Getting a rental car is often part of life—whether you’re traveling, your vehicle is in the shop, or you’ve just had an accident. Knowing if your auto insurance has you covered can save you stress and money. Does Farmers Insurance cover rental cars? The answer depends on the type of coverage you carry, and what kind of rental you’re driving. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know—clearly, concisely, and with confidence.
We’ll cover coverage options, common situations, expert tips, and what to do if you’re ever uncertain. This guide is built for clarity, trust, and empowerment—designed with your peace of mind in mind.
What Is Rental Car Coverage in Auto Insurance?
Rental car coverage, sometimes called rental reimbursement coverage, is an optional part of an auto policy. It helps pay for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered accident. It’s not automatically included—you have to add it when purchasing or updating your policy.
There’s a difference between coverage for driving a rental car and being reimbursed for one. If you’re renting a car because your own was damaged, reimbursement coverage may help. If you’re renting for a vacation or business trip, your personal auto policy might extend limited coverage, depending on what you’ve purchased.
Understanding this difference ensures you’re never caught off guard.
Types of Rental Car Coverage Offered by Farmers Insurance
Farmers offers several types of coverage that may apply to rental cars:
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
This optional add-on helps pay for a rental while your vehicle is in the shop due to a covered claim. It includes a daily limit and a maximum duration.
Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive Coverage
If you already have these protections on your primary vehicle, they may extend to rental cars—especially for short-term use within the U.S. and Canada.
For instance:
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Liability coverage may protect you if you damage someone else’s vehicle or property while driving the rental.
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Collision coverage helps with repair costs if the rental is damaged in an accident.
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Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision incidents like theft, fire, or weather damage.
These features are part of your personal auto policy, and whether they extend depends on your specific coverage and the reason you rented the car.
Does Farmers Insurance Cover Rental Cars in All Situations?
The coverage Farmers provides depends on the context. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Rental Due to a Covered Claim
If your car is undrivable and being repaired after a covered loss (such as an accident), and you’ve added rental reimbursement, Farmers will help pay for a rental car.
Vacation or Business Rentals
If you’re renting a car for a trip and not due to an insurance claim, your existing liability, collision, and comprehensive may extend to that rental. Always confirm with your agent first, especially if traveling internationally or using a non-standard rental company.
Exclusions May Apply
Some policies don’t cover:
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Long-term rentals
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Peer-to-peer platforms (like Turo)
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Non-listed drivers
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Rentals used for business delivery
It’s smart to review your policy or speak with a Farmers representative before assuming coverage.
Coverage for Rental Cars After an Accident
If you’ve been in an accident, here’s how it works:
You Filed a Claim
With rental reimbursement coverage, Farmers pays for a rental while your car is repaired. Daily limits apply, like $30/day for up to 30 days. Some higher-tier plans offer larger amounts or longer terms.
You Didn’t File a Claim
If you’re paying for repairs out of pocket or your situation isn’t covered (like a breakdown), rental reimbursement does not apply.
Rental reimbursement only kicks in if:
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The claim is approved
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Your car is out of service due to a covered peril
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The rental meets policy guidelines
Renting a Car While Traveling — Are You Covered?
Many people rent cars during vacations or work trips. Here’s what you need to know:
Domestic Rentals (U.S. & Canada)
Farmers’ liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage may extend to short-term domestic rentals if the reason aligns with personal use.
International Rentals
Generally, Farmers does not cover rentals outside the U.S. or Canada. You’ll likely need to buy additional rental car insurance when traveling abroad.
Using a Credit Card
Some credit cards offer secondary coverage if you decline the rental company’s insurance. Make sure it complements your Farmers policy—double coverage is better than none.
Third-Party Rental Car Insurance: Do You Still Need It?
When renting, you’re often asked if you want to buy extra coverage. Here’s when it might make sense:
When You May Not Need It
If you already have:
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Full coverage (liability, collision, and comprehensive)
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Rental reimbursement
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Credit card rental protection
Then you might not need to buy more from the rental company.
