There are many good reasons for renting a car. Perhaps you’ve been in an accident or are simply taking a trip. Regardless of your reasons, it’s very important that you have proper auto insurance to cover any accident or problem that may arise while you’re driving a rental car. In this article, we will review some of the common considerations when purchasing rental car insurance.
Your own auto insurance policy on your personal vehicle may have a rental car insurance clause or rider. Before you rent a car, review your existing auto insurance policy to find out what coverage you may already have.
Your auto insurance policy may also provide a certain amount to allow you to rent a car in the event that you are in an accident with your privately owned vehicle. Before you rent a car, be sure that you know how much your insurance policy will pay per day and how many days of vehicle rental you have coming to you. Generally speaking, it is no more than one month. Having a clear understanding of this information will help you make the best choices in renting a car and in insuring that car.
The car rental agency where you obtain your rental car may require that you purchase insurance from them. You may have heard that this is not necessary if you already have have a car insurance policy that covers rentals; however, it’s a good idea to add at least a basic policy from the rental car agency. By doing so, you reduce the likelihood of hassles and complications in case of accidents or mishaps.
Whenever you rent a car you must keep in mind that you are the person renting it. Unless others are specifically listed as drivers, you must never allow anyone else to drive your rental car. To do so can open up a world of trouble for you if the person you allow to drive commits even the most minor parking violation. In the event of an accident involving an unlisted driver, you can expect overwhelming problems and expense. It’s better to simply play it safe and drive your rental car yourself.
If you are traveling abroad and you rent a car, be sure to purchase rental car insurance from the rental car agency. It is highly unlikely that your own vehicle insurance policy would cover you as a driver in a foreign country. Again, it’s best to be safe and purchase insurance that you know will cover you in any event.
No matter where you rent a car, be sure to keep your own good records. Take photos of the car when you receive it and when you return it so that you cannot be held liable for damages that were not your doing.
Being certain of having appropriate insurance for a rental car is a very important concert. Generally speaking, it’s best to overdo it and be certain of being well-insured. If there’s any question that your own insurance policy will not cover you when driving a rental car, simply go with the recommended insurance from the rental car agency. Follow these tips to avoid liability problems when driving a rental car.