You just got a letter that says your insurer will evaluate the vehicle damage claim, including possible "loss of use." That means the value of being unable to use your property for a period of time after it was damaged. In car crash claims, it usually means compensation for the reasonable time a vehicle is out of service while it is being repaired, or until a totaled vehicle can be replaced. The measure is often the reasonable rental value of a similar vehicle, even if no rental was actually obtained, depending on the facts and proof available.

Practically, loss of use is separate from the cost to repair or the vehicle's fair market value. A body shop estimate may cover parts and labor, while loss of use addresses missed access to transportation. That can matter when a damaged car leaves someone without a way to get to work, medical appointments, or school, especially after a crash on high-volume corridors such as I-71.

For an injury or property claim, loss of use can increase the total damages owed by the at-fault driver or insurer. Records matter: repair invoices, the dates the vehicle was unavailable, rental quotes, and proof that the repair period was reasonable. In Ohio, claims for injury to personal property are generally subject to the two-year limitations period in Ohio Revised Code 2305.10(A), so waiting too long can bar recovery, including the property-damage portion of a claim.