Is rental auto insurance necessary? Should I purchase rental car insurance? If you have every rented a car then you have been offered rental car insurance. If you haven’t rented a car before but are planning on it, then you need to be prepared for the rental car insurance offer. There is a big debate revolving around whether rental car insurance is necessary or simply a way to increase profits for the car rental agency and deplete your wallet of extra monies.
What Rental Car Insurance Covers
Rental car insurance can be overwhelming. If you don’t have car insurance through your standard car insurance policy or with a major credit card, there are some options you need to consider that are available from the car rental insurance company. There are many options and if you end up choosing all of them you could spend almost as much as the car rental itself. Carefully consider your options and your true needs before signing the contract.
The most common option to consider is liability insurance which is typically covered under your own policy if you have one. The price for liability coverage ranges, but it averages to approximately $10.50 per day. Medical coverage is another option that can be added on to your contract, but it may be duplicate coverage if you have PIP (Personal Injury Protection) or health insurance. You may elect medical coverage for approximately $3 per day.
The collision damage waiver can be tricky because it can be voided based on certain driving circumstances. Rather than insurance, the waiver transfers responsibility from the renter to the rental company in the event a collision occurs. The collision waiver is your most expensive election at almost $20 per day. The other option you may be presented with is coverage for your personal belongings, but these may already be covered in your homeowners policy. If you decide to protect items that you may leave in the car, such as your laptop or golf clubs, you can do so for a couple of dollars a day.
The Benefits of Rental Car Insurance
Car rental insurance can be very beneficial if you do not already have coverage with your current car insurance policy or through a major credit card used to pay for the car rental. When it comes to automobiles, anything is possible. Car accidents happen every day, frequently leaving people without car insurance to pay for all of the car damages and associated medical damages. If you rent a car and don’t have insurance and are liable for an accident, there can be serious consequences.
Not everyone considers the risk of auto theft, but if you are in a rental car without car insurance there could be serious consequences if the car is stolen. Being in an unfamiliar town, as most people are when they rent cars while they are out of state, is exceptionally perilous. Whether you are insured or not, you should always follow strict safety guidelines which include the basics of locking your car, keeping valuables out of sight, and parking in well lit areas.
The Downsides of Rental Car Insurance
Rental car insurance may be a waste of money because many people are already covered by their own car insurance policy. Typical car insurance already covers theft or damage in a rental car, so this could be duplicate coverage you do not need. Furthermore, if you rented the car with a major credit card, you may have rental car insurance through the credit card, giving you protection in the event of an accident or if the rental car is stolen.
Before you agree to purchase rental car insurance from the car rental agency, call your insurance agent and your credit card company to find out what coverage you already have. When you call your agent and credit card company, be sure to find out what deductibles there may be, if any, and also ask what the limits of your coverage are. It’s also a good idea to find out what you need to do in order to process a claim so that you are prepared in the event you need to file one.
If you rent a car more often, it is a good idea to confirm your coverage with your car insurance agent and your credit card company before each rental, since coverage and limitations can be subject to change. If you don’t have your own car insurance and you frequently rent cars, you can also consider purchasing a liability policy intended for non-vehicle owners. The price can be as low as $200 for the year and may pay for itself if you are a frequent car renter.
Compare Rental Car Insurance Quotes
While car rental companies are required by law to offer certain insurance protection to their clients, consumers are not required to purchase all of the various options. Choosing rental car insurance is ultimately a personal choice, but you never need duplicate or triplicate protection. Call your agent with any questions or uncertainties before you rent. To find a car insurance agent, you can request and compare quotes online now by entering your zip code. Get started with a free car insurance comparison now!
