Rental Payment

• Obligation to pay for a rental vehicle can vary due to many factors. Was the accident their insured's fault? Did their insured actually have rental coverage on their policy? If so, what type and amount of coverage?
  
  

Rental Quality

• Auto insurance companies are obligated to provide an insured with a rental that is comparable in size and quality to the vehicle he had insured (and the one involved in the accident) if the insured's vehicle cannot be driven due to the accident. This is also applicable to any other vehicle drivers who were victims of their insured's "at fault" accident.
  
  

Repair Time Consideration

• They are obligated to provide a rental for a reasonable amount of time during repair time; however, they do have the right to expect the repairs to be made promptly and in accordance with state standards.
  
  

Expense Obligation

• They are obligated to make payment arrangements for the rental with either the rental company directly or with the insured, and neither the insured nor the victim should incur any out-of-pocket or upfront expenses for the rental.
  
  

Warning

• Make sure that the insurance company (yours if you are at fault, or the other driver's if you aren't) takes care of the rental car bill before you settle the accident claim.
  
  

Geography

• State insurance commissioners are responsible for handling consumer complaints, since there does not exist a federal regulatory board for auto insurance.
  
  

Expert Insight

• The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides consumers with the ability to communicate (via their website) with any concerns they may have about the industry (see Resources).