Rental Car Insurance

Protecting your rental vehicle

When you rent a vehicle, you agree to take responsibility for it - and while that usually means little more than keeping the tank full and trying not to put too many miles on it, there is always the possibility that the vehicle could be damaged. Whether you're in an accident, or the vehicle gets scratched or dented, as the renter, the damage is your problem.

Most agencies provide insurance with the rental, but you might want to consider getting additional coverage so you don't end up paying out of pocket for a vehicle that isn't even yours.

Personal Insurance

In most cases, you can purchase additional insurance from the agency for a small fee. However, you might also consider getting your own insurance company involved. Since they know your history and consider you an established customer, they can offer better rates and perhaps more detailed or flexible coverage.

In fact, your existing personal insurance policy may already cover rental vehicles, so you should double check with your agent before you put out extra cash for something you don't need. You might also find you can easily transfer your everyday car policy temporarily to your rental vehicle.

Credit Card Coverage

If you use a credit card to rent your vehicle, you may find you're automatically covered by the credit company. Many companies offer this type of protection as a purchase protection option. Again, look into your policies before you pay for extra insurance.

Keep in mind, however, credit card coverage may be limited. It may only apply to rentals from particular agencies that have partnered up with the credit company. Other limitations may include the reason for the rental, the length of the rental and the type of vehicle rented.

Types of Insurance

Not all insurance is the same, and what you're covered for will depend on the type of insurance you purchase and whom you're covered under. Some of the options you might look for in an insurance policy include:

• Collision - Covers you in case of damage to the vehicle in an accident or crash.
• Loss - Similar to collision, covering extensive damage.
• Liability - Protects you in case you injure someone else or their property.
• Personal accident - Varies, but can cover your expenses in case of injury to yourself or your passengers.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

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