Should you purchases rental car insurance? This is a great question, and one that you are wise to ask long before you pack up your belongings and head for the rental car kiosk. If you arrive there without a full understanding of all the issues surrounding rental car insurance, you may be pressured by the rental agency into the purchase of insurance that you don’t need. This is not to say that this coverage is necessarily a bad idea; it is merely a reiteration of the age old marketplace warning of buyer beware.
It is hard to argue the point that car rental insurance is a necessary investment. You do not want to fall victim to an accident with a rental car for which you will end up having to pay not only for damages, but also for the revenue lost to the company for the entire time the car is being repaired. An accident can take many forms, from a fender bender with another vehicle, to a collision with a rocky abutment on a scenic overlook, to a scratch that appears after your vehicle has been valeted at a swanky restaurant. Paying out of pocket for the damages can be not only expensive, but catastrophic to your bank account.
It is significant that your question is not “should I have rental car insurance”—the answer to that is an emphatic YES—but “should I buy rental car insurance” from the rental car company. The answer to that is a much more ambiguous “maybe.” No matter what you decide about purchasing rental car insurance be sure that you have the best primary auto insurance by comparing car insurance rates today!
Here are some great questions and answers about rental car insurance:
Does your car insurance policy at home cover rental vehicles?
The answer to these queries will dictate if it is a good idea to purchase rental car insurance before you drive your loaner off the lot. By researching the details of any existing coverage in advance, you will understand what intangible protections you may not have realized you were carrying around with you in that heavy suitcase.
Does my own car insurance policy cover a rental car?
As a general rule, the protections afforded to you by the insurance that protects you and your family while driving at home will convey to any cars you rent. Comprehensive insurance will cover fire, vandalism, theft, and damage from animals as it relates to your rental car just as it covers those things on your daily driver. Collision insurance will cover damage resulting when you collide with another vehicle or object. Liability insurance will cover the damage to other vehicles or persons if you cause an accident (up to your policy limit, of course).
One key thing to remember is that you will have to pay your regular insurance deductible. Another thing to be aware of is that the accident may have an adverse effect on your record and could cause your premiums to rise. If you purchase car rental insurance from the car rental company, you will avoid any negative repercussions from your own car insurance company.
What kind of rental car insurance do credit cards offer?
Rental car insurance coverage varies widely from one credit card to the next. Some may offer no protection, others may offer secondary coverage, while others may offer primary coverage. Secondary coverage means you must file a claim through your own insurance, or the car rental insurance, before the credit card company picks up any responsibility. Primary coverage means that the credit card company will pay for damages without asking you to go through any other means of insurance.
Does your credit card come with rental car protections?
You will need to fully investigate the coverage provided by your credit card before you make any decisions about purchasing additional car rental insurance. Will the card cover damage to other cars in the event of an accident or does it apply only to your rental car? Will it cover you or the other victims in the event of bodily injury resulting from an accident? Careful consideration of all the variables will allow you to make the most informed decision possible when considering car rental insurance.
What kind of insurance do rental companies offer?
There are a variety of options available, and the selection is likely to be different at each car rental company. The most common terms are Loss Damage Waivers (LDW) and Collision Damage Waivers (CDW). As always, read the fine print before you sign. Important factors to note are the existence of deductibles and conditions (such as speeding) that will void your coverage. Some companies also offer Additional Liability Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance (death and medical expense benefits), and coverage for personal property that is lost or stolen.
How do I find the best car rental insurance rates?
The best policy for your own cars may well be the best policy for your rental cars. Compare car insurance quotes to find the companies that offer all the protections you are looking for at the most attractive prices. Taking care of these details long before you take your journey will help ensure a smooth and more economical trip. Compare car insurance quotes today!
