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insure my rental car legitimate

by Preston Sauer Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

What's the best way to insure your rental car?

  • Insure online when you book. ...
  • Protect your rental directly with the rental company. ...
  • Insure your car through a third-party insurer. ...
  • Don't buy any additional insurance at all. ...
  • Insurance checklist. ...
  • Choosing the right rental car insurance for you. ...

Full Answer

Does my Insurance Cover Me in a rental car?

In most cases, your personal car insurance should cover you, but let’s take a closer look. In order for your primary automotive insurance to cover your rental car, you’ll need three types of coverage: liability, collision, and comprehensive.

Should you pay extra to insure your rental car?

What type of rental insurance do you need?

  • Loss damage waiver (LDW)
  • Liability coverage
  • Personal accident insurance
  • Personal effects coverage
  • Other options: credit card and travel insurance

Should I pay for insurance on my rental car?

You may not have to purchase rental car insurance if you are traveling for business, either. In most cases, your personal auto insurance will cover you as if you were driving your own car. Major credit cards generally include some level of collision insurance when you reserve and pay for the entire rental with that card.

Do rental companies have to insure their cars?

States require car rental companies to carry insurance on their vehicles. But there's no corresponding law that says you have to purchase insurance, which technically isn't insurance, but an ...

Should I purchase insurance for rental car?

Remember that the rental is considered “your” car for insurance purposes, so, if you only have basic liability, it makes sense to purchase rental car insurance. Collision – This is what most people are referring to when they mention that your auto insurance policy covers your rental.

What is the best way to get rental car insurance?

Here are the four main options you have for insuring your rental car:Insure online when you book.Protect your rental directly with the rental company.Insure your car through a third-party insurer.Don't buy any additional insurance at all.

Are rental cars automatically insured?

What is automatically covered? For California, rental car companies do not automatically provide any liability protection to the renter as part of the standard rental agreement.

Can I add insurance to my rental car?

In California, rental car coverage is an option that you can add to your policy. It is called "rental reimbursement" coverage and it pays for a car rental when your own car is being repaired after an accident. You must check your policy or call your insurance company to see if you have rental reimbursement coverage.

What insurance should I get when renting?

You should take out contents insurance when renting your home if you want the contents covered. Contents insurance is designed to cover and protect all of the belongings that you use and keep in your rented property.

How do I avoid getting ripped on a rental car?

But you don't have to get ripped off at the car rental counter....“For refueling, there are typically three options available,” he explains.Buy a full tank at the start. You pay for a full tank in advance and then return the car on empty. ... Let the car rental company refuel the vehicle. ... Refill the car before you return it.

What happens if you damage a rental car?

If the rental car's bodywork gets damaged during your rental, your Collision Damage Waiver will cover it. It won't cover damage to other parts of the car, though, and you'll have to put some money towards the cost.

How does vehicle rental insurance work?

Coverage is available to protect passengers, vehicles, personal belongings, and you. It will also cover damages from another person's property, vehicle or injuries. Rental agencies insure their vehicles, so your money goes into a general fund. If you do pay for more options, it means they won't pursue your damages.

How much does rental car insurance cost?

Rental car insurance costs vary depending on the vehicle and location. But, in a word, it's expensive — overall, prices range from $31 to $60 per day for rental insurance from these providers.

Do I need rental car insurance?

In most instances, your personal auto policy will extend to any rental car you drive, so you won't need to pay for separate rental car insurance co...

What is rental car insurance?

Rental car insurance refers to the coverage an agency may offer you when you rent a car. This coverage may include: Liability: Covers you for damag...

Does my auto insurance cover rental cars?

Your personal auto insurance will cover most rental cars with the same coverage limits and deductibles. For example, if you carry comprehensive and...

Do you need car insurance to rent a car?

You don't need a personal auto policy to rent a car. If you don't have a personal policy, you'll be required to buy liability coverage through the...

Does my credit card provide rental car insurance?

Some credit card companies provide insurance coverage if you use your card to pay for the rental car. Check with your credit card company for speci...

Should I get rental car insurance?

If you already have car insurance or rental car coverage through your credit card, then rental car insurance may not be worthwhile. There are a few...

