Need car rental insurance?
Are you rental car counter when choosing asked this question confusing Want to buy a rental car insurance.
It is not a decision taken lightly first, the insurance isn t cheap full coverage could double what you pay for the car, which could be a big waste of money if you do not need for this reason, many travelers Thrifty live by a rule never to buy a rental coverage.
But making the right decision is rarely that simple a wreck, theft or other incident could leave you on the hook for thousands of dollars, even if you have personal auto insurance.
So before you go to the car rental counter, ask the crucial question that I already covered.
Unfortunately, says Angela Preciado, director of the management of automotive products for USAA, there's no easy answer that applies to everyone.
What you are covered for and what or how much depends on what types of personal auto insurance you wear, what protection your credit card offer, where you are the car.
The best thing to do is call your insurance company and learn about your coverage before traveling Do not wait until you put on the spot, said Preciado.
Here are some general questions and answers to help you make an informed decision about your auto insurance needs when you rent a car.
In many cases, your regular auto insurance policy will transfer to a rental car and cover you in the same way, if you cause an accident while driving the rental, your liability insurance would pay up to your policy limits for damage to other cars or property even if you carry collision coverage on your policy, it would pay for the damages related to the accident of the car you're driving Finally, your full coverage would take care of damage to the rental vehicle not related to a traffic accident, such as theft or vandalism.
Yet even full coverage on your regular car may not protect you from all charges of the rental company could impose.
Many credit cards come with auto rental insurance, which may supplement or even be used in place of your auto insurance policy.
For coverage to apply, you usually have to book and pay for the rental car using this card and the conditions are very variable, depending on the card you have cards offer primary coverage, which doesn t you need make a claim your other cards regular car insurance policy offer secondary coverage, in this case, the coverage pays your deductible and other costs.
How do I know exactly what my insurance and credit card companies offer.
Call your personal auto insurance provider so that you know what conditions apply to a rental vehicle.
Call your credit card company to find out what coverage it will provide.
When would it be wise to buy insurance from the rental company.
If you own a car t and n have a car insurance policy, you need to buy coverage from the rental company, but even well-insured drivers purchase additional rental guarantee.
After talking to your insurance company and check your credit card benefits, look at the holes in your coverage that will leave you in charge Preciado warned against the little known costs of the rental company may not be covered.
A leasing company may hold you responsible for what is called indirect, she explains that includes a loss of profit to the company while the car is being repaired and can be rented t, vehicle depreciation and certain administrative costs fonts of the most regular car insurance won t pay for these costs, coverage additionally to the rental company could give you peace of mind.
You also need to weigh the risks of your car being damaged Will you drive long distances or navigate in crowded or unfamiliar Will you protected areas where you are staying car park.
Finally, the coverage can be complicated if you drive your car across the borders of countries or if your lease comes from outside the United States.
What coverage do I have if I rent a car outside the United States.
Before traveling abroad, be sure to check with your insurance company and credit card Generally, US auto insurance doesn? T cover you when you rent a car overseas or in Mexico Sometimes coverage depends on where your policy was issued and in which country the car is leased If your policy covers doesn t you purchase insurance directly from the rental company may be required.
The Insurance Information Institute warns, it becomes more difficult to rent a car to drive to Mexico because of the crime rate and violence In addition, most insurance policies insurance responsibility of the United States won the cover t injury caused in Mexico If you plan to drive your car or a rental in Mexico, you will need to purchase liability insurance to cover you in case you cause injury or damage you can usually buy this coverage a pinion insurer street near the border who specializes in short-term policy for Mexico.
A primary policy will generally cover the same circumstances for the rental car as it would for the vehicle you own.
Let's say you own a 2001 Honda liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, and you get into an accident in a new luxury SUV rental Many policies will even pay up to the actual value of the lease, even if it is greater than the value of the car shown on your policy, said Preciado.
What happens if the car was broken into and a thief took personal items, such as a suitcase or laptop.
When traveling, it is not uncommon for expensive items such as digital cameras, laptops, iPods and tablets, to stolen items stolen from your car may be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance Before rent a car, check with your insurance company sure on dollar limits and your deductible and covered, remember not to leave valuables in your car.
After moving to a safe place, call the police; and if someone is injured, 911 Then contact your insurance company and the car rental company.
Need Rental Car Insurance, need rental insurance.