A very common question is whether or not personal auto insurance transfers over to rental cars. It depends on a few determining factors. You’re always going to want to check with an insurance agent first, before overpaying the rental car company for daily auto insurance.
You can always try to find this information on your auto insurance policy as well. If you have difficulty finding it, you may want to reach out to an agent for assistance. [click here to call an agent now]
If you’re within the U.S. and carry comprehensive auto insurance & liability auto insurance on your personal vehicle, it may carry over to the rental cars you drive. Please keep in mind, the amount of insurance you carry for your personal vehicle may not be adequate for the rental cars value.
For example, if you decide you want to rent a 2020 Ferrari, and carry personal coverage that covers the value of a 2015 Honda, you will not have the amount of insurance protection to cover damages and repairs should they happen.
Do I need rental car insurance
It really depends on what you’re using the rental vehicle for and the amount of coverage you carry on your personal auto insurance policy. We always advise speaking to an agent. The agents at Eugene C Yates Insurance Agency are experts when it comes to car insurance.
If you’re trying to figure out whether you need car insurance on the rental you plan to drive this weekend, give us a call before hand. Have a dedicated auto insurance agent help you understand the policy you’re getting. We make the process fast, easy and affordable.
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What types of auto insurance do rental car companies carry?
There are various coverage types when dealing with a rental car company. Overall, you will notice a lot of the same coverage types as in your personal auto insurance policy. We go through some of the more common types of protection below;
- Collision / Loss damage waiver: This type of auto insurance covers costs if the rental car is stolen. It will also cover damage in an accident, and vandalism.
- Liability/supplemental liability insurance: This type of car insurance covers you, if you are to cause damage to someones vehicle or property while you are driving the rental vehicle. Medical expenses are covered for the other driver and the passengers in the other drivers vehicle, if you’re at fault in the accident.
- Personal accident insurance: This type of car insurance pays for medical bills for you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident while you’re driving the rental car.
- Personal effects coverage: This type of auto insurance covers you if your personal items are stolen from your rental car. It will also cover damage to your personal belongings that may have been in your rental vehicle.
Does my car insurance cover a rental car
You may often find that the auto insurance policy you carry on your personal vehicle, will cover the rental car you want to drive. Like mentioned before, the amount you’re covered for and the types of auto insurance coverage you’re protected with play a huge role.
If you need to know if you will be covered for the amount of the rental car you want to drive, talk to an agent. The agents at Eugene C Yates Insurance Agency would love to help you get the best auto insurance for your situation. [click here to call an agent now]
How much auto liability insurance coverage do you have?
Liability coverage is required in Sacramento California, so more than likely you have it. Liability auto insurance will cover the other driver’s injuries if you are the one at fault in a crash. It will also cover damage you may have caused to other drivers car or property.
Do you have full coverage auto insurance?
Full coverage in short means you have comprehensive car insurance and collision auto insurance on your personal auto insurance policy. Please keep in mind the name “full” coverage can be deceiving. Make sure you know what limits you’re covered for. Full coverage doesn’t always mean you’re covered for everything.
Do you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay?
If you have personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) through your car insurance company, you may be covered for the rental car you drive. This is a great question to ask an agent. [click here to call an agent now]
You’ll find a lot of similarities between PIP insurance and MedPay. Both coverage types cover your medical care if you are involved in a car accident.
PIP is more comprehensive & provides coverage for other people related to you under the same insurance policy you’re covered with. With MedPay you are the only one covered for medical care and there will be no one else covered.
When is it a good idea to purchase rental car insurance?
Depending on your situation it may always be wise to get added auto insurance protection when driving a rental car. We go over a few of the more common examples below;
- If you do not own a vehicle, you may not carry auto insurance. If this is the case, getting auto insurance from the rental company may be your easiest option.
- Your insurance you carry on your personal vehicle will not cover the value of the super car you want to rent over the weekend. Check what you’re covered for and get estimates of the value of the vehicle you choose to drive.
- It may be easier for you to get additional coverage just to feel a little bit safer while you’re driving someone else’s car. Having a little extra auto insurance is always a smart idea.
If you still have additional questions about your auto insurance, call us. Our agents would love to help you get the car insurance that fit’s your lifestyle perfectly. On top of that, they’re nice people and they have great auto insurance rates!