Fast insurance

I got used to think that car insurance matters the same as life insurance or property insurance matters. In my opinion, those people who don't want to take out insurance contract on their car can't even imagine what might happen with them after they got into unpleasant situation.

Simple and easy to follow

Simple and easy to follow, cheaper than others sites. I would use this site again.

Easy and peace of mind

Easy website. Very concise clear instructions and very clear what is not included.

Now I'm protected from "loss of use" fees!

My own car insurance doesn't cover "loss of use" charges that would be imposed by a rental car company. The rental agency's collision damage waiver was ridiculously expensive, so I shopped around (well ahead of time) for a better deal. I found the best value at InsureMyRentalCar dot com.

Don't Rely on Credit Card CDW Policy!, Buy a policy with Insuremyrentalcar.com

Only rental car policy I could find that is not travel related where you have to take over a 100 mile trip to get coverage. if you want to use a rental car for a temporary use that is near your primary residence this policy will cover it, the other two companies put in this legalese.

very easy to navigate

very easy to navigate. information and explanations are helpful. felt comfortable making decision to use their service

Web site was exceptional easy to use

Web site was exceptional easy to use. I got my policy within minutes, if not seconds. But I haven't had a need to use the rental insurance so I can't speak to making a claim. With any luck at all, I'll never be able to write a review of the claims process. ;)

What is rental car insurance?

Rental car insurance covers you and the rental car you're driving at the time and is offered by the company you rent the car from. Rental car reimbursement covers the cost of your rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. If you would like to be reimbursed for the cost of your rental car, you'll need to add rental car reimbursement coverage to your personal policy.

What is covered by a rental car insurance waiver?

While the waiver is relatively inexpensive, you're already covered for physical damage to your rental car if you carry comprehensive and collision on your auto policy. Comprehensive covers damage from events out of your control: theft, fire, vandalism, weather-related issues, and hitting an animal.

What does adding additional liability from the rental company mean?

Adding additional liability from the rental company means greater protection if you're at-fault in an accident. Pro Tip: Provide proof of your car insurance when renting a vehicle or the insurance company may require you to purchase it from them.

What does personal auto insurance cover?

Liability: Since nearly every state requires liability insurance, your personal auto policy already protects you against any damage or injury you cause while driving a rental car, up to the limits of your policy.

Does personal auto insurance cover rental cars?

Your personal auto insurance, including all limits and deductibles, extends to almost any rental car you drive. That means, if you carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your daily ride, you'll be protected against physical damage to your rental car. Your liability coverage also applies when you get behind the wheel of a rented vehicle.

Do credit card companies cover car rental?

Some credit card companies provide insurance coverage if you use their card to pay for the car rental. Be sure to check with your credit card holder for what they'll cover, as each credit card company has specific rules and restrictions.

Is the above information an insurance policy?

Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy.

What does personal effects insurance cover?

Your own policy: A homeowners or renters insurance policy will cover your possessions if they are stolen, even away from home.

How much does Bonzah insurance cost?

Bonzah sells insurance starting at $7.99 per day that pays out for up to $35,000 in repairs or replacement of the vehicle. It's primary insurance, so it pays out before your own insurer. Policies generally cover travel abroad, but check the fine print.

Is rental car insurance the same as reimbursement?

Note that rental car insurance is not the same as rental car reimbursement coverage, an auto policy option that covers the cost of a car rental if your vehicle is being repaired as part of a claim. Most insurers offer that coverage, and you can learn more from our auto insurer reviews.

Does collision coverage extend to rental car?

Your policy: If you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your own policy, it generally will extend to a rental car. However, you will still be on the hook for your deductible. If you don’t have comprehensive and collision on your regular policy, and don’t have the LDW, you’d have to pay for the damage.

Do credit cards cover rental cars?

Credit cards often provide coverage for rental cars, assuming you have used the card to pay for the rental and the rental is in your name. You’ll automatically have this coverage if it’s included with your credit card — no need to call or sign forms.

Does rental cover have deductibles?

Rental Cover offers no-deductible policies that count as primary coverage so you wouldn’t need to make a claim to your auto insurer first. It doesn’t list policy limits or prices on its website, but claims it will beat any competitor’s daily rate.

