Something a lot of people don't think about when renting a car is the car insurance they will need to get. Many people choose the wrong rental insurance for what they actually require. Others choose more than what they need, or just do not get not enough coverage.
Rental car insurance should be thought about and decided on beforehand, so you're not pressured into a last minute decision. The aim of this article is to help you prepare yourself when renting your next car, so that you know ahead of time what to do about your rental car's insurance.
Before attempting to rent a car, it is important to mention that some states have a minimum age requirement for renting a car, which is ranges between 21 and 25. In addition, some companies check a potential renter's driving record or credit history before they allow him to rent a car.
Perhaps you don't need to buy insurance...
Before buying this insurance there are two things you can check, as you may not need to purchase one after all.
First, check your personal car insurance plan (assuming you have one) and find out whether the coverage and deductibles apply if you rent a car. In most cases it would. If there's any doubt in your mind, we suggest calling your insurance company and finding out. Note that the type of car insurance you have may affect the rental car as well, i.e., if you don't have comprehensive or collision car insurance, don't expect to be covered if your rental car is stolen.
Second, many credit cards offer insurance benefits. Normally these only cover damage or loss of the rented car, and not for other cars (in case you are involved in a car accident and it is your fault). Furthermore, there may not be personal liability for bodily damage. However, this may be sufficient to your purposes. Again, if there's any doubt - call your credit card company and find out. If you have more than one credit card, you should call each one to find out the insurance benefits they offer.
Note that if you decide to use this benefit as your rental car insurance, ask the credit card company to send their coverage information in writing.
If you do need to buy rental car insurance after all...
In the event the two above scenarios don't work, and you do need to purchase rental car insurance, keep in mind that this is state regulated, the cost and coverages are different in every state.
There are several options to choose from when purchasing rental car insurance:
Personal accident insurance: this provides coverage from car accidents to you and any passengers that were present in your car at the time of the accident. The insurance will pay the cost of medical and ambulance bills.
Personal effects coverage: this provides coverage for items stolen from your rental car.
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): if you possess this type of coverage, you are not held financially responsible if your rental car is damaged or stolen. However, if the damage resulted from speeding or driving while under the influence of alcohol, you will be held financially responsible. Keep this in mind!
Umbrella liability insurance: if you possess this type of coverage, this insurance policy acts as a liability policy in addition to the one you may get from your personal car insurance. In other words, it offers extra protection when you rent a car.
One final point: it might be a good idea for you to contact your travel agent if you are going to travel abroad in your rented car, to make sure you are properly insured while traveling.
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