What you should know about rental car coverage and your auto insurance.
Rental car insurance can certainly be confusing. Let’s face it, a car accident would definitely ruin your vacation and your financial situation if you didn’t have the appropriate cover. But does that mean that we should all purchase auto insurance from the rental car salesperson? Does this mean that you’re doubling up on car insurance? Here is what you should know.
In many cases, your current, personal auto insurance coverage will cover your rental vehicle. In order for this to work, you will need three types of coverage: liability, collision, and comprehensive. Liability insurance will cover damages to other vehicles and property, as well as injuries to other people. Collision coverage will pay for damages to the rental car during an accident and comprehensive insurance takes care of damages that are not the result of an accident, like vandalism or theft.
If you are splashing out on a rental vehicle to have the ultimate summer road trip, you may need to consider securing additional coverage. Your auto insurance may only protect a vehicle that is of a similar value to the vehicle that is currently on the policy. That means if you drive a Nissan Versa and you rent and wreck a Chevrolet Corvette, your car insurance company may not be willing to foot the bill. Also, if the damage you cause to the rental vehicle is seen as negligence, you may be out of luck.
Talk to your insurer to determine if your current coverage will protect a rental vehicle. If not, consider taking out the rental vehicle’s insurance policy. For all of your
car insurance needs,
contact C.V. Mason Insurance Agency in Bristol, Connecticut. We will work with you to ensure you have the right amount of auto insurance coverage, all at the right price to fit your budget.