When You Should Consider It
If:
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You don’t have full coverage
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You’re traveling internationally
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You’re worried about loss of use fees or administrative charges
Then purchasing Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) can offer peace of mind.
How to Add Rental Car Coverage to Your Farmers Policy
It’s simple to protect yourself with rental coverage.
Check Your Current Policy
You can do this:
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Online through the Farmers Insurance portal
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Via the Farmers mobile app
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By calling your local agent
Add or Update Coverage
Ask to include “Rental Reimbursement Coverage.” Choose your daily limit ($30, $40, or more) and set a duration (up to 30 days).
Coverage is typically very affordable—often just a few dollars a month.
What Does Farmers Rental Reimbursement Cover?
Rental reimbursement coverage from Farmers includes:
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A daily limit (e.g., $30 per day)
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A total cap (e.g., $900 max per claim)
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Use through preferred vendors like Enterprise or Hertz
It does not cover:
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Gas
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Security deposits
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Upgrades beyond your car’s class
Make sure to rent within Farmers’ guidelines, and keep all receipts for reimbursement processing.
Exclusions: When Farmers Insurance Won’t Cover a Rental Car
Coverage isn’t universal. Farmers Insurance will not cover rental cars when:
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The rental is for non-covered repairs
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You didn’t purchase rental reimbursement
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You rent for commercial use
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You’re using non-traditional rental services
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The rental is driven by someone not listed on your policy
Understanding your coverage limits is essential—always double-check before renting.
Comparing Farmers with Other Insurers on Rental Coverage
Farmers stacks up well against other providers. Here’s how it compares:
| Feature | Farmers | GEICO | State Farm | Allstate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Reimbursement Available | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom Daily Limits | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Preferred Rental Partners | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| U.S. & Canada Coverage | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| International Coverage | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Farmers is competitive, especially with customer service, claims satisfaction, and personalization.
Expert Tips to Maximize Rental Car Coverage
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Add rental reimbursement when setting up your policy—it’s inexpensive and valuable.
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Use a credit card with secondary rental protection.
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Bundle policies for discounts and seamless service.
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Review your policy annually, especially before trips.
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In case you’re switching, here’s how to boldly navigate your options like how to cancel AAA auto insurance.
Conclusion
Understanding whether Farmers Insurance covers rental cars is vital—especially when emergencies strike or travel calls. With the right coverage, you’re empowered to drive with confidence, knowing you’re protected.
Farmers offers strong rental car coverage options, especially if you have full auto protection and add rental reimbursement. The key is to plan ahead, review your policy, and make choices that reflect your lifestyle and needs.
And if a rental claim doesn’t go as expected, learn more about can you cancel a car insurance claim and what it means for your coverage in the long run.
FAQs About Does Farmers Insurance Cover Rental Cars
Does Farmers Insurance cover rental cars after an accident?
Yes, if you’ve added rental reimbursement to your policy. Farmers will pay a daily limit for a rental car while your insured vehicle is being repaired due to a covered accident. Be sure to check the max duration and vehicle class limits.
Do I need to buy extra insurance from the rental company if I have Farmers Insurance?
Not necessarily. If you carry full coverage (liability, collision, and comprehensive), Farmers may extend it to your rental vehicle. But for extra protection, especially internationally or in unfamiliar situations, consider the rental company’s insurance options.
Can I use rental coverage when my car is in the shop for maintenance?
No. Rental reimbursement only applies when your car is being repaired due to a covered loss. Routine maintenance, mechanical issues, or voluntary repairs are not covered.
How much does Farmers Insurance pay for rental car reimbursement?
This depends on your chosen policy. Typical plans offer around $30 per day for up to 30 days. You can select higher coverage limits when setting up your policy. Always confirm with your agent.
Does Farmers Insurance cover international car rentals?
No. Farmers’ coverage is generally limited to rentals within the U.S. and Canada. If you’re renting a car overseas, it’s best to purchase insurance directly from the rental company or use a credit card with international rental protection.
