Do I Need to Buy Insurance when I Rent a Car
Coverage from your own policy may apply when you are using a private passenger rental car for personal, nonbusiness purposes. Coverage usually only applies in the U.S. & Canada.
If you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your own policy, it generally will extend to a rental car. However, you are typically still be on the hook for your deductible with your carrier, plus diminished value of the vehicle and loss of use with the rental car company.
Personally, I always purchase at least the Loss-Damage Waiver (Collision damage Waiver) from the rental car company - This option covers damage to the rental vehicle and loss-of-use charges by the rental company. In my opinion, it is much easier to drive with a peace of mind , hand them back the keys when you are done and walk away.
You may even want to consider the other types of coverages they offer, here are the main 4:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – waives your responsibility if you damage the rental car
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) – provides coverage for medical bills you and your passengers incur when injured in an accident involving the rental car
Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) – provides additional liability coverage (over any other liability coverage you may have for auto accidents) when damaging others’ property or causing injury to others
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) - covers your items stolen from or damaged in a rental car
Below are some blogs from the carriers we represent, regarding insurance and rental cars.
Hope this Helps!
Hanover Blog: Does My Insurance Provide Coverage If I Rent a Car
Mercury Blog: Four Things to Know About Insurance Before Renting a Car
Nationwide Blog: Rental car insurance or your own car insurance?
Plymouth Rock Blog: Insuring Your Rental Car
Progressive Blog: Do you need rental car insurance?
Selective Blog: 5 Things To Know Before Rental A Car Overseas
Travelers Blog: Rental Car Insurance - Does My Insurance Cover It?
*The content contained in this blog is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered insurance advice since every client's needs and circumstances are different. Bergen Insurance Group, LLC makes no representation as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All statements represent the sole opinion of the author and is provided on an as-is basis. For an actual description of all coverages, terms and conditions, refer to your insurance policy.
