your own auto insurance will cover you if you are in an accident with a rental car, sometimes the credit card you use will even have some form of coverage. Before waiving the optional collision damage insurance, contact your insurance representative or credit card company to find out if you have coverage and the limitations of the coverage. You should be aware that some rental car companies charge the customer “loss of use” if the vehicle is involved in an accident. Loss of use means they plan to charge you the amount of money they would of made per day renting out the car. This can really add up, as charges are accruing each day the rental vehicle is repaired at the auto body shop.

Will a Scottsdale Auto Body Shop Pay for a Rental?

Rental cars are usually not paid by an auto body shop. Their role is to fix the collision damaged car. Rental car issues are resolved with insurance companies and rental car stores. Please understand that auto body repair shops are motivated to repair your vehicle in a timely manner, and be paid upon completion. However, many things can factor in to the completion date including insurance approval delays, part backorders, and very large labor intensive repairs or tow ins.

Airpark Collision Center opened in 2006 with a commitment to quality collision repair and excellent customer service. Our customers can expect:

Enterprise Car RentalHertz Car Rental

  • Body shop discounts on rentals from Enterprise and Hertz
  • Pick up service at our facility by Enterprise and Hertz
  • Car rental return to our facility upon vehicle pick up. No need to go back to the rental car facility

Airpark Collision Center, your Scottsdale auto body shop tries to ease the stress of collision repair! Stop in or click here for an estimate!



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Tina Small has been part of the Airpark Collision Center team since 2006. Working directly with customers, her goal is to share frequent customer questions, and proper methods of collision repair.

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