Rental Car Insurance: Think Twice Before You Turn It Down - Silver Spring, MD

February 26, 2014      

Think twice before turning down rental-car insurance on your next trip. Even if you already have an auto insurance policy you should read its fine print—and check with your carrier—before determining if you'll need additional coverage for a rental car.

If you're planning to rent a car and have no auto policy, evaluate your coverage in four areas: You need a loss-damage waiver, in case the car is stolen or damaged; liability insurance, which covers you in the event of a lawsuit; personal accident insurance, which covers medical bills if you or your passengers are injured; and personal-effects coverage against theft of belongings.

Without auto insurance, you might still have adequate coverage in one or more of these areas. For example, your health-insurance plan might provide adequate personal-accident coverage, while your homeowners or renters insurance might cover your belongings. But without an auto-insurance policy, you might be left high and dry when it comes to loss and damage or liability. Some credit-card providers offer limited liability or other coverage, but it might not be sufficient. Offerings vary by card, and coverage depends on your net worth.

Similarly, rental-car companies are required by law to sell state-mandated levels of liability insurance—usually lower, than the institute's suggested range of $100,000 to $300,000.

Most rental-car firms allow you to pick categories of supplemental coverage while not duplicating coverage.

If you rent a car often, it might pay to invest in a non-owner liability policy, which will cover you for a year. Rates vary by provider and by state, but typically cost $300 to $400 a year.

For more information on auto insurance, commercial auto insurance or a review of your policy, contact TriState Business Insurance.

WSJ

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