03/04/2026
Rental Cars !!
Rental cars are an excellent resource when you’re traveling for business or pleasure, as well as when your personal vehicle is out of commission for an extended period of time. Before you get behind the wheel of a rental car, it’s important to understand how your personal Auto Insurance policy may come into play in the event of an accident.
If I rent a car, does my Auto Insurance policy provide protection?
Generally, if a rental vehicle is for personal use, your Auto Insurance** coverage will extend to the rental vehicle you’re operating, such as:
Liability Coverage for medical bills and loss of income if you cause an accident and damages to another person’s vehicle or property.
Collision Coverage to help pay for repairs of your rental vehicle if it is damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive Coverage which aids in paying for damages to your rental vehicle in a non-collision accident such as a falling tree branch, hail, fire, vandalism, or hitting an animal.
**This coverage is generally excess over any other valid and collectible insurance, and your coverage deductible applies.
Does my auto insurance cover the expense of a rental car if my personal vehicle is getting repaired?
In the event of a covered comprehensive or collision loss, if a policyholder’s vehicle is in the shop getting repairs, our optional Car Rental Expense Coverage will help pay for the cost of a temporary rental vehicle for a 30-day max.
**It is important to check with your agent as each company offers different rental car coverage.
Talk to your local agent for more information on what is included in your Auto Policy or if you’d like to add the optional Car Rental Expense Coverage.
If a rental car company offers the ability to purchase a Liability Insurance Supplement or Loss Damage Waiver, what does that mean for me?
These optional coverages offered by rental car companies for purchase at the time of rental typically offer liability protection for bodily injury and property damage up to a maximum amount from any third-party claims, as well as things like uninsured or underinsured motorist. Most rental vehicle contracts indicate you are responsible for damage to the vehicle during the time you have possession of the vehicle. This optional coverage can also protect you for any damage to the vehicle, regardless of fault, to include vandalism and theft.
What about credit card coverage?
Some personal or business credit cards may advertise protection while traveling if you booked the rental vehicle on that particular credit card. However, credit cards should not be thought of as a primary form of insurance, as they’ll typically only reimburse you for amounts not covered by other underlying insurance policies you have obtained.
Without proper coverages in place, you may be held financially responsible for significant expenses if you’re involved in a rental vehicle accident. Take time to review your current Auto Policy and be sure to read the fine print of any rental vehicle contract to ensure you’re adequately protected from the unexpected.
Disclaimer: This information is only a general description of coverage and is not a statement of contract. All coverages are subject to the exclusions and conditions of the policy and endorsement(s) when applicable.
