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Having the ability to protect rental cars with the same deductibles and limits as their personal vehicles is something drivers should seek to do, and that starts with choosing an auto insurance provider that covers rental cars. This advantage allows you to decline additional coverage and save costs. However, you must first verify your provider allows your auto coverage to apply to a vehicle you rent for travel.
Liability and Damage
Personal coverage generally applies to the damage you may cause to others in a rental vehicle along with destruction to the rental car itself. Liability will protect against any bodily injuries you cause to others involved in the accident. If you directly collide with a vehicle, building, or another approved object, this should be protected under your policy.
The coverage also applies to theft, vandalism, and fires that impact your rental. Verify with your provider to determine if comprehensive coverage is valid for vehicle rental experiences that include those issues as well as weather-related incidents.
Deductibles
Your standard deductible should apply when a covered accident or damage occurs to the rental vehicle. For example, if your policy requires you to pay $1,000 for a collision deductible, you’ll need to provide $1,000 out of pocket after the incident. However, if exclusions and limits are in place under your current policy regarding a rental, you may have to pay more or the entire cost.
One of the most common reasons providers deny coverage is the rental being used for a business or commercial purpose. Your personal auto insurance isn’t valid in this situation. Instead, a commercial policy is required.
Credit Card Auto Benefit
Don’t assume rental insurance is a common benefit of every credit card issuer. In many cases, it’s only offered for premium accounts or if the provider has a travel rewards program. Even if your card does offer auto benefits, it’s almost always secondary to your personal coverage. In this case, you must still file claims directly with your insurance provider, making it more essential to find a high-quality provider that also covers rental cars.
Another factor to remember is that the credit card’s benefits don’t offer the same protection as your personal coverage. For example, liability for damage to other vehicles and people is generally not provided. Therefore, you should always verify what the charge card’s policy applies to, its limits, and, if awarded, whether it provides primary or secondary coverage.
Main Forms of Protection
Even if your personal auto insurance applies to a rental car, it generally doesn’t exceed the traditional liability, comprehensive, and collision limits. The loss damage waiver, personal accident insurance, and personal effects coverage aren’t always offered, particularly if your current policy isn’t full coverage.
When it pertains to rentals outside your state or country, always verify you have that specific form of coverage. In some instances, rental companies don’t allow their vehicles out of that specific state without additional coverage, and they may deny all cars and trucks from leaving the country altogether.
Drivers who are searching for reliable, affordable auto insurance should reach out to the experienced professionals at Altra Insurance Services. In addition to auto coverage, we offer a variety of insurance products, including business, homeowners, and motorcycle insurance. San Diego residents can call one of our friendly agents today for a free quote.