Who pays for a loaner car?

Asked by: Mya Ruecker II  |  Last update: August 24, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (70 votes)

Do Dealerships Charge for Loaner Cars? Most dealerships offer loaner cars for free. As long you meet the dealership's qualifications, and if a loaner car is available, a dealership will usually lend you a car for free. Alternatively, your insurance company may supply you with a free loaner car from a third party.

How does a loaner car work?

Patrick Cars Service Loaner vehicles-- (also known as courtesy cars) are dealer-owned models that stay on the dealership lot and are used exclusively for business purposes, including serving as temporary rentals for service-center clients whose personal vehicles will be in service for longer than they can afford to ...

How to get a loaner car from insurance?

Check with your insurance agent if you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your existing policy. These policies might also cover your rental. Additionally, if you have an auto loan or lease vehicle, you may have a full coverage policy with built-in rental car coverage.

Can a dealership refuse to give you a loaner car?

Dealerships are not legally required to loan you a car while your car is getting repaired. If your local dealership does not offer loaner cars, we recommend setting up alternate means of transportation while your car is in the shop.

Do body shops charge for loaner cars?

Customers pay a per-day fee to use a rental car. Auto shops, dealerships, and body shops offer loaner cars for free as a convenience to their customers. Typically they offer them if the necessary repair is going to take many hours or days to finish.

Is Buying A Loaner Car A Good Idea?

43 related questions found

Do dealerships pay for loaner cars?

Do Dealerships Charge for Loaner Cars? Most dealerships offer loaner cars for free. As long you meet the dealership's qualifications, and if a loaner car is available, a dealership will usually lend you a car for free. Alternatively, your insurance company may supply you with a free loaner car from a third party.

Does a dealership have to give you a courtesy car?

Dealerships and repair shops may offer customers cars to drive while their car is being serviced. They generally offer these loaners as a courtesy, though doing so is sometimes required by your car's warranty.

How old do you have to be to get a loaner car from a dealership?

Must be 21 years of age. Must present a valid driver's license at time of loaner checkout.

How to get a free car from a dealership?

Are there charity programs that give away free cars? Yes, several nonprofit organizations offer free cars to individuals in need. Programs like 1-800-Charity Cars, Vehicles for Change, and others work with dealerships to provide vehicles to low-income families, single parents, and veterans.

Do you have to refill a loaner car?

Fill up the tank. Just like you would for anyone that loaned you a vehicle. You used the gas. You would have paid for it if you were driving own vehicle.

Will my auto insurance cover a rental car?

Does my auto insurance cover rental cars? Your personal auto insurance will cover most rental cars with the same coverage limits and deductibles. For example, if you carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your auto policy, you'll be protected against physical damage to your rental car.

Does car warranty cover loaner cars?

Manufacturer warranties do not include loaner or rental vehicle provisions in them. In order to get a loaner or rental you need to have the correct extended warranty and you need to be using a dealership service dept that honors that particular extended warranty.

How do I avoid a deposit on my rental car?

4 ways to get a car rental with no deposit
  1. Option 1: Use a credit card. A credit card is ideal in this scenario as it does not take money directly from your account. ...
  2. Option 2: Choose a zero-deposit rental car company. ...
  3. Option 3: Prepay for your rental. ...
  4. Option 4: Third-party insurance.

Do insurance companies provide loaner cars?

Sometimes insurance companies will pay for loaners after an accident leaves a car unsafe to drive. These temporary vehicles allow you to maintain your mobility and continue your daily routine without disruption.

How many miles can you put on a loaner car?

Most dealers have a policy and it is a good idea to check. The dealership I work at uses some new cars as loaners, so you can't go putting 2–3000 miles on them without incurring a cost. If you aren't sure, check first.

Will insurance pay for a rental car during repairs?

Yes, if you have Rental Reimbursement Coverage, your insurance will cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, even if you are at fault. If the other driver is at fault, their insurance will typically cover the cost of your rental car during the repair period.

Will a dealership pay me for my car?

You can get cash offers from Kelley Blue Book participating dealers by entering some basic information about your vehicle – VIN, mileage, and an accurate description, among other parameters. If the vehicle's condition matches your description, the dealer will pay you what was offered.

How to win against car dealership?

You should be focused on getting down the price of the vehicle as much as possible and getting as much value for your trade-in as possible. Only after those are established should you start to look at the down payment and monthly payment.

How to get a free car from Goodwill?

In order to qualify for a Goodwill car through the Wheels for Work program, you must meet a few criteria. You must be able to provide proof of residence, have an up-to-date driver's license in your state, and not have a car registered in your name.

Can someone else drive a loaner car?

Who is authorized to drive the Loaner Vehicle? Only you, and any immediate family member living within the same household, specifically listed on your insurance policy, and is over the age of 25. Any additional driver covered under your insurance policy will need to supply a valid drivers license.

What happens if you damage a loaner car?

You are responsible for any damage that may occur while the loaner vehicle is in your possession.

Can a 22 year old get a loaner car?

Yes. The minimum age to rent a vehicle with Enterprise is 21 throughout the U.S., except in Michigan and New York where the minimum age to rent is 18. Any U.S. government employee can rent at 18 years of age but must show the rental location his or her official orders.

Does warranty cover courtesy car?

The warranty may provide a courtesy or hire car when yours is being repaired. Items covered by comprehensive car insurance, such as windscreens and accident damage, will not be covered by a warranty. If a part fails because of negligence, then it may not be covered.

Can you rent a car from a dealership for a day?

Fortunately, car rental companies aren't your only option. Some dealerships also offer car rentals and some brands — such as Toyota and Nissan – offer rental programs through participating dealerships. Getting a rental car from a dealership could improve your chances of renting a specific model.

What is the reason for a courtesy car?

The need for a courtesy car when your vehicle is unroadworthy. If the collision of a car accident causes significant damage to a vehicle, it's likely to result in the vehicle being unfit to drive on the road. The vehicle will likely require accident recovery, but then the driver is stuck without a vehicle.