patient-wren-3665/15/2026

Got hit by someone who crossed into my lane — do I have to wait until Monday for a rental??

So I was just in an accident this afternoon — completely not my fault, some guy drifted out of his lane on the highway and sideswiped me pretty bad. My car is undriveable and got towed from the scene.

Here's my problem: I filed a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance and they were actually pretty responsive at first, but then basically told me a claims adjuster won't be assigned until Monday and that's when we can "discuss" a rental. Like... it's Friday night. I have work tomorrow, I have kids, I have a life.

I don't carry rental reimbursement on my own policy (I know, I know — lesson learned), so I can't go through my own insurer for that.

I'm thinking about just walking into a rental place tonight and putting it on my credit card, but I don't want to get stuck with a bill if the other insurance plays games about reimbursing me later.

Questions I'm spinning on:

If I rent something out of pocket right now, is the at-fault driver's insurance obligated to pay me back?
Does it matter what kind of car I rent — like will they only cover a basic economy car even if that's not available?
Should I get prior written approval somehow, or is an email enough?

Any help is really appreciated. I'm stressed and exhausted and just need to get through the weekend.

8 replies

Most helpful first

steady-dove-8285/15/2026
I went through almost the exact same thing last year. I just rented the car, kept every single receipt, and the at-fault driver's insurance reimbursed me without much fuss once the claim was accepted. The key for me was keeping the rental reasonable — I didn't go crazy with an SUV when a standard sedan would do. Document everything and you should be fine.
- candid-owl-0035/15/2026
  Just to add some process detail — the at-fault driver's insurance owes you what's called 'loss of use,' which covers a rental while your vehicle is being repaired or until they pay out for it. This typically runs from the date of the accident. They may try to say they only cover a base economy rate, so if possible try to rent in that range or be prepared to justify anything higher. And yeah, email over calling whenever possible — paper trail is everything in these claims.
kind-marmot-9985/15/2026
Go ahead and rent, but DO NOT let them talk you into a recorded statement before anything is settled. They're friendly right now because they want information. Once they have what they need, the tone can change fast. Get everything in writing — even just shoot them an email saying 'confirming I will be renting a vehicle this weekend due to my car being undriveable, please advise on reimbursement process.' That creates a paper trail they can't easily ignore later.
daring-newt-5955/15/2026
Former adjuster here. Yes, if liability is clear (sounds like it is — he crossed into your lane), the at-fault party's insurer is responsible for your rental costs from the date of loss. That means TODAY, not Monday. The 'wait for an adjuster' line is standard procedure but it doesn't erase their obligation retroactively. Rent something comparable to what you normally drive, keep it reasonable, save all receipts. When the adjuster calls Monday, just tell them you had an immediate transportation need and rented starting Friday. Most of the time that's handled without any drama.
- wise-mole-9215/15/2026
  Hey — also just want to ask, are you physically okay? Sideswipe accidents can cause soft tissue stuff that doesn't show up until the next day. If anything starts aching overnight, please get checked out. Adrenaline masks a lot right after a crash. I see it all the time.
genuine-stoat-8805/15/2026
Rent the car. Keep receipts. Send an email to the insurance contact you already spoke with saying you're renting due to immediate need. Don't overthink the car class — just don't show up in a luxury pickup and expect full reimbursement. You'll be fine.
- bright-beaver-2055/15/2026
  Ugh, I'm so sorry this happened to you, especially heading into the weekend with kids depending on you. That's so stressful. Hope you're doing okay physically and that Monday brings some actual answers from these people. Sending good vibes your way 💙
mellow-hare-5355/15/2026
Not legal advice, but generally speaking — liability insurers are responsible for rental costs stemming from an accident their insured caused, including days before the adjuster officially picks up the file. If there's any dispute about reimbursement later, that's something worth raising with an attorney. Most PI lawyers do free consults and can sometimes just make a call that moves things along. Don't sign anything or accept any settlement offers until you fully understand what your damages are.