Insurance Questions Answered Part 1-Do I need rental car insurance?
Question: The car rental counter is asking if I want to take their insurance. I told them that I have insurance but they said I would be on the hook if I didn’t take it. Do I need it?
Answer: If you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your own policy, it usually will extend to a rental car as the rental car is typically “replacing” your personal vehicle for a short period of time. However, you will still be on the hook for your deductible. If you don’t have comprehensive and collision on your regular policy, and don’t have the insurance offered by them, you’d have to pay for the damage.
Side note 1-Business auto or commercial auto policies work completely different. Rentals are usually not covered unless you have the coverage on your policy added.
Side note 2-If somebody else on your policy is driving your car while you are driving a rental then you probably should take the plan the rental counter offers. As mentioned above if something were to happen it would be considered a temporary replacement of your vehicle but if both your car and the rental car are being driven at the same time and there is an issue it could be a big issue.
Side note 3-Sometimes your credit card company has coverage for this. Double check.
As always, we recommend that you check with your agent or broker for details on your exact policy. So often when people call about questions like this they say I’m sorry for bothering you. You are not a bother. That is what we are here for.
For a quote for insurance call or text 833-426-8370
