What Rental Car Insurance Should You Get?
When you’re travelling and need to rent a car, the last thing you want to worry about is rental car insurance. It can be confusing to know what insurance is necessary and which one to opt for, so it’s important to plan ahead and research thoroughly. Read on to find out more about what rental car insurance you should get.
Personal Car Insurance vs. Rental Car Insurance
Before renting a car, it’s important to understand what your personal car insurance covers for rental cars. Many car insurance policies cover car rentals, but it’s best to ensure that you’re covered before you rent the car. Check if your personal car insurance provides liability coverage if the rental car is damaged in an accident. In addition, check if the insurance covers personal property in case of theft.
Although your personal car insurance may cover some elements of rental car insurance, you should still consider purchasing rental car insurance to ensure you’re fully protected. Rental car insurance provides separate coverage in the event of accident or theft, and is a necessary purchase.
What Rental Car Insurance Should You Get?
When renting a car, you’ll be offered the chance to purchase extra insurance. It’s important to know what type of insurance is necessary and which ones to opt for. When renting a car, you should always opt for liability insurance, personal injury protection, and collision damage waiver (CDW).
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance covers car damage to other people’s property in the event of an accident. This coverage is important as it protects you from being liable to pay for any damages that you cause to other cars while driving the rental car. You should always purchase the maximum amount of liability insurance coverage, as you’re responsible for all damages you cause to other cars.
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection provides coverage for injuries incurred by people in the rental car in case of an accident. This coverage is necessary even if the rental vehicle is at fault in an accident, as the rental company can still require payment for medical bills of those injured in the car.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
CDW is important coverage to purchase when renting a car. This coverage provides protection if the rental vehicle is stolen or damaged in an accident and relieves you from having to pay for any damages. However, in most cases, CDW does not provide coverage for damages caused to other people’s property and damage to tires, wheels, or the roof of the car.
Additional Rental Car Insurance Options
In addition to the essential coverage for liability, personal injury protection, and collision damage waiver, you might also consider purchasing additional rental car insurance options. For example, liability coverage for high-risk drivers and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
High-risk drivers are those who have a poor driving record, such as multiple speeding tickets or at-fault accidents. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage provides protection if the rental car is damaged in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Conclusion
Rental car insurance is an important, yet often confusing element to think about when renting a car. It’s important to understand what your personal car insurance covers and what additional coverage is necessary. When renting a car, always purchase liability insurance, personal injury protection, and collision damage waiver. Further, consider additional coverage options such as liability coverage for high-risk drivers and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
