Do I Need Rental Car Insurance
Well who doesn’t wish to drive a long Cadillac on a trip to Miami, well, that’s a major part of the allure. Some would say that it is the LWB Cadillac’s that make Miami even hotter. However, renting a car might not be a cakewalk particularly if you aren’t good with finances. When the guy at the counter asks, whether or not you have rental car insurance, more than half of America is left gasping for an answer.
Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
What most people don’t realize is they might be covered through personal auto insurance against an accident, a credit card used to book the rental car or maybe additional cover bought in other insurance verticals such as personal. However, you cannot leave things to fate and hope you won’t meet an accident. Hence we will drill down into the nitty-gritty of the case and conclude if you need rental auto insurance or not.
At the bare minimum, you would need liability car insurance if you are renting a car to drive. That’s the safest and best bet. If you don’t have one and God forbid, if you ram your car into someone and cause damage to either the driver or his/her auto, you are screwed. Liability car insurance covers injuries and property damage that you cause to others in case of an accident (even if you were not a fault) and is required in most states.
If you happen to damage the rental car in case of a collision, you would also want your insurance coverage to pay for the damage. The dent on the auto will be quite insignificant when compared to the hole that it will make in your pocket. Moreover, the medical bills that you will pay from your pocket in case you don’t have coverage for it, will propel you into the circle of poverty from which you cannot escape.
The good thing is that you don’t have to buy all these coverage’s from the rental car company as you could pretty much have these coverage’s through a combination of existing policies:-
Rental Car Insurance Coverage
If you are renting a vehicle, it’s in your best interest to understand your rental car insurance options before you get to the rental car counter. Drivers sometimes don’t realize they may already have rental car insurance coverage through personal auto insurance, a credit card used to book the rental or other insurance policies.
- Your car insurance policy (personal)
- The credit card you used to book the rental auto
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
- Non-owner car insurance
- Umbrella insurance
If you don’t have adequate coverage through your personal car insurance, the credit card you use or through other holistic insurance, the safest bet is to purchase the rental car insurance. As they say, better be safe than sorry.
The last thing you want to worry about is whether you are covered in case of a mishap. Here’s a friendly guide to navigating the often-confusing world of rental car insurance, tailored just for you.
Do I Really Need Rental Car Insurance?
Think of your personal auto insurance as a good buddy. Generally, it’s got your back when you rent a car, offering the same protection limits and deductibles you are accustomed to. But, it’s a bit picky. It prefers when you are using the rental for joyrides and vacations, not so much for your business ventures. And, like any buddy, it’s not perfect. It might leave you hanging with “loss of use” fees if your rental ends up in the shop.
The Ins and Outs of Rental Car Insurance
Types of Rental Car Insurance
Now, let’s talk coverage basics when you are behind the wheel of that rental:
Liability Insurance:
Accidentally turned someone’s fence into modern art with the rental? Your standard liability insurance should cover you up to your chosen limits.
Collision and Comprehensive:
Encounter a rogue deer or a sneaky thief? These coverage’s kick in for repairs or replacement of the rental, minus your usual deductible.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) & Medical Payments (MedPay):
If you or your passengers get injured, these coverage’s help with medical expenses, regardless of who’s at fault.
Decoding Rental Company Insurance
When you stand at the rental counter, you’ll face a menu of insurance options:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW):
This is your “no worries” option, covering the rental if it’s damaged or stolen. It’s extra peace of mind if you’d rather not involve your insurance or risk a premium hike after an accident.
Supplemental Liability Insurance:
This beefs up coverage for damages or injuries you cause to others, with companies offering various policy limits.
Personal Accident Insurance:
It covers medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident. Before you add it to your bill, check if your existing insurance already has you covered.
Personal Effects Coverage:
This protects your belongings inside the rental. But, take a moment to see if your home, condo, or renters insurance offers similar protection.
Roadside Assistance:
Flat tire? Out of gas? This has you covered. Yet, your existing car insurance policy, credit card, or auto club membership might already offer this service.
Smart Moves for Saving on Your Rental
1. Book Early:
Lock in lower rates by reserving your rental ahead of time.
