Expert: Ron Cercone - 6/3/2011

Question
Last week, a huge hail storm blew through Irving, Texas and smashed my car up pretty bad.  I put in a claim and said that the car was not drivable due to a smashed windshield.  State Farm recommended Enterprise Leasing.  I called them in my area and was informed that my claim had already been filed with their office but they had no cars for rent at that time and would have to get back to me.  The windshield was repaired by a glass service and then the adjuster from SF came out and totaled my car.  I have elected to keep the car and will use the money offer to repair the damages to my vehicle.  I have been informed, however, that comprehensive coverage will be lost which would include rent car privileges.  Question:  since I filed the claim BEFORE the adjuster came out to total my car, will I be able to obtain a rent car just one more time while the damages are being fixed?

I have not accepted their cash offer yet.  No check from State Farm has been cut to me.

Answer
Taylor,

I doubt it since they paid to "total" the car, not fix it. So in their minds, there should be no need for a rental, unless you can talk them into paying what a rental car would have cost during a reasonable time period for you to shop for and purchase another car. Most insurers would resist this type claim. Your policy provisions regarding rental cars may also only apply to "repairable" vehicles. Also FYI, all the benefits of your policy that applied on the date of loss would remain in effect for that particular claim, even if your policy cancelled the day after the accident.

Ron Cercone
http://www.uclaim.com