Get the Basics on Renting a Vehicle

What is rental reimbursement?

When covered damage leaves your vehicle out of commission, rental reimbursement helps pay for your rental vehicle costs.

A few important things to remember about rental reimbursement:

  • Rental reimbursement is an optional coverage; not everyone chooses to include it in their policy, and it may not be available to all customers.
  • Rental reimbursement coverage may be subject to a daily and per accident limit. For example, if you have $25 per day/$750 per accident rental reimbursement limits, GEICO will pay up to $25 per day but no more than $750 per accident for your rental vehicle.

Check coverages and limits available on your policy

When can I use rental reimbursement?

If your vehicle is safe to drive, reimbursement begins when repairs to your damaged vehicle start. You should not get a rental vehicle until you confirm that the shop has the necessary parts and is ready to begin repairs to your vehicle. If your vehicle is disabled or unsafe to drive, we can usually authorize you to get a rental vehicle after you report your claim.

How long can I keep the rental vehicle?

If your vehicle is being repaired, you can generally keep the rental vehicle until your damaged vehicle is back on the road or until your coverage limit runs out, whichever comes first.

If your vehicle is a total loss, your auto damage adjuster will advise you when to return the rental vehicle. The amount of authorized rental time at this point will be limited, so you should begin shopping for a replacement as soon as you learn your vehicle is a total loss.

Which rental vehicle company should I use?

GEICO partners with Enterprise Rent-A-Car® to ensure our customers receive the best service possible. However, as a GEICO customer, you have the freedom to use any rental vehicle provider you like.

What kind of rental vehicle can I rent?

In most states, you can rent a vehicle comparable to your own vehicle. However, you should always consider your rental reimbursement limits when choosing a rental vehicle. If the daily rate of your rental vehicle is more than your daily limit, you will have to pay the difference. Also, if your vehicle repairs are going to take several weeks, you may want to rent a vehicle with a lower daily rate so your rental reimbursement limit will last longer.

How does GEICO pay for my replacement vehicle?

If you choose to rent from Enterprise Rent-A-Car®, they usually bill us directly after you return the vehicle. If you rent from another rental vehicle provider, they may require you to pay for the rental. In this situation, we will reimburse you the costs that you have incurred, subject to the limits of your rental reimbursement coverage.

Do I need to purchase additional insurance for the rental vehicle?

Most rental vehicle providers will ask you to purchase additional insurance from them to cover the rental vehicle. GEICO does not pay for this additional coverage. In many cases, this coverage is not necessary. If you have comprehensive and collision coverages on your GEICO policy, they will usually transfer to your rental vehicle while your vehicle's accident damage is being repaired.

You should decide for yourself if you want to purchase insurance coverage from the rental provider. Your GEICO liability adjuster can provide more information and assist you with this decision.

This material is intended for general information only. It does not expand coverage beyond the policy contract. Please refer to your policy contract for any specific information or questions on applicability of coverage.