The at-fault driver's insurer
Once liability is accepted, the other insurer typically arranges or reimburses a rental for the repair period. "Reasonable" usually means a comparable class of vehicle for the time repairs actually take. Delays in the insurer accepting fault are the most common reason people end up paying out of pocket first.
Your own rental coverage
Rental reimbursement is an optional coverage on many Arizona policies. It pays a daily amount up to a limit regardless of fault. Using it while liability is sorted out, then letting your insurer recover from the at-fault carrier, is a common approach.
When the car is a total loss
Rental coverage generally ends a short time after the total-loss offer is made, not when you find a replacement. Knowing that cutoff avoids a surprise bill.
If the other driver has no insurance
Rental costs can be part of an uninsured motorist property damage claim where that coverage exists, or your own collision and rental coverage. Arizona insurers must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and the declarations page shows what's on the policy.
Where to go from here
The law is covered in our Arizona car accident guide, and there's a full guide on how to choose a car accident lawyer in Phoenix. A free consultation is available any hour — in English or Spanish. (602) 217-0000.