GermanyCan I claim a rental car while mine is being repaired?
Yes, you can claim reasonable rental car costs during your vehicle’s repair after an accident caused by someone else, as part of your damages under German law.
What the Law Says
German law allows accident victims to recover necessary expenses incurred due to damage caused by another party — including rental car costs while their own vehicle is being repaired.
Under BGB § 249 (1), the person liable for damages must restore the situation that would have existed had the damaging event not occurred. This principle — known as 'natural restitution' — forms the legal basis for claiming a rental car: if your car is unusable due to someone else’s fault, you’re entitled to a functional substitute.
Paragraph (2) clarifies that instead of physical restoration (e.g., repairing your car), you may demand the monetary equivalent — which includes reasonable rental costs during the repair period. However, this only applies if the rental is objectively necessary and proportionate.
Statutory Text(1) Wer zum Schadensersatz verpflichtet ist, hat den Zustand herzustellen, der bestehen würde, wenn der zum Ersatz verpflichtende Umstand nicht eingetreten wäre.
— BGB § 249 — German Civil Code
Statutory Text(2) Ist wegen Verletzung einer Person oder wegen Beschädigung einer Sache Schadensersatz zu leisten, so kann der Gläubiger statt der Herstellung den dazu erforderlichen Geldbetrag verlangen. Bei der Beschädigung einer Sache schließt der nach Satz 1 erforderliche Geldbetrag die Umsatzsteuer nur mit ein, wenn und soweit sie tatsächlich angefallen ist.
— BGB § 249 — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts have clarified key limits on rental car claims — especially regarding reasonableness, comparability, and repair choices.
The injured party may claim rental car costs for the entire repair duration, but must rent a vehicle comparable to their own — no upgrades at the liable party’s expense.
Victims may opt for repair even if costs reach up to 130% of the vehicle’s market value, as long as repair is professionally carried out and economically justifiable.
What to Do
Confirm liability — ensure the other party (or their insurer) accepts responsibility for the accident.
Get a written repair estimate and timeline from a certified workshop.
Rent a vehicle of similar type, size, and equipment — avoid luxury or larger models.
Keep all receipts: rental contract, invoices, and proof of payment.
Submit your claim promptly to the liable party’s insurer, citing BGB § 249.
Sources
Related Questions
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.