At-fault driver told me 'don't worry, my insurance covers everything' — does it really?

Went through almost the exact same thing two years ago — someone ran a stop sign and totaled my car and I still owed money on it. The 'actual cash value' thing is real and it stings. The payout on mine didn't fully cover the loan, so I was stuck paying the difference out of pocket. It's called being 'upside down' on the loan. Check if you had gap insurance — I didn't, and I really wish I had. The at-fault driver's insurance should cover your rental while the claim is open, but you usually have to push for it. Don't assume they'll just offer it.

Please please please be careful when the other driver's insurance calls you. They are going to sound super friendly and helpful and like they're on your side — they are not. Their job is to close your claim as cheaply as possible. Don't agree to a settlement number on the vehicle until you've done your own research on what comparable cars are actually selling for in your area. They will low-ball the ACV offer. You can negotiate it.

So I used to work claims for a large carrier and here's what actually happens: the at-fault driver's liability coverage is what you're dealing with — it's supposed to make you 'whole,' meaning back to where you were before the accident. That includes the car's value, a rental during the claim period, and yes, documented lost wages. The catch is documented — your husband will need pay stubs or employer letters showing exactly what shifts he missed and what he earns. Don't just say 'he lost wages,' show them the proof upfront. As for the ACV vs. loan balance gap, that's unfortunately a real problem and the at-fault policy doesn't bridge it — that's what gap insurance is for on your own policy.

I just want to make sure — was your husband checked out medically? Airbag deployments and a hard side impact can do a lot of internal damage that doesn't show up right away. Adrenaline masks a ton. If he hasn't been seen by a doctor yet, please go. Even if he feels okay. Some injuries take days to really appear and having it documented early matters a lot if anything does turn up later.

To answer your rental question more specifically: yes, the at-fault driver's liability coverage typically includes 'loss of use,' meaning they owe you a rental (or the dollar equivalent) while your vehicle claim is being processed. The tricky part is that once they make a final offer on the car, the rental clock stops — so if you're negotiating the ACV, keep an eye on that. For lost wages, you'll want documentation from the employer: something on letterhead confirming his hourly rate or salary, scheduled shifts, and which ones were missed. Not legal advice, just how I've seen these claims get handled.

Here's the blunt version: 'I have good insurance' from the other driver means nothing. What matters is their policy limits — you don't know what those are yet. If their coverage is low and the claim gets big (car + rental + lost wages + any medical), you could hit the ceiling. Get the police report, find out their policy limits as soon as you can, and honestly consider at least a free consultation with a PI attorney before you sign anything. Most of them don't charge unless you recover money.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this on top of just being relieved your husband is alive. One car, two jobs, two little kids — the logistics alone must be a nightmare right now. I really hope someone in your circle can help with rides while this gets sorted. Hang in there.

Not legal advice, but a couple of things worth knowing: lost wages ARE recoverable under the at-fault driver's liability coverage, but they need to be substantiated with actual documentation — not estimates. Also, if your husband has any physical symptoms at all, those potential injury damages are separate from the property damage claim and should NOT be bundled together or settled at the same time. Settling the car first is generally fine; just don't let them pressure you into a full release that includes injury before you know if he's truly okay. A free consult with a PI lawyer costs you nothing and could save you from a mistake.