Does Sure Insurance cover rental cars?

Sure. Sure offers rental car insurance that covers up to $100,000 worth of damage to a vehicle, plus any of your belongings inside of it. The coverage also includes flat tires and lost keys, and you can get an online quote from its website.

Who is the CEO of InsureMyRentalCar?

"Many people find rental car insurance confusing," says Ernesto Suarez, CEO of InsureMyRentalCar.com. "They end up spending a fortune at car rental desks or find themselves with a huge deductible bill at the end of their trip after a small chip to their windscreen."

What is rental agent insurance?

Rental agents are specially trained to sell it to you. A standalone car rental insurance policy. Companies such as InsureMyRentalcar.com offer a range of collision damage waiver policies online that are less expensive and sometimes cover more than those offered by car rental companies. Travel insurance.

Why do people say no to car insurance?

That's usually because the optional collision damage waiver can double the cost of the vehicle.

What happened to Brian Novak's rental car?

It left a deep crack on his windshield. Unfortunately, he had declined the car rental insurance, which meant he was responsible for a $400 repair bill. His story repeats itself thousands of times every day and is about to become even more common.

Does car insurance cover rental cars?

Most car insurance covers your rental, with some significant restrictions. Your insurance may not be accepted outside your home country or cover damage to certain vehicle types. Your credit card. Credit cards, especially those marketed to travelers, often have some type of car rental protection.

Is it a fact that you won't find a single expert who recommends not getting insurance for your

That's because those stories about car rental customers paying for a new vehicle are completely true. It's also true that these bills led to extreme financial hardships.

Do car rental companies mess around?

It's also true that these bills led to extreme financial hardships. Car rental companies don't mess around when it comes to vehicle damage. Another fact: Damage claims have been, and continue to be, a source of profits for some car rental companies. Reputable car rental companies only charge you for the actual repair.

Claims Center

Visit our Claims Center to make a claim, or to follow up on an existing claim.

News & Blog

Keep up to date with the latest industry news and useful tips from Insure My Rental Car!

Insurance options

When you rent a car for use in the USA you're probably used to being offered CDW/LDW at the rental desk?

Who are we?

Insuremyrentalcar.com is a ground-breaking service brought to you by leading experts in the worldwide auto-rental insurance market.

Can you pay for a car damage claim?

But in all of those cases you have to pay a damage claim up front, then recover as much as you can (all of it, you hope) by filing a claim afterward. That means signing a credit card bill for hundreds or even thousands of dollars when you return the damaged car, and not knowing if you’ll get that money back.

Do you need general liability insurance for a lawnmower?

You Need General Liability Protection. You should never get behind the wheel of a car—or lawnmower, for that matter—without liability protection. But you don’t buy that from a car rental company: It usually comes with household, homeowner, or tenant insurance, and it covers far more than a car rental.

Does credit card insurance cover collisions?

These days, most credit cards provide “free” collision coverage for car rentals, provided you use the card to secure the rental. A sample credit card benefits statement describes coverage as: “Physical damage and/or theft of the covered rental vehicle.

Does insurance cover car rental damage?

In many cases, if your regular auto insurance covers collision damage to your insured car, it also covers damage to a short-term rental. But this coverage is generally limited to driving in the U.S. and maybe Canada, and won’t cover car rentals in Mexico, Europe, or anywhere else. So, before you plan on using your own insurance, check its coverage. If it does cover rentals, you can place a claim on it. Still, you must typically pay your policy’s deductible, and any claims may cause your rates to go up.

Do car rental companies require liability insurance?

Car rental companies in most countries are required by law to include liability insurance. In the U.S., required coverage can be ludicrously small (usually only the minimum required by the state)—it’s usually much better in Europe. If you don’t have substantial liability insurance, you might consider buying the rental company’s offering.

Does third party collision insurance include credit card coverage?

Typical third-party collision coverage includes about the same contingencies as credit card coverage, but because it’s grouped with the booking you won’t have to make any other claims. You can also buy collision coverage independently: Bonzah, for example, sells coverage at around $9 per day.

What insurance do you need to drive a rental car?

