What is the process for getting a rental car reimbursed by the at-fault driver's insurance company in California?

To get a rental car reimbursed, you must file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company, wait for them to accept liability, and then submit your rental receipts for payment. Here is the process: Step 1: File a Third-Party Claim Immediately contact the at-fault driver's insurance company to open a property damage claim. You will need their policyholder's name, their policy number, and the date of the accident. If you have a police report, provide the report number. Step 2: Confirm Liability Acceptance The other driver's insurance company must investigate the accident and formally accept liability before they will pay for a rental. This can take several days. Follow up persistently with the assigned claims adjuster until they confirm in writing or over the phone that they have accepted fault. Step 3: Arrange the Rental Car Once liability is accepted, ask the adjuster about their process. Many insurers have direct billing agreements with rental companies like Enterprise or Hertz, which is the easiest option. If they do not, you will have to pay for the rental yourself and submit the receipts for reimbursement later. Step 4: Submit Your Receipts for Reimbursement Keep the rental only for the reasonable time it takes to repair your vehicle, or until you receive a settlement offer if your car is a total loss. Once you return the rental car, send copies of the final, paid-in-full receipts to the claims adjuster for reimbursement. Important considerations: Under California law, you are entitled to a rental vehicle that is "comparable" or of "like kind and quality" to your damaged vehicle. You also have a duty to mitigate your damages, which means you cannot intentionally delay repairs just to extend your rental period at the insurer's expense. Note: If the at-fault insurer is delaying or denying your claim, your best option may be to use your own insurance policy's rental coverage, if you purchased it. Your insurance company will then pursue the at-fault party's insurer for reimbursement, a process known as subrogation. Be aware that you generally have three years from the date of an accident to sue for property damage in California. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified California attorney.