Loaner Car: What It Is, How to Get One and the Rules You Must Know
A loaner car is a vehicle a dealership or repair shop lends you, usually for free, while your own car is being serviced or repaired. Dealers most often offer loaners for warranty repairs, recall work and longer service jobs, and luxury brands offer them more often. To get one you normally need a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, and you must return it on time with the same fuel level and within any mileage limit. Your own car insurance usually covers the loaner, and you are responsible for tickets, tolls and damage while you have it. Always ask for a loaner when you book the appointment, because supply is limited.
When your car needs a day or more in the shop, a loaner car keeps your life moving. But the rules are not always clear: who qualifies, what it costs, whose insurance covers it, and what happens if you get a scratch or a speeding ticket.
This guide explains how loaner cars work, how to get one, the rules to follow, and the alternatives if the dealer has none available.
Who Gets a Loaner Car?
There is no law that requires a dealer to give you a loaner. Policies depend on the brand, the dealer and the job. In general you are most likely to get one when:
- The repair is covered by the factory warranty or a recall and will take a day or more.
- You drive a luxury brand. Many premium brands offer loaners for most scheduled service.
- You bought the car at that dealer or have a service plan that includes loaners.
- The dealer is waiting on parts and your car cannot be driven.
For quick jobs like an oil change, most dealers offer a shuttle or waiting room instead. Brand examples: Toyota, BMW, Subaru and Hyundai.
How to Get a Loaner Car
Request a loaner as soon as you schedule service. Loaners are limited and usually reserved in advance.
Ask whether it is free for your job, if there is a daily fee, and if there are mileage or travel limits.
You will sign a loaner agreement and show a valid license and proof of insurance. Some dealers also take a credit card.
Walk around the car, note any existing damage on the form, and take photos of the body, wheels, fuel gauge and odometer.
Bring it back when your car is ready, with the same fuel level and clean inside. Take photos again at drop-off.
Loaner Car Rules You Should Know
| Topic | Typical rule |
|---|---|
| Cost | Often free for warranty or long repairs; some dealers charge a daily fee for customer-pay work |
| Insurance | Your own auto policy usually extends to a loaner; check your coverage and deductible |
| Fuel | Return with the same level, or pay a refueling charge |
| Mileage | Often a daily mileage cap, with charges for extra miles |
| Who can drive | Usually only the person who signed, sometimes a listed spouse |
| Tickets and tolls | Your responsibility, often with an admin fee |
| Smoking and pets | Usually not allowed, with cleaning fees |
| Travel | Some agreements limit out-of-state travel |
The loaner agreement is a contract. If you damage the car, you may have to pay through your own insurance and deductible. Check the agreement and your insurance before you drive away.
No Loaner Available? Alternatives
- Shuttle service to home or work, common at dealers.
- Rental car paid by the dealer or warranty for longer warranty repairs.
- Rental reimbursement on your insurance policy, if the repair is from a covered claim.
- Rideshare credits some dealers offer for short visits.
- Drop off the night before or schedule the first slot of the day to save time.
Can You Buy a Loaner Car?
Yes. Dealers regularly sell their loaner fleet when the cars reach a certain age or mileage. These “service loaners” are usually nearly new, still under factory warranty and priced below new. Learn how in how to buy a loaner car from a dealership.
- Ask “Will I get a loaner for this visit?” when you book, not at drop-off.
- Keep a copy of the signed agreement and your photos until the deposit and fees are settled.
- Remove your phone pairing and personal items before returning the car.
- If the repair is under warranty and takes days, ask about a rental if no loaner is free.
A loaner car is a dealer’s car you borrow while yours is in for service. It is often free for warranty and longer jobs, especially at luxury brands. Ask when you book, bring your license and insurance, document the car’s condition, and return it on time with the same fuel. You are usually responsible for damage, tickets and tolls.
Loaner Car FAQs
A car that a dealership or repair shop lends you while your own car is being serviced or repaired.
Often, for warranty, recall and longer repairs. Some dealers charge a daily fee for regular customer-paid service. Ask when you book.
In most cases your personal auto policy extends to a loaner car, but coverage varies. Check with your insurer and read the dealer’s agreement.
You are usually responsible, and the claim normally goes through your own insurance with your deductible.
No. Loaners are a courtesy based on the brand’s and dealer’s policies, not a legal requirement.
Usually only the person who signed the agreement, unless another driver is listed. Check the agreement before letting anyone else drive.
- Loaner = dealer car while yours is in service.
- Often free for warranty and longer repairs.
- Bring license and insurance, ask when booking.
- Same fuel back, watch mileage limits.
- You pay for damage, tickets and tolls.
