Rental Reimbursement Coverage: Do You Actually Have It and Do You Actually Need It?
This post is sponsored by Enterprise
Quick question.
Who here can go without their car for two weeks?
No car.
No rental.
Two full weeks.
If you just laughed, sighed, or whispered “absolutely not,” SAME!
Right now, between having a brand new baby and a nephew who has officially taken the training wheels off his proverbial bicycle and can now drive solo, my car is basically the backbone of my entire life. God forbid anything goes wrong, but if it did, and my car was stuck in the shop for a couple of weeks, I would have to be honest with myself.
Would we survive?
Emotionally? Maybe.
Logistically? Not a chance.
And that little spiral is what made me realize something important. A lot of people assume their auto insurance covers a rental car if something happens. But that assumption is where things quietly fall apart.
In fact, according to a study from Enterprise, just 53% of customers with comprehensive auto insurance policies have rental reimbursement coverage, yet 44% of those without the coverage still chose to rent a vehicle during a recent claim.
So, What Is Rental Reimbursement Coverage?
Rental reimbursement coverage, also known as loss of use coverage, helps pay for a rental vehicle if your car is being repaired after a covered claim.
Sounds like a given, right?
Plot twist. It usually is not.
Even if you have what people call “full coverage,” rental reimbursement is often an optional add-on. That means you can do everything right, pay your premiums on time, and still find yourself staring at a rental counter receipt thinking, “Wait… this isn’t covered?”
Ask me how I know. Actually, don’t. I’m still recovering. 🥹
Weather in Canada Is Already Doing the Most
We are making our way through the thick of winter in Canada, and winter does not care about your plans or your schedule… and if you don’t have PTO where you can just call in on one of those severe weather days and say you’re not coming… WELL, guess we’ll be seeing you out on the roads, now won’t we?!
Heavy rain.
Sudden snow or ice.
Slick roads that appear out of nowhere — JUMP SCARE 🥶
Whether you’re running out for groceries ahead of a storm or heading out on a weekend trip, weather-related accidents can leave families seriously inconvenienced and paying more than expected.
This winter season, snowfall broke a local record as Ontario Provincial Police reported more than 400 vehicle collisions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Add in sleet, snow, slick roads, the sun setting as 1pm (ok I’m being dramatic, but AM I though!?) and more people driving during the winter months, and the chances of accidents increases fast.
Being Without a Car Is Not a Short-Term Problem
According to Q3 2025 Length of Rental data from Enterprise, Canadian drivers are waiting an average of over 14 days for collision-related repairs.
Fourteen days.
That is two weeks of figuring out daycare drop-offs, appointments, school pickups, grocery runs, and work commutes. That is two weeks of texting friends like, “Hey… are you busy?” and begging for a ride or a favour! Or… even worse… borrowing your partners vehicle and coordinating schedules. That is, if you have the luxury of owning more than one vehicle!
Rental reimbursement coverage helps take one big stressor off your plate during what is already a frustrating situation. Especially if you rely on your vehicle daily, which most of us absolutely do.
The Silverlining
Rental reimbursement coverage is widely available through most auto insurance companies. Coverage differs from policy to policy, so drivers may need to check whether it’s included and it can be added at anytime!
And here is the part that surprised me the most. An entire year of rental coverage typically costs about the same as renting a car for one single day.
One day.
So.. it’s BASICALLY free… #GirlMath
And let’s be honest for a second.
Most of us can easily spend $30 to $100 in a single day without even realizing it.
A quick Walmart or Winners run.
Takeout plus delivery because cooking felt like too much.
Coffee, a pastry, and somehow… also lunch.
A “just looking” moment that turns into a new candle, lip gloss, or baby outfit that was simply TOO cute to leave behind…
No judgment. I am literally sharing a day in my life 🤭
The difference is, those little purchases are gone by the end of the day. Rental reimbursement coverage is one of those rare expenses that quietly sits in the background and saves you a lot of stress when life throws a curveball.
Your Friendly Nudge…
If there’s one takeaway here, let it be this.
Do not assume. Be sure.
Rental reimbursement coverage is one of those small details that is easy to overlook until the moment you need it. And by then, it’s too late to add it.
Before your next winter drive, road trip, or even a quick run to the store, take five minutes to review your auto insurance policy. Call your provider. Ask the question directly.
Do I have rental reimbursement or loss of use coverage?
If not, what would it cost to add it?
That one conversation could save you weeks of stress, unexpected expenses, and a whole lot of logistical chaos!
Consider this your sign to check your coverage and make sure future you is fully taken care of.
Fo(REV)er yours,
Steph🤍
