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    Rental Car Insurance 101
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    1. Home
    2. Learning Center
    3. Understanding Insurance
    4. Insurance coverage
    5. Auto insurance for your rental car
    • Learning Center
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          • What Does Home Insurance Cover?
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          • Is an umbrella insurance policy right for you?
          • 4 questions to ask about car and home insurance when you move
          • Home market value vs. replacement cost
          • Homeowners insurance declaration page
          • Actual cash value of a total loss vehicle
          • Insurance for college students
          • Old car insurance: effective coverage for your aging vehicle
          • Understanding property damage mitigation
          • Understanding replacement cost coverage
          • Home Insurance deductible
          • Understanding your car insurance deductible
          • Water damage insurance claims vs. flood claims
          • Understanding negligence and liability
          • What to know when shopping for car insurance
          • Car storage insurance
          • Become street savvy: earn a defensive driving discount
          • Utility trailer insurance
          • Auto insurance for your rental car
          • How to add a driver to car insurance
          • Do you need rental reimbursement coverage?
          • A drive-by look at CONNECT roadside assistance
          • What does car insurance cover?
          • Understanding excluded drivers and your auto insurance policy
          • Am I insured if I borrow a car?
          • Tips for working with your insurance adjuster
          • Understanding electronics insurance
          • Condo insurance vs. townhome insurance
          • Liability car insurance: understanding liability limits
          • Medical payments to others vs. personal liability coverage
          • Personal property insurance
          • Solar panel insurance FAQ
          • Water backup coverage and how to fortify your home
          • Do I need an umbrella policy?
          • International car insurance
          • Scheduled personal property
          • Flood insurance coverage
          • What is umbrella insurance?
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          • What is renters insurance?
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    Understanding Rental Car Insurance: You ask. We explain.

    When your vacation includes a stop at the rental car counter, one question is sure to follow: “Would you like to purchase insurance?” For many drivers, it’s a challenging question.

    Before you consider renting a car, it’s important to have an understanding of rental car coverage and know the differences between the various types of rental car coverage:

    Existing Auto Policy Coverage

    Your existing auto insurance policy may provide coverage for vehicles you rent. With this type of coverage, the same insurance coverage that you’ve purchased for the vehicles listed on your policy extends to your rental car. But, some exceptions may apply — so it’s important to verify coverage with your company.

    Rental Car Insurance

    If your existing auto insurance policy does not provide rental car coverage — or enough coverage — you’ll need to purchase a separate rental car insurance policy. Rental car insurance coverage is a short-term auto insurance policy, protecting you and the rental car while you use it. You can typically purchase rental car insurance coverage from the rental car provider. Some credit cards also provide this insurance as a perk.

    Rental Expense Coverage

    It’s not related, but it’s worth mentioning rental expense coverage because the similar names often cause confusion. When you purchased your regular auto insurance policy, you probably had the option of purchasing rental expense coverage. If you did, this additional coverage provides payment for a rental vehicle in the event yours is not drivable after an accident.

    Now that you have an understanding of rental car coverage, you should weigh the following items before making your decision.

    Rental Car Insurance Considerations

    1. If you hold a current auto insurance policy: Your existing coverage may extend to a vehicle you rent. But, you need to decide if the coverage is adequate for your needs.

    Confirm that your auto insurance policy covers damage, theft, injury to others and damage to property – and at what maximum limit. Many companies may not extend coverage for the rental company’s expenses for loss of use, towing charges, or diminished value claims. If not, you would need to be comfortable taking on the risk of paying for those costs out of your own pocket. You may also want to review your deductibles; they will apply in the event you need to file a claim. And, any claim would be considered part of your driving history with your insurance company, which could impact the discounts or rate you receive.

    What kind of vehicle you're renting, for how long, and where you're traveling are also important factors. Most companies will extend coverage to a standard vehicle, but you may not be covered if you rent a high-priced, luxury vehicle, a large passenger van or a moving truck. Also, there is a time limit and coverage probably won’t apply if you are driving outside of the United States.

    2. If your credit card company offers rental car coverage: It’s important to know the benefits and limitations. For example, some companies may provide reimbursement for collision damage or theft, but not injuries. Or, coverage may only kick in for expenses above and beyond what’s covered by a primary insurance policy. In other words, the credit card acts as a backup to cover the gap between what your insurance pays and what is actually owed.

    Other companies exclude antique, exotic or sport utility vehicles (SUVs) from coverage, limit coverage to specific countries or provide coverage only for driving on regularly maintained roads. If your credit card company provides rental car insurance, you will also need to pay for the car rental using that credit card in order to access the coverage.

    3. If you purchase insurance from the car rental company: Based on your other coverage, you may decide a rental car insurance policy is still a good idea. Rental company insurance plans can protect you from costly, out-of-pocket expenses – and you wouldn’t need to involve your regular insurance company. But, make sure to clarify if coverage applies to multiple drivers or just one – and comply with the answer.

    It’s best to do this research before you travel so you have an understanding of rental car coverage and the rental car coverage you need. Then, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

    --

    SOURCES

    1. "Rental Car Insurance: 2017’s Best Credit Card Coverage." WalletHub. 14 Nov. 2017. https://wallethub.com.
    2. Hobica, George. "Everything You Need To Know About Rental Car Insurance." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com. Web. 14 Jun. 2018. http://www.huffingtonpost.com.
    3. "Do You Need Rental Car Insurance?" The Simple Dollar. 13 Dec. 2017. Web. https://www.thesimpledollar.com.
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    CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, is the brand name of American Family Connect Property and Casualty Insurance Company and American Family Connect Insurance Company, Madison, WI. Depending on the state, auto policies are underwritten by either company, or by an affiliate, Midvale Indemnity Company, Madison, WI. Property policies are underwritten and issued by affiliates based in Boston, MA, including: Homesite Indemnity Company, Homesite Insurance Company, Homesite Insurance Company of California, Homesite Insurance Company of Florida, Homesite Insurance Company of Georgia, Homesite Insurance Company of Illinois, Homesite Insurance Company of New York, Homesite Lloyd’s of Texas, and Homesite Insurance Company of the Midwest. The American Family Connect Insurance Agency, Inc., places policies with related and unrelated companies. Each insurer is solely responsible for the claims on its policies and pays the Agency for policies sold. In Texas, certain property coverages may be underwritten by Ranchers & Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. Prices, coverages and privacy policies vary among these insurers. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its products. Some products, discounts, benefits, and savings may vary, may not be available in all states, and are subject to limitations.

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