Is Car Insurance Enough to Cover Your Rental Car?

Your car insurance policy will usually cover rental vehicles with equivalent coverage limits. However, not all car insurance policies will provide you with comprehensive protection in the event that you decide to rent a car in the future.

Most car rental companies will have fleet insurance for their vehicles. However, the cars will not be covered when they are actually rented and driven off the lot. Thus, if the car that you rent is involved in an accident, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Getting comprehensive insurance for your rental car will provide you with liability, theft, and accident protection. Most experts believe that it is best to err on the side of caution and obtain comprehensive insurance, even if it is for a rented car.

What does auto insurance cover?

If you currently have full coverage for your automobile, then you will be covered according to the limit on your policy. Liability insurance will cover you in the event that you accidentally damage someone else’s property or automobile. It will also pay for damages if you injure someone due to the accident. Comprehensive insurance will pay for any repair expenses incurred due to a natural disaster, fire, or vandalism. Floods and theft will also be covered by your comprehensive insurance policy.

Collision coverage will cover any repair costs in case your rental car is damaged. You will still be covered in the event that you are the one responsible for the accident. Both collision and comprehensive insurance have a deductible, which consists of the amount that is subtracted from your insurance payment.

Please note, however, that every insurance company is different. Some companies may not cover your rental vehicle if it is a luxury car. Others may not cover rented vans or trucks, and some companies will offer policies that stop coverage if the vehicle has been rented out for over a month.

Does your auto insurance cover rental cars?

It depends on the reimbursement coverage that you currently possess for your vehicle. Generally speaking, your auto insurance will extend third-party liability and accident coverage benefits to your rental vehicle. However, your credit card may not provide protection for personal injury to passengers, and it may not cover injuries that occur to you. Liability coverage may also not be provided.

Each credit card company and bank will offer something unique to its clients. Some people opt to use insurance via their card, which is fine. However, if you do decide to take the credit card route, then call them beforehand.

You need to be aware of the limits, and also determine if coverage is comprehensive. Some credit cards will actually offer coverage for health protection and theft. They may also cover accidents and damage. However, such perks almost always come with limits, so speak to an agent in order to determine what those are.

Also, in order to actually qualify for the coverage, you will need to use the card to rent/pay for your car. You will also need to use it to reserve your car. However, if you do not have or want to use a credit card, then we would recommend that you have a candid discussion with a representative who works at the rental car company. They should be able to provide you with additional insurance, including liability and collision damage coverage.

Additional liability insurance can pay great dividends in the event that you are involved in a serious accident. The extra layer of safety will, at the very least, provide you and yours with peace of mind while you are on the road. In sum, insurance coverage should not be taken for granted. Speak to an insurance agent if you have any doubts or concerns about your current policy.

Should you buy extra rental car insurance while renting a car?

The first thing you should do before you rent a vehicle is to go over your current car insurance policy. If you have any doubts or anything is unclear, then do not hesitate to email or call your company.

You may discover that your current policy will not cover rentals, or may not provide comprehensive protection. If you want to be fully protected, you may need to speak to someone who works at the rental agency. They should be able to offer you additional insurance in order to fully protect you in the event of theft, vandalism, an accident, or Acts of God.

However, remember to also read the policy that the rental car company is offering. Some people may be in a rush to get going, so they may not read the policy before signing it. If you feel uncomfortable or unsatisfied, then you should rent a car from another company.

Better Safe Than Sorry

People rent cars for all sorts of reasons. Some people may rent because they do not own a vehicle, or may find it inconvenient to use their own car. Their car may also be in the shop, and their destination may not be accessible by public transit.

Whatever the reason may be, rental car insurance is a must if you find yourself without a vehicle because of a covered incident. Rental car reimbursement will protect you and the car that you have rented.

The rental company will provide you with rental car reimbursement, but it may not be automatically provided. Policies vary, so you should speak to a representative if you are unsure of what is provided. However, rental auto insurance will take care of all of the expenses that are associated with your rented vehicle while your car is being repaired after an accident.

Most people are safe drivers, and will never get involved in an accident, but insurance will protect you, your passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians in the event that an accident does occur.