2. Avoid Airport Premiums:
Renting away from the airport can significantly lower your rate. A little ride to the rental office could mean big savings.
3. Leverage Memberships:
Companies like Costco, AAA, and AARP negotiate discounts on your behalf. Use them!
Watch Out for These Tricks
Forced Upgrades:
Don’t be pressured into paying more for an “upgrade” you didn’t ask for. Stand your ground or seek a supervisor’s help.
Fuel Purchase Options:
Refill the tank yourself to avoid overpaying. If you opt for the rental company’s fuel plan, make sure to return the vehicle as empty as possible.
Car Seat Charges:
If you are traveling with kids, car seat rental fees can add
Should I Get Rental Car Insurance?
Before you head to that rental counter, it’s crucial to tap into the coverage you might already have under your belt. Why pay extra for what you are already covered for? From your trusty personal auto insurance to those hidden gems in your wallet, let’s explore the arsenal of coverage options you might not even know you have.
Check the Best Rental Car Insurance Provider
Your Credit Card
Ever glanced at your credit card perks? Beyond earning points or cash back, many credit cards offer rental car insurance. There are two types: primary and secondary coverage.
Primary coverage steps in first, handling claims without bothering your personal car insurance, meaning no deductibles from your pocket.
Secondary coverage fills in the gaps, covering what your auto insurance doesn’t, potentially saving you from out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and fees for towing or loss of use. Before you set off, check which cards in your wallet offer the best rental car protection.
Health Insurance
Accidents happen, but if you are injured, your health insurance has you covered within the U.S., adhering to your usual deductibles and co-pays. It’s one less thing to worry about, letting you focus on the journey ahead.
Home, Condo, and Renters Insurance
That laptop or camera you are bringing along? Your home, condo, or renters insurance might cover these personal items if they’re stolen from your rental car. It’s like having a guardian angel for your belongings, wherever you roam.
Non-Owner Car Insurance
If you are often behind the wheel of a rental but don’t own a car, non-owner car insurance is your alley. Offering liability coverage, it’s a savvy move for regular renters, ensuring you are always covered without owning a set of wheels.
Roadside Assistance Insurance
Flat tire? Battery kaput? Lock yourself out? No sweat. Roadside assistance, possibly through your car insurance, credit card, or an auto club membership (hello, AAA!), means help is just a call away. It’s like having a superhero on speed dial.
Exploring Third-Party Rental Insurance
For a potentially more wallet-friendly option, consider third-party rental insurance from companies like Allianz Global Assistance, Bonzah, Rental Cover, or Sure. They offer standalone policies that might just beat the rental company’s rates. It’s worth a quote comparison before you head to the counter.
Travel Insurance
Some travel insurance plans include rental car coverage, covering damages up to a certain amount and even offering roadside assistance. However, they might not cover liability, so it’s essential to know what you are getting.
Umbrella Insurance: The Overarching Protection
When the unexpected happens, and costs exceed your other policies’ limits, umbrella insurance has your back, covering the excess up to your policy limits. It’s like an extra layer of peace of mind.
If things get down to buying rental car insurance, then choose the best: Bonzah
Bonzah rental car insurance offers a smart, cost-effective solution for those looking to hit the road without the worry of hefty out-of-pocket expenses in case of an accident or damage. Imagine cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway or navigating the bustling streets of New York City, secure in the knowledge that you are covered. With Bonzah, you are not just renting a car; you are buying peace of mind.
This coverage is not just about addressing the unforeseen; it’s about making your travel seamless and stress-free. It’s designed with the American traveler in mind, offering comprehensive protection that includes damage from collisions, theft, and even the dreaded flat tire, all without breaking the bank.
So, whether you are a frequent business traveler or a family looking to explore the vast landscapes of the U.S., Bonzah provides that essential safety net, letting you focus on the journey, not the paperwork. Say goodbye to those high deductibles and restrictive policies of traditional rental companies, and hello to freedom on the open road with Bonzah rental car insurance.
Is Rental Car Insurance Worth It?
Sometimes, yes. If your existing policies leave gaps, rental insurance can fill them, giving you peace of mind during your travels. But if you are well-covered elsewhere, you might want to pocket that money for souvenirs instead.
