Having access to a rental car when your vehicle is in the shop for repairs after an accident is crucial Kemper Insurance offers rental reimbursement coverage to help pay for a rental But this optional add-on has limitations and intricacies that are important to understand to ensure you get the coverage you need,
Overview of Kemper Rental Car Insurance
Kemper’s rental reimbursement coverage, when added to an auto policy, pays toward the cost of renting a replacement vehicle if your car is undrivable following an accident. Key aspects include
- Reimburses rental costs up to your selected per day and total maximum limits
- Applies when repairs exceed a certain number of days
- Daily and total payout limits cap reimbursement amounts
- Rental must be for a car similar to your own
- Only covers rentals due to insured loss events like collisions
Review your Kemper policy to confirm rental coverage is included and understand all provisions that apply.
Why Rental Car Coverage Matters
Having insurance reimburse even part of rental costs can make a major difference if an accident puts your car in the shop, Benefits include
- Avoids paying huge rental bills fully out-of-pocket
- Provides transportation to work, school, appointments, etc.
- Eliminates scrambling to borrow vehicles or get rides
- Allows you to rent a similar car to your own
- Gives peace of mind a rental will be covered
Unless you can afford to pay for rentals on your own, adding rental reimbursement is advised.
Kemper’s Rental Car Insurance Limits
Kemper’s standard rental car policy limits include:
- Up to $30 per day reimbursement
- Total reimbursement up to 20 days
- Maximum $600 reimbursement per accident
So if your rental is $50/day for 7 days, Kemper would reimburse:
- 7 days x $30 per day limit = $210
Even though the rental was $350, the per day cap of $30 applies. Make sure your limits align with potential rental costs where you live.
Increasing Kemper Rental Car Coverage
If Kemper’s base reimbursement limits seem inadequate for your situation, consider increasing them. Possible adjustments include:
- Raising the per day maximum limit
- Increasing the 20 day per accident cap
- Boosting the overall $600 maximum reimbursement limit
Paying a higher premium gives you confidence Kemper will fully cover rental costs you may incur. Discuss options with your agent.
How Kemper’s Reimbursement Process Works
To receive repayment for rental expenses from Kemper:
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Report accident to Kemper immediately
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Have repair facility confirm in writing repairs will exceed X days
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Rent comparable replacement vehicle and save receipts
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Submit rental receipts to Kemper after repairs complete
Following this process ensures you get reimbursed for allowable costs up to your coverage limits.
Situations Where Rental Coverage Applies
Kemper’s rental reimbursement insurance applies when a direct physical loss makes your vehicle undrivable. This includes situations like:
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Your car is totaled in an accident
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Your car is stolen and not recovered quickly
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Vandalism, hail, or flood damage leaves car unsafe to drive
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Collision with another vehicle necessitates repairs
Routine maintenance and mechanical issues would not be eligible for reimbursement.
Avoiding Out-of-Pocket Rental Costs
Kemper’s rental coverage requires you pay for rentals upfront then submit for repayment. To avoid large out-of-pocket expenses:
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Ask if repair shop can arrange rental and bill Kemper directly
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Use a low-limit credit card solely for rental car reservations to avoid large holds
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Use a personal credit card with rental coverage for the initial payment
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See if Kemper offers any rental assistance programs in your state
With some planning, you can likely avoid major upfront rental costs.
Key Factors that Impact Reimbursement
To receive the maximum rental reimbursement from Kemper, keep these limitations in mind:
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Reimbursement is for a rental car similar to your own – no exotic cars
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Repairs must exceed a certain number of days mentioned in your policy
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Reimbursement ends if your car is declared a total loss
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Costs over per day and total limits are your responsibility
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Rental must be from a licensed agency – not Turo or other sharing platforms
Carefully following all terms of your Kemper rental policy ensures the optimal repayment.
My Personal Experience with Kemper Rental Coverage
When my car was hit while parked on the street, I was very glad to have Kemper’s rental coverage. Here’s how it worked for me:
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My car needed $5,200 worth of repairs and would be in the shop for 12 days
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My Kemper policy had a $40 per day rental limit
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Kemper confirmed coverage and advised me to get a rental
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I rented a car comparable to mine for $48/day
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After repairs, I sent Kemper my receipt for 12 days x $48 = $576
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Kemper reimbursed me the full $480 ($40 x 12 days) allowed under my policy
While I paid $96 out-of-pocket, having the bulk of my rental covered provided vital help. In the future, I will increase my per day limit for more protection.
Key Takeaways on Kemper Rental Car Reimbursement
The major points to keep in mind about Kemper’s rental car insurance coverage include:
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It’s an optional add-on so verify it’s included
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Per day, total accident, and overall limits apply
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Limits may be inadequate for some drivers based on rental costs
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Repairs must exceed a specified number of days
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Take steps to avoid large out-of-pocket rental expenses
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Only accidents and covered losses are eligible
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Save receipts and submit for reimbursement promptly
Having rental reimbursement can prevent major transportation headaches and expenses if you’re in an accident. Make sure you thoroughly understand how Kemper’s rental car coverage works to get the protection you need.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kemper Rental Car Policies
How long will Kemper pay for a rental after an accident?
The standard policy provides reimbursement for up to 20 days. Higher limits can be added for extended rental periods if needed.
Does Kemper cover admin fees and taxes for rentals?
Yes, Kemper’s rental reimbursement includes any fees, taxes, and surcharges that rental car companies apply, within your per day and total limits.
What if my car is totaled – will Kemper still cover the rental?
No, Kemper will stop covering rental costs if your vehicle is declared a total loss, even if that happens before the 20 day limit.
Am I limited to certain rental companies?
No, you can use any licensed rental agency. Reimbursement just caps the daily rate to that of a similar rental vehicle.
Can I get a rental the same day as the accident?
Yes, you can rent a replacement vehicle right away as long as the repair shop verifies repairs will take over X days. Just be sure to get the rental agency guarantee in writing.
Renting a car after an accident can be very stressful. Understanding Kemper’s rental reimbursement coverage inside and out can provide peace of mind that your transportation needs will be covered. Be sure to consult your specific Kemper policy language and ask your agent any questions you may have.
Kemper Insurance Reviews and Ratings
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+ BBB complaints in last three years: 617
Customer reviews for Kemper Insurance tend to skew in a negative direction. Out of nearly 90 reviews on the BBB website, the company earns an average of only 1. 0 out of 5. 0 stars. A lot of people are unhappy with Kemper Insurance, even though it has an A rating and is approved by the Better Business Bureau.
Kemper insurance reviews are quite critical of their services and the company has a high complaint index of 10.077 according to the NAIC which means complaints are ten times higher than an average company their size. The company also placed last in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠ among insurance providers in California.
Positive Kemper Insurance Reviews
It was somewhat difficult to find Kemper customers who reported positive experiences. However, those who did mentioned helpful Kemper Auto Insurance agents and affordable policies for high-risk drivers.
People reporting negative experiences with Kemper Insurance were much easier to find. Complaints tend to mention poor communication and difficulties during the claims process.