Disclaimer: This is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Detailed Answer
When your rental reimbursement coverage ends after a crash in New Jersey, you still need a way to get around while your vehicle is repaired or replaced. Here are your primary options under New Jersey law:
1. Seek Extension or Reduced Rate from the Rental Company
Many rental companies will extend your rental agreement at a reduced daily rate on a goodwill basis. Contact the location where you rented the car and request an extension. Explain that your vehicle remains undrivable due to the accident.
2. Claim “Loss of Use” from the At-Fault Driver’s Insurer
Under New Jersey common law, you can pursue damages for loss of use against the at-fault driver’s liability insurer. These damages compensate you for the reasonable cost of a substitute vehicle while yours is unavailable. To succeed, you must:
- Prove the duration your car was unusable.
- Show the daily rental or substitute transportation costs were reasonable.
Document invoices, rental agreements, or receipts from rideshares or public transit to support your claim.
3. Use Credit Card Rental Benefits
Many credit cards include secondary rental reimbursement coverage. If you used such a card for your original rental, check the card’s benefit guide. You may qualify for additional days of coverage or reimbursement for amounts beyond your auto policy limit.
4. Seek a Courtesy or Loaner Vehicle
If your vehicle is at a repair shop, ask whether they can provide a courtesy car or loaner at little to no cost. Dealers and independent body shops often offer these loaners while they work on customer vehicles.
5. Alternative Transportation Methods
- Public transit: Buses, trains, and light rail operate throughout New Jersey. Purchase monthly passes if you expect an extended repair timeline.
- Rideshare or taxi: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxi services remain on-demand options.
- Carpooling: Coordinate with friends, family, or coworkers to share rides.
- Bicycle or scooter share: Many cities in New Jersey offer bike-share and e-scooter programs.
6. Review Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits
While New Jersey’s no-fault PIP benefits (see N.J.S.A. 39:6A-8) (link) cover medical expenses and certain loss of income, they do not cover rental reimbursement. However, if you incur paid taxi or rideshare costs to get medical treatment after the crash, you may recover those expenses under PIP.
Helpful Hints
- Keep all receipts and rental agreements as proof of your transportation expenses.
- Notify both your insurer and the at-fault driver’s insurer in writing that you plan to claim loss of use.
- Get a written estimate from the repair shop showing how long repairs will take.
- Compare daily rates from multiple rental providers—prices can vary widely.
- Check your credit card benefits guide before extending your rental.
- Maintain a transportation log (dates, miles, purpose) to support your loss-of-use claim.