Getting Around the Loaner Car Process: Advice to Follow When Interacting With Your Car Service Dealer

Every vehicle owner hates to be car-less; especially during the time when their car is being worked on. The good news is that several dealerships now provide loaner cars on request, which helps loaner cars greatly. However, if you are not an experienced loaner car user, the entire process can be quite stressful. There are many aspects to consider especially how to apply for a loaner car or what if the actual car loaner gets lost. This guide aims to address the most important aspects so that you do not have to worry too much while getting one. 

Loaner Cars: A Brief Overview.

When a dealership is servicing a patron’s vehicle, the dealers offer their own vehicles on a temporary loan basis, such vehicles are called loaner cars. These cars are great for easy, day to day commuting. 

It is important to note that not every car servicing deal ends with provision of a loaner car as their implementation is greatly influenced by geographic locality and type of service rendered. In particular, one should confirm with the dealership certain provisions surrounding loaners. 

However, one should be aware of geographical differences between certain states as these vehicles will likely be of the same make as the car getting serviced, and therefore will likely drive the same. Likewise, one should understand the rules of engagement before getting behind the wheel of one of these loaner cars.

Do dealerships offer loaner cars for use so that their customers don’t have to stay without a vehicle?

Loaner cars are generally provided by dealerships to customers but occasionally it may depend on the manufacturer of the vehicle and the dealership. This applies specifically to those customers who have driven in with their vehicles for repairs and have a good standing with regard to the warranty. It makes sure that you don’t remain immobilized waiting for your vehicle to get serviced.

It is worth noting that not every dealership offers customers a loaner vehicle. There are chances that some of the smaller dealerships do not have sufficient vehicles or don’t have enough to provide to their customers and therefore do not offer the option of loaner cars. This is, however, something that must be checked on before arriving at the appointment.

If the dealership that you have decided to go with has the option of loaner cars in their policy, inquire with them about availability during peak times. Getting familiar with their approaches enables one to prepare in advance and avoid unpleasant surprises during the process.

The requirement that a person has to fulfill in order to be eligible for a loaner car rental.

There are regulations in place that must be followed in order to receive a loaner car from your dealership. First of all customers must make sure that their car in question is either under warranty or is presently in a repair process with the dealership. This is because dealerships give preference to customers who are on a service.

Finally, the most important step is to book an appointment. It is recommended that you call ahead of time to check whether loaner cars are in stock and if they will be when you arrive. High demand in some dealerships may result in them having a limited or no vehicles available at all when a customer visits them.

Ensure that you carry a photo ID and Insurance policy, as this protection will let the firm gain confidence that their vehicle will be driven safely. This is a very crucial point there especially for you and the dealership staff because having these documents helps everyone involved in making the deal.

Even a dealership will charge you at some point to use their loan car.

Let’s say you were considering a dealership loaner vehicle at your nearest dealership. While many dealerships offer free loaners for a short time during appointment service, some may charge a fee based on conditions. It is prudent to anticipate a charge even a daily rental for instance if it takes longer than normal to go through necessary repairs. Other charges that may pop up include those involving fuel usage and even mileage overage. Practically, as a rule of thumb always read between the lines of the document you are about to sign.

Additionally, it is a smart choice to confirm insurance and incident liability figures and essentials in case the loaner gets into an accident while in your possession. These points are vital as they will guide you from sudden costs when your car is out of service.

How to Acquire a Loan Car

To me, acquiring a loaner from my dealership is straightforward as long as self understanding of necessary actions is in place which helps avoid frustration. So is your car in need of servicing, updating or warranty repairs then it most probably counts as an eligible vehicle. A lot of dealers provide this service it changes regionally and situationally though.

After verifying your eligibility, don’t forget to call and book a loaner car. Please provide information regarding the appointment, as well as requirements; things can get a bit full at times with limited spaces in the dealerships so an early contact gives one an edge to what they need.  

If you happen to be in need of a loaner during the rush hour while you are calling the local dealerships, consider going to different ones as they may have a little more different rules regarding the loaners or they may be more friendly.  

A simple call can help get in touch with the respective dealership and inquire about this option some of them provide. Make sure you ask them a day or too early-mid week rather than on the day of your appointment. Pro tips, tell them why you’re asking to take the car in the first place.  

They won’t think twice before accommodating you, any detail helps. Just make sure that any set criteria or rules are measured, like being an active customer or having a warranty issued. Such details make a lot of difference with regards to getting that vehicle.

What to Do if Your Dealership Won’t Give You a Loaner Vehicle

If a dealership prohibits you or does not allow you to take loaner cars, stay calm. The first thing that you should do is try to understand their policy regarding their loaner cars. Sometimes it could just be a miscommunication or a mistake done on their end.

After that, perhaps it would be best to escalate the matter to a manager or a supervisor. They may have the power to fly above certain rules and may better appreciate your needs.

However, if nothing can be done and indeed the policy is that specific, you can always look at renting services around the area. Many times, dealerships can have an agreement with rental companies that might help customers who need a way around while their car is being serviced. This way, you won’t have to be without a car when you need it the most.

Handling the Situation Involving Repair

In case you happen to accidentally break or damage any item of the loaner car, it is best practice to inform the dealership as soon as possible. It is most advisable to be as transparent as possible in such situations. Most likely, they will have distinct protocols regarding accident reporting

Most of the time, dealerships will ask you to sign a specific contract or an agreement that would hold you liable and responsible in case there is any damage done to their vehicles during the time when you are renting them out or using them. Make sure to go through it thoroughly before you take the loaner out.

Insurance coverage can be of assistance in this instance. Ask with your private auto insurance policy or a credit card company if they provide coverage in case of renting or injecting, so that you can rent or take a loaner car without having to spend out of your pocket in the event of any damages.

What happens if you get into an accident in a loaner car at the dealership

The first thing to do after you have caused the damage in the dealership’s loaner is to comprehend the situation. Most of the time, little scratches or tiny dents do not necessary invoke issues, but specifing costly damages can be a complex process. It is important to file a report of any issues as quickly as possible.

Most car dealerships have standard procedures that they promote for the effective management of damages. In such a case, you may have to file an incident report when you inform your company about the incident and if it is necessary. They’ll examine the damage and then determine charges for it.

Also note that depending on the provisions of the terms of their loaner agreement, some other dealership’s may charge you for repairs that were made or deductibles. Scrutinizing the loaner agreement can set out your expectations with regard to undue financial obligations.

Liability and insurance coverage regarding damages incurred on loaner cars

Understanding your liability, when dealing with loaner car damages, is vital to your practices. In general, however, any loaner vehicles used at a dealership have the firm’s insurance for the damages. However, this may differ depending on the specific agreements made.

Inquire as to whether they guarantee coverage for any damages before using a loaner car. Some dealerships including businesses may demand either a full insurance requirement or sign a paper with an indemnity clause that states you will be liable to make good any repair that may arise out of neglect on your part.

If you are an under-insured borrower and a collision occurs and you were responsible for the incident, in all probability, you will have to pay for the repairs yourself. It’s important to know your own car insurance policy before so that you can be as well prepared as you could later on.

With the understanding of these factors, you are able to enjoy good peace of mind while driving a loaner car from the dealership. It’s essential to always set expectations beforehand and then keep dialogue flowing with your dealer about what their policy is regarding the damages and liability.