Whether you're renting a car on a vacation or on business, you will want to make sure you have coverage. It is best to find out about your auto insurance policy prior to renting a car. Your policy typically covers the same deductibles as your own car. The type of rental vehicle you use will affect your coverage. To find out what your coverage is, you will need to review the terms and conditions.
If you're renting a car on business, you may already have your employer's coverage. You may have to buy additional coverage if your employer doesn't offer it. To protect you and your passengers, many rental car companies offer supplemental insurance. This may cost an additional $15 to $30 a day, depending on the car rental company. You can add this coverage to your auto policy or purchase it through your car rental company.
You can also buy additional insurance with your credit card. Several major credit cards offer supplemental insurance coverage. But, the coverage may not be sufficient to protect you. It's best to speak with your company before you rent a vehicle. Some credit cards do not offer collision coverage beyond 15 days. You will also have to pay a deductible. The deductible is non-refundable. You could be held responsible for damages.
Many states require that car rental companies have liability insurance. This insurance covers you in the event that you cause an accident that results in injury to another person. You will need to ensure that your policy provides at least $25k of bodily liability coverage per individual and at least $50,000 per accident.
You can always ask your agent for advice if you're not sure if your insurance policy offers enough coverage. Supplemental insurance may be required if your deductible is higher or you are traveling for business. Your rental car company may also recommend you purchase additional coverage, so be sure to ask.
You may also choose to rent a car from a car sharing service. This is a popular option to rent a vehicle, but coverage isn't always uniform and can vary greatly. This information can often be found on the service's site. Many services require that you sign an agreement that you agree to pay a fee for insurance.
You can also buy additional rental car insurance through a credit card. If you already have primary auto insurance, this coverage might provide some supplemental protection. Be sure to read all terms and conditions. Certain types of vehicles and restrictions may be excluded from some credit cards. You may not be able to get adequate coverage if you don’t intend on renting a luxury vehicle. The coverage will require you to pay a deductible.
California renters will need to have liability insurance. You will also need to ensure that your policy covers the state's minimum requirements for auto insurance.