Rental Car Reimbursement coverage
If your car is damaged in an accident*, this optional add-on coverage will help pay for a rental car while yours is being repaired.
What is Rental car reimbursement?
Rental Car Reimbursement is an optional coverage you can add to your auto insurance policy to insure you’ll have transportation when your vehicle is being repaired or replaced after a covered accident* or if your car is damaged from another covered claim.
What does Rental Car Reimbursement NOT cover?
If you rely on your vehicle to get around daily and it’s been damaged in a covered accident*, Rental Car Reimbursement coverage could be really helpful. It’s also important to understand what Rental Car Reimbursement insurance doesn’t cover.
Rental cars used for vacation or leisure driving
Rental Car Reimbursement doesn't cover rental cars you book for vacations, road trips, or other personal travel unrelated to a covered insurance claim.
Rental cars used due to routine maintenance
Taking your car in for an oil change, tire replacement, or other scheduled maintenance? Rental Car Reimbursement won't cover a rental vehicle while your car is in the shop.
Rental cars used due to mechanical breakdowns
If your vehicle breaks down due to engine trouble, transmission failure, or another mechanical issue unrelated to a covered claim, Rental Car Reimbursement won't pay for a rental.
Fuel and mileage fees
Rental Car Reimbursement helps pay for the cost of renting a replacement vehicle, not additional expenses like gas, mileage charges, or other fees.
Damage or theft of a rental car
Rental Car Reimbursement doesn't pay for damage to or theft of the rental vehicle itself. Your existing auto insurance coverage or separate rental car insurance may provide protection.
How much does Rental Car coverage cost?
It depends on the limits you choose. If you choose higher limits (for a nicer rental car or longer rental time), this coverage will cost more upfront. In the Root app, you can easily see how the different limits will increase or decrease your insurance rate.
The difference between the lowest and highest Rental Car Reimbursement coverage limits is usually just a few dollars, making it an affordable addition to your policy, especially compared to paying for a rental car out of pocket after a covered accident*.
Higher limit policies
Choosing a higher limit for Rental Car Reimbursement helps ensure you can afford a replacement vehicle that matches your current lifestyle and covers rising rental and repair costs.
Lower limit policies
Choosing a lower limit for Rental Car Reimbursement policy will lower your monthly auto insurance premium—typically by only a few dollars.
Choosing your Rental Car Reimbursement limits
Just like Liability insurance, Rental Car Reimbursement insurance comes with limits of how much the insurance company will pay. However, your rental limits are per accident* and per day.
Because third party rental car companies (like Enterprise or Hertz) usually charge a per-day fee, you’ll choose a per-day limit when you select your insurance coverage.
For example: If you select a per-day limit of $30 per day, you could choose any car that’s less than $30 per day—or pay the difference yourself.
You’ll also choose a limit for the maximum amount your insurance company will pay per accident*. If you need to use the rental car longer than the maximum amount covers, you’ll have to pay the difference yourself.
For example: If you choose a rental plan that covers up to $30 a day and up to $900 an accident* (30/900), then you would have up to $900 to use total, up to $30 a day—which equals out to 30 days of use.
Rental Car Reimbursement coverage FAQs
Am I covered when driving a vacation rental car?
Your Root auto insurance policy may extend coverage to vacation rental cars, which are considered non-owned vehicles under certain policies. Coverage varies by state and policy terms, so check your policy before traveling to understand what protection applies. Rental Car Reimbursement is separate coverage that helps pay for temporary transportation after a covered accident*.
Does rental car coverage apply if my car is stolen?
A stolen vehicle generally qualifies for Rental Car Reimbursement if the theft is covered under your Comprehensive coverage. Your policy's daily and per-accident* limits still apply.
Does it cover rideshare or public transit instead of a rental?
Transportation expenses like rideshare services and public transit aren't always included in Rental Car Reimbursement. Check your Root policy to see which transportation options qualify for reimbursement.
Can I add Rental Car Reimbursement to any Root auto policy?
Adding Rental Car Reimbursement typically requires both Comprehensive and Collision coverage. Open the Root app to check your eligibility and explore available coverage limits.
Does it cover a rental if my car is totaled?
When your vehicle is declared a total loss after a covered accident*, Rental Car Reimbursement generally helps pay for a temporary rental. However, coverage typically ends shortly after your insurer determines the vehicle is totaled, even if you haven't purchased a replacement.
Does the policy cover a rental car company’s insurance fees?
Additional insurance fees and optional damage waivers from rental car companies aren't typically included in Rental Car Reimbursement. Your existing auto insurance policy might provide some protection for the rental vehicle.
*A covered accident refers to a covered Comprehensive or Collision loss. Refer to your policy for specific coverage details, terms, and exclusions.
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