To settle your claim you will have to hear from and respond to the other party's insurance claim adjuster. Once you do hear from the adjuster you can negotiate with him or her until the settlement is what you find to be fair. There is probably some state law that regulates the time period you and the insurance company have to settle the claim. The insurance company might have a limit, in terms of money or time, regarding the rental car so if the settlement does take a long time, make sure that they will continue to pay for the rental car.

If you have purchased GAP insurance that would cover you for the difference between what is owed on your car and the actual cash value you will likely be paid if your car is deemed to be a total loss. This thus protects you in the early years of your lease or loan.

Negotiating An Insurance Claim Settlement is an article you might find of interest.