Car Rental Insurance -- Does Your Policy Cover You?

Do You Understand Rent Car Insurance?

As the vacation season approaches, you may want to rent a car. Beyond paying for the rental, many consuemrs are confused when the person at the counter offers them car rental insurance. Here are some sources of rental car insurance.

1. You own auto insurance policy.
2. Credit Cards which offer rental car insurance.
3. Over the Counter Rental Insurance

You need to understand exactly what is covered under the terms of any of these insurance policies. Over the counter rental insurance is sold to protect the rental company, and not the consumer. On the other hand, you own policy may have deductibles and limits.

Before you decide to accept or decline over the counter car rental insurance, or before you think that is a total solution, please learn more about car rental insurance.

Related: Auto Insurance When Renting a Car

Rental Car Insurance - Do We Need It?

I know you've probably been renting a car, and been asked at the desk if you need to buy the extra insurance. The extra insurance can really add up over a few days, but I have learned the hard way that it can be much more costly to do without insurance when you need it! Since I own a car, and of course, carry car insurance, I did not know if I needed extra coverage from the car rental counter or not.

If you've been wondering about rental car insurance, check out BestInsuranceUS.com for an informative article.

It appears that the answer depends upon your situation, and that for those of us with good car insurance, extra rental car insurance might not be absolutely needed - but may be considered. Of course, if you do not own a car and have car insurance, you will need to purchase coverage or risk a huge liability!

If you're not happy with your current car insurance, compare insurance online with one fast, safe, and free online form!

Do I need insurance to Rent a Car?

Obviously, you do need insurance to rent a car. You may have adequate coverage under you own personal insurance company. Your own insurance probably covers a rental car if you have comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance coverage. Of course, before you rent a car, you should call your insurance company to verify your coverage!

Many credit card companies also provide car rental insurance, so when you decide which credit card you want to use to rent your car, call them to see what coverage they provide.

Of course, if you do not own a car, you may not have insurance. Every US state requires proof of financial responsibility to drive a car. This usually means you need to have, at least liability insurance. Of course, since you don't own the car, you would be responsible for damages as well. If you don't rent a car very often, you may be able to purchase this type of insurance at the counter when you rent. Make sure you verify that this meets, at least, the state minimum requirement.

If you rent a car very often for business or pleasure, then you can purchase a non owner policy. This policy covers you, as a driver, rather than a specific car. These types of policy usually only cost a few hundred dollars, and they will give you peace of mind, as well as meet legal requirements for driving.

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