After a collision
Accident replacement vehicles in Ontario
What your policy actually entitles you to after a crash, in plain terms — and how to get it without spending a week on the phone.
First, the useful part
If you hold loss of use coverage — commonly OPCF 20 on an Ontario policy — your insurer pays for a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired or while a total loss is settled. Many drivers have it without realising, because it is inexpensive and often bundled.
Check your policy or ask your broker for the words "loss of use". If you have it, the rental is not coming out of your pocket.
What "comparable vehicle" means
Your entitlement is generally a vehicle comparable to your own, up to the daily limit on your policy. Comparable means broadly equivalent in size and type — not the cheapest car on a lot. If you drive a mid-size SUV, a compact is not a comparable replacement.
Where our fleet allows, we match or improve on what you drive. Where we cannot, we say so before you accept the car rather than after.
How long you can keep it
For a repairable vehicle, generally until the repair is finished. For a write-off, generally until a reasonable period after the settlement offer — not until the money lands, which catches people out. Policies cap either the daily amount, the total, or the number of days; ask your adjuster which applies to you and get the answer in writing.
Repairs run long, particularly when parts are back-ordered. We keep the rental open and deal with the extensions ourselves rather than asking you to re-authorise it every few days.
What to do in the first 24 hours
- Report the collision to your insurer and get a claim number.
- Report to a Collision Reporting Centre if required — in most of the GTA this is needed for damage over the reporting threshold or where anyone is injured.
- Choose your body shop. It is your choice, not the insurer's, whatever is implied.
- Call us with the claim number, the adjuster's name and the shop. If you do not have all three yet, call anyway.
How direct billing works
We invoice your insurer directly for the rental. You sign the rental agreement and provide a credit card for incidentals, but the rental charges themselves go to the insurer. Nothing for the rental comes out of your pocket.
The one exception worth knowing: if your policy carries liability coverage only, the Collision Damage Waiver may be chargeable. We will tell you the amount before you take the car.
Where we deliver
Across the GTA and beyond — Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Milton, Burlington, Barrie, Hamilton, Waterloo and Niagara Falls. Home, work, or the shop. More on our replacement service.
This page describes how coverage commonly works in Ontario. It is not legal or insurance advice, and your own policy wording governs. Check with your broker or adjuster.
Common questions
Who pays for a rental car after an accident in Ontario?
If you carry loss of use coverage (commonly OPCF 20), your insurer does. We bill them directly, so nothing for the rental comes out of your pocket.
How long can I keep an accident replacement vehicle?
Generally until your car is repaired, or for a reasonable period after a settlement offer on a write-off. Your policy may cap the daily rate, the total or the number of days.
Can I choose my own body shop in Ontario?
Yes. The choice of repair shop is yours, regardless of which shops your insurer suggests.
Do I have to pay a deductible on the rental?
Not usually. Most insurers cover the Collision Damage Waiver as part of the replacement benefit. If your policy is liability-only, the waiver may be chargeable and we will tell you the amount before you take the car.