Should You Buy Rental Car Insurance?

Here's what you need to know about buying insurance through a rental car company.

When you go to rent a car, the rental car company will likely ask you if you would like to purchase insurance from them. While this extra coverage might seem like a good idea, there's a chance that you are already covered by your personal auto policy. Here's what you need to know about rental car insurance and what your existing policy already covers.

Rental Car Insurance

Car rental companies generally have four different insurance options, they are:

• Collision Damage Waiver - This type is insurance will ensure that the rental company will not hold you financially responsible if the car you have rented is damaged or stolen.
• Supplemental Liability Protection - If you get into an accident, purchasing this type of insurance will ensure that you are covered for the damages and injuries you may have caused to another party.
• Personal Accident Coverage - This type of coverage will cover your injuries or death, or the injuries or death of the passengers in your rental car.
• Personal Effects Coverage - This type of coverage will reimburse you for any personal items that are stolen out of your rental car.

Your Personal Coverage

It's likely that your personal auto policy already covers you for some of the protections offered by the car rental agency. For instance, most standard auto policies offer liability coverage that extends to rental cars. Some policies might