In 2019 alone, there were 44.5 million cars rented in the U.S.,
but how many were purchased with car rental insurance as well?
How often was it even needed?
We rent cars for all kinds of reasons-
going on vacation, taking a high mileage road trip, using a van to transport more family members or passengers, grabbing a pick up truck or cargo van to haul materials or to make moving homes easier, or perhaps a temporary replacement vehicle due to a vehicle accident-
and that’s just a short list of the reasons behind renting a car, truck, van or other needed vehicle .
When Do I Need Supplemental Car Rental Insurance?
In those moments of standing up at the desk, finalizing your information and receiving the keys, the question always comes up,
Would you like to add car insurance to your rental?
Do you get it? Do you need it? What happens if you don’t have it?
Or even further, can my own personal car insurance act in place of the car rental insurance and cover me? Am I covered for liability, medical, and physical damage?
The good news is: Of course! As always, though, it depends on the location, the vehicle type/size, the drivers and the situation.
When My Personal Auto Insurance Policy Acts As My Car Rental Insurance
For vehicle rentals in the United States and its territories most personal auto policies automatically extend the coverage on the policy so it may act as car rental insurance with the most advantageous limits to a vehicle being rented for temporary use as long as the vehicle qualifies and the drivers are named on the applicable insurance policy. If your own policy extends, out-of-pocket deductibles will apply if any claims are filed on the primary policy.
When I Purchase Car Rental Insurance from the Car Rental Agency
Larger Vehicles Normally, larger vehicles that don’t qualify for personal car insurance are not afforded automatic protection. This generally creates the need to purchase the higher cost protection that the rental agency offers for both physical damage and liability. This coverage normally has no deductible that applies.
Unlisted Drivers. Drivers not listed on the policy providing the family protection would normally not be covered. This generally creates the need to purchase the higher cost protection that the rental agency offers for both physical damage and liability. This coverage normally has no deductible that applies.
Commercial, Business, and Professional Use. This type of use of the rental vehicle may prohibit automatic extension of the personal auto policy. This generally creates the need to purchase the higher cost protection that the rental agency offers for both physical damage and liability. this coverage normally has no deductible that applies.
Before You Purchase the Car Rental Insurance, Give Your Insurance Agent Representative a Call!
Before heading out on vacation, or going to the car rental agency, reach out to your agent representative with details as specific as possible. In doing so, you’ll be armed with the most applicable information and won’t have to make a last-minute, high – pressure decision at the counter with people waiting and what seems to be a high cost on the line.
When you have a personal auto insurance policy with Ashland Insurance, you can reach out directly to your representative or call one of of offices. We are here to answer your questions and facilitate clear information that will bring you to awareness around your car rental insurance needs.
You can reach our offices at:
541.482.0831 Ashland
541.857.0679 Medford