Judging Whether or not you Need Rental Car Insurance

“Rental car insurance? Who needs rental car insurance?” That’s probably what’s going through your head when you hear that phrase. Who indeed needs insurance for their rental vehicle, usually a car? Doubtless your own insurance policy will cover problems with your car, even if it is a rental, so getting more coverage from the rental company is just a waste of money. Right?

Well, not necessarily. Not every insurance policy covers rentals in the first place. Does yours? If not then you really need to call upon your provider and find out what they have to say about the deal. If you are, that’s great: but what are the particulars of that coverage? How far does it extend? If you go to another state, or another country, will you still be insured?

You also need to take into account how much money your normal policy will cover. Do you drive an old junker and then get a sleek new rental vehicle? If that’s the case then you might not have enough coverage to pay for replacement. And if that happens you’re going to have to pay the rest of what’s owed, which depending on the difference in prices between the two cars could be lots.

So you’ve decided that rental car insurance is a good idea because your own insurance won’t cover everything. You’re set now, right?

Again, not necessarily. You need to check your policy over thoroughly before signing up. Not every company is going to grant your insurance coverage on your car for absolutely every contingency. You need to find out what exclusions apply to your policy and then find out if you can give a bit extra to get those contingencies covered.

Above all make sure that where you’re planning on traveling is actually covered in any coverage plan you get. Quite a few companies won’t extend their coverage past a certain point, especially if that point lies beyond the borders of their own company. Let them know where you intend to travel and get extra coverage if needed to make sure you aren’t in trouble.