I was rear-ended in my Nissan Silvia S15. The other driver’s insurance accepted liability. The body shop told me the rear bumper and trunk lid had to be imported from Japan—a 6-month wait in the 2026 supply chain. My rental car coverage ran out after 30 days. I was left paying $50/day for a rental for five months, totaling $7,500 out of pocket.
Key Takeaways
- The 30-Day Cap: Most policies (and liability payouts) cap rental reimbursement at 30 days or a fixed dollar amount (e.g., $1,500).
- Parts Delays are Your Problem: Insurers argue they owe for the repair time (labor hours), not the shipping time. If the car takes 4 days to fix but 6 months to get parts, they only pay for the 4 days plus a “reasonable” wait, rarely 6 months.
- “Loss of Use”: You can fight for “Loss of Use” damages, but it’s a legal battle.
- Drivable vs. Non-Drivable: If the car is drivable (just cosmetic damage), keep driving it while waiting for parts. Do not drop it at the shop until parts arrive.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Rental Reimbursement Limit
The clause usually reads: “We will pay up to $50 per day, to a maximum of $1,500.”
Once that money is gone, it’s gone.
With JDM or rare Euro cars, parts are not on the shelf at AutoZone. The insurance model is built for Ford F-150s, not Skyline GT-Rs.
[IMAGE: Calendar graphic showing “Rental Coverage Ends” on Day 30 vs. “Parts Arrive” on Day 180]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked adjusters about long waits for JDM parts.
1. State Farm
- Policy: Strict limits on the policy.
- Exception: If they are the ones delaying the claim (e.g., slow approval), they might extend the rental. If it’s just “parts on backorder,” they cut you off.
2. Hagerty (Cherished Salvage + Rental)
- Policy: They offer “guaranteed flatbed” and some rental perks, but even they struggle with 6-month delays.
- Strategy: They are more likely to Total the car if parts are unavailable, paying you out so you can buy a new one rather than wait.
3. Enterprise (The Rental Company)
- Reality: Rental rates in 2026 are high ($60+/day for an economy car). The standard $30/day insurance limit covers nothing.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Standard Rental Limit | JDM Reality | Outcome |
| Domestic Car Repair | 30 Days | 5 Days | Covered |
| JDM Import Repair | 30 Days | 120 Days | $4,500 Out of Pocket |
| Drivable Damage | Wait at home | Wait at home | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Increase Rental Limits: Call your agent. Raise your rental coverage to $100/day and $3,000 max. It costs pennies.
- Mitigate Damages: If the car drives, do not leave it at the shop. Tape up the bumper and drive it until the shop calls you saying, ” The crate is here.”
- Buy a “Beater”: If the wait is 6 months, buy a $2,000 junker to drive, then sell it. It’s cheaper than renting.
- Demand “Cash in Lieu”: Ask the insurer to pay you the daily rental rate in cash. They might say no, but if they say yes, you can use it to buy a temp car.
FAQ Section
Can I rent a similar car (e.g., another sports car)?
No. They owe you “basic transportation” (Economy class), not “Like Kind” excitement.
What if the manufacturer discontinued the part?
The insurer might “Total” the car for parts unavailability. You can buy it back and hunt for used parts yourself.
Does my credit card cover the rental?
Only the damage to the rental car, not the daily fee to rent it.