Yes, you can often get a courtesy car, also known as a rental reimbursement vehicle, if your car breaks down. However, it's not automatic. Availability depends almost entirely on the cause of the breakdown and your existing coverage. The most common way to get one is through your auto insurance policy's rental reimbursement coverage or if the repair is covered by a new car warranty or an extended service contract.
If the breakdown is due to a covered accident and you have rental reimbursement on your policy, your insurer will typically pay for a rental car from a company like Enterprise or Hertz. The coverage has daily and total limits (e.g., $30/day up to $900), so you might pay out-of-pocket for anything beyond that. If the breakdown is a mechanical failure and your car is under the manufacturer's new-car bumper-to-bumper warranty, the dealership will often provide a loaner car free of charge. Similarly, some extended warranties or certified pre-owned programs include this benefit.
For older cars without warranty coverage, getting a courtesy car is unlikely unless you purchase separate roadside assistance plans from clubs like AAA or through your credit card benefits, which sometimes include rental car discounts or allowances. Your best immediate action is to check your insurance policy documents and any warranty booklets to understand your specific coverage before you need it.
| Coverage Type | Typical Courtesy Car Provision | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Auto Insurance (Rental Reimbursement) | Pays for a rental car after a covered claim (e.g., accident, theft). | You must add this to your policy; has daily/total limits (e.g., $30/day, $900 max). |
| New Car Manufacturer Warranty | Dealership-provided loaner car for warranty-covered repairs. | Usually for bumper-to-bumper warranty periods (e.g., 3 years/36,000 miles). |
| Extended Service Contract | May provide a loaner similar to a new car warranty. | Read the fine print; not all contracts include this benefit. |
| Roadside Assistance Plans (e.g., AAA) | Rarely a free car; often provides discounts on rental services. | A useful backup, but not a guarantee of a free vehicle. |
| Standalone Mechanical Breakdown | No standard courtesy car; you arrange and pay for a rental yourself. | Out-of-pocket cost unless you have separate travel insurance. |
