When you’re on vacation, you may think nothing of renting a car to get around. But what if something happened while you were driving that rental car? This is where your car insurance comes in. Does your policy cover rental cars? And if it does, what are the details? To answer these questions and more, read on!
What is car insurance?
Car insurance is a legal contract that protects you and your passengers in the event of an accident. The basic coverage you need is liability insurance, which covers you if someone is harmed while driving your car. If you’re renting a car, be sure to check with your rental company to see if they provide coverage.
What is a rental car?
If you’re planning to rent a car for your vacation, make sure you know what your insurance covers. Some policies only cover damage to the car itself and not any accidents or injuries that may occur while driving it. So if you get into an accident while renting a car, make sure your policy covers rental cars as well as personal vehicles.
Types of car insurance
There are a few different types of car insurance that can cover rental cars. Comprehensive coverage typically includes damage to the vehicle and occupants, while collision coverage pays for damages you cause to another person or their car. Renters should also check their liability insurance policy, which may offer additional protection in the event of an accident while driving the rental car.
Coverage for rental cars
If you rent a car while on vacation, be sure to check your car insurance policy’s coverage. The three most common types of car insurance policies do not typically cover rental cars.
Collision – This type of policy covers you for damages to your own car if it’s involved in a collision.
Property damage – This type of policy covers damages to other people or their property, including damage to your rented car.
Roadside assistance – Most policies also include coverage for help if you get stranded on the side of the road.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about renting a car, it’s important to know whether your car insurance policy covers rentals. Many policies now include coverage for rental cars, but not all do. If you’re unsure whether your policy includes rental car coverage, contact your insurer to find out. In the meantime, here are a few tips on how to safely rent a car without worrying about potential financial implications.