Car in the shop? Get a rental through your insurance
The short answer
If your claim includes rental cover, your insurer may pay for a car while yours is repaired. Rent from your insurer's partner and the bill usually goes straight to the insurer. Rent anywhere else and you usually pay first, then claim it back.
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Key takeaways
- Rental cover is for a covered claim, not for servicing or holidays.
- There is a daily limit and a total limit. GEICO's own example is $25 a day, up to $750 per claim.
- Fuel, mileage, the rental company's own insurance and deposits are not covered, according to GEICO and State Farm.
- Enterprise is the main partner for most big insurers.
Paid directly or paid back?
Paid directly (direct billing). You rent from your insurer's partner, and the rental company bills the insurer. You pay nothing for the rental itself, up to your limit. You may still need a card for the deposit, and you pay anything above your limit.
Paid back (reimbursement). You rent from any other company and pay the full cost yourself. Keep every receipt and send them in. You are paid back up to your limit.
Which rental company does my insurer use?
| Insurer | Rental partner | How it's paid |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | Enterprise | Paid directly with Enterprise. With others, you pay first and claim back |
| State Farm | Enterprise or Hertz | Paid directly with either |
| USAA | Enterprise | Paid directly. Book from your claim in My Claims Center, under “Reserve Rental” |
| Progressive | Ask your claims rep | The rep reviews direct billing options |
| Allstate | Ask your adjuster | Confirm direct billing with your adjuster |
You can always choose a different rental company. GEICO says so clearly. You may just have to pay upfront.
From GEICO, State Farm, USAA and Progressive's own websites, checked 24 October 2026. Allstate's rental partners aren't listed on its own site, so ask your adjuster.
When does it start, and when does it stop?
- Your own insurer: usually once the claim is filed and the adjuster confirms your rental cover. Direct billing starts on pickup day.
- The other driver's insurer: only after they accept that their driver was at fault. That can take days or weeks. Your own rental cover can carry you in the meantime.
- It stops when your car is fixed, or when you hit your daily, total or day limit, whichever comes first. Repairs running late? See Insurance rental ending but car not fixed?
What if no direct bill is set up?
Enterprise says the deposit is $200 or $300, depending on the location. Renters aged 18 to 24 can rent, with extra restrictions.
Questions to ask your adjuster
- “Does my claim include a rental? What are my daily and total limits?”
- “How many days are approved?”
- “Which rental company do you bill directly?”
- “If I'm paid back instead, how long does that take? Can you put it in writing?”
Watch out for
- Picking a bigger car than your daily limit covers. You pay the difference.
- Buying the rental company's damage cover when your policy may already cover the rental car. Ask your adjuster first.
- Assuming the counter knows about your claim. Bring your claim number.
Car in the shop after a claim? Our agent will go through your claim with you and point you to the rental company your insurer pays directly. Leave your number and we'll check it for your booking.
Questions people ask
Do I need my own card for an insurance rental?
Often only for the deposit, and sometimes not even that. Ask the branch.
Can I rent without filing a claim?
Yes, but then you pay as a normal renter. If you have no card, see Rent a car with no card.
Which rental company does GEICO use?
GEICO says it is billed directly when you use Enterprise. You can use another company, but you may have to pay upfront and claim it back.
Does insurance pay for fuel in a rental car?
No. GEICO and State Farm say fuel, mileage, the rental company's own insurance and deposits aren't covered.
Related help
- Insurance rental ending, car not fixed
- Rent a car with no card
- Breakdown or accident in a rental car
- Before you book
OneCall Rental is an independent service and is not affiliated with any rental company or travel site.
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