Travelling should be a time to unwind and explore. However, it might become increasingly difficult to navigate travel insurance if you’re not prepared. For this blog, we’ll look at the world of car rental insurance.
The first and most essential stage is to comprehend your own personal auto insurance. Most plans cover your rental vehicle but double-check with your insurer or agent if you’re not sure.
Here are some things to keep in mind: First, your personal insurance will cover only personal (non-business) car usage. If you’re going for business, check with your employer. Second, even if your personal insurance covers it, you’ll be responsible for the deductible on your policy’s accident damage claim. Third, check the benefits of any credit card you intend to use before booking and paying with it. When you reserve and pay with a credit card, most major credit card companies provide collision insurance.
So, what can the car insurance provided by rental companies do for you? Here’s a rundown of the main features:
Rental car liability insurance
Protects you and others from financial responsibility if something goes wrong with your automobile. It covers damage to other vehicles, property, and people as a result of incidents you cause. This coverage does not cover you or any of your passengers, nor does it include the vehicle itself.
Personal accident insurance
Medical expenses are covered if someone in your vehicle is hurt.
Collision damage insurance
Provides coverage for repairs if you cause harm to your vehicle.
Personal effects coverage
Items, such as luggage and clothing, taken from the car are covered. Some expensive goods (laptops, jewellery) may be subject to limitations or exclusions, however.
If you’re in a rental car, look up your state’s requirements for that. If so, you’ll need to provide additional documentation as proof of ownership and insurance coverage. Should you buy the extra rental car insurance? Here are a few reasons why you should consider it at the register:
- If you don’t have your own auto insurance.
- You don’t want to pay the deductible from your existing automobile insurance.
- Towing and other potential expenses, such as “loss of use” costs while the rental car is being prepared, are not usually covered by your personal insurance.
- You’re visiting a foreign country. The majority of policies do not cover automobile rentals outside of the United States.
- Travelling business. If your employer doesn’t offer you any additional coverage, you’ll have to get it at the counter.