Loss of Use Calculator
Work out what to claim from the at-fault driver's insurer for the days you were without your car, whether or not you rented one.
Short answer
Loss of use is money for the time you are without your car while it is repaired or replaced. If the other driver was at fault, their insurer generally owes a comparable rental for the reasonable repair time, or a daily amount if you didn't rent. Your own policy pays only if you bought rental reimbursement coverage.
What loss of use covers
When another driver damages your car, their liability insurance owes you for the time you could not use it, not just for the repair. Most often that is a rental car of similar size and class; in many states you can claim the reasonable rental value even if you got by without renting.
How to get the full number paid
- Ask for a comparable vehicle: an SUV owner shouldn't be put in an economy car without the difference being paid.
- Keep a log of delays you didn't cause, such as parts on backorder or the insurer's late inspection; those days are still the at-fault side's cost.
- For a total loss, the period usually runs until the insurer makes a reasonable settlement offer, not until you buy another car.
- Your own policy's rental reimbursement coverage often has a daily cap (for example $30 a day for 30 days); the at-fault insurer owes the rest.
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Worked example
Your car was in the shop from June 2 to June 23 (21 days). The at-fault insurer paid a rental for 14 days, a comparable rental costs $48 a day, and you spent $36 on rideshares before the rental started.
Loss of use still owed: (21 − 14) × $48 + $36 = $372.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim loss of use if I didn't rent a car?
In many states, yes: courts allow the reasonable rental value for the time you were without the car. Some insurers only reimburse actual rental receipts, so ask in writing and cite your state's rule if they refuse.
How many days of loss of use will the insurer pay?
A reasonable time to repair or replace the car. Delays caused by the insurer or by parts shortages usually still count; delays you caused, like not authorizing repairs, may not.