Liability/supplemental liability insurance: This covers you if you cause damage to other vehicles or property while driving the rental car. It can also pay for medical expenses for the other driver and their passengers if you’re at fault in an accident. Personal accident insurance: This pays for medical bills for you and your passengers ...

What insurance does a rental car company offer?

Rental companies offer a number of insurance options. Some of the most common ones are: . Loss/collision damage waiver: It covers costs if your rental car is stolen, damaged in an accident, or vandalized. Liability/supplemental liability insurance: This covers you if you cause damage to other vehicles or property while driving the rental car.

What does supplemental liability cover?

This pays for the other driver’s injuries if you’re at fault in an accident. It also covers damage you cause to other vehicles and property. As long as you have a level of coverage that you’re comfortable with, you can usually skip on purchasing the supplemental liability coverage.

What to do when renting a car?

It’s up to you to do your research before renting a car. Knowing how much your auto policy covers for a rental car will prevent you from signing on for coverage from the rental car company that you don’t need.

What does collision insurance cover?

Collision insurance pays for damage from situations when you’re driving. For example, if you hit a car or you hit an object. On the other hand, comprehensive insurancecovers damages to your car that are outside of driving situations. That could mean weather damage, fire, or theft.

Does credit card cover rental car insurance?

Does your credit card cover rental car insurance? Credit cards are another option when it comes to rental car insurance. Finding out if you have additional coverage is as easy as calling the 1-800 number on the back of the card to ask. If your credit card comes with rental car insurance, keep in mind a few questions you should ask the issuer: ...

Does comprehensive insurance cover stolen cars?

Comprehensive insurance applies if the actual car is stolen. But it won’t cover personal items left in the car. But if you have homeownersor renters insurance, your stuff will be covered. You should be able to decline the rental company’s coverage. 5.

What is the second type of insurance?

The second type of insurance that was on my statement shown above (Loss Damage Waiver, sometimes called Collision Damage Waiver or the doubly cryptic Collision / Loss Damage Waiver) is not something that your personal car insurance policy will cover and a thing you should have to be completely covered.

Is a travel credit card free?

Because just about every good travel credit card offers it for free, and many cards are free. You just pay for the car rental with the card, and it’s included and free, no charge (it’s just the damage part, it is not a liability insurance so you need the liability part from your personal auto insurance policy).

Is rental car insurance a scam?

Yes, it’s one of the worst scams (or even the worst scam according to many) in the entire travel industry, an industry with so many scams to avoid. Yes, it’s that bad. Rental car companies always try to sell you insurance coverage when you rent a car ...

Do you need liability insurance when renting a car in Canada?

So in a nutshell, you always need the liability insurance, so if you’re renting in Canada/USA, your own insurance would cover it , and the credit card would cover the damage part. You could decline everything the rental car company is offering and save a lot of money.

Top 10 Car Rental Scams Everyone Should Know About

Are you about to rent a car or a truck? Beware. Here are the new Top 10 car rental scams out there. Whether you’re using Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Dollar Rent a Car, Budget, Alamo, Thrifty, or – especially – smaller companies, educate yourself on how to have a legitimate deal.

2. Rental Car Damage

Watch the video below to see a sneaky damage scam pulled by a company called Record Go Car Rental, exposed by a victim – with proof:

3. Rental Car Upgrade Trick

The Rental Car Upgrade Coupon Scam occurs this way: let’s say you have a voucher from a rental car company and you’re just about to redeem it.

4. Rental Car Overdue

Also known as the Rental Car Late Return Scam, this rip-off is also very common these days. How does it work?

5. Vehicle Delivered To Your Door And Stolen

This fraudulent act is probably the most shocking one of the 10 scams. The criminals are not real car rental companies, but crooks who advertise vehicles for rent on websites like Craigslist or Oodle.

6. Stapled Contract To Hide The Fine Print

You are about to rent a car and do your research online. There is a vehicle there that you really like. You call the company, tell them what you want and mention there is no need for insurance. Then you head over to pick it up.

7. Unlimited Mileage Rental Car

People rent cars when they are going on a long trip and don’t want to overuse their own vehicles. That’s when they might get excited seeing ads promoting “unlimited mileage” offers. How does the scam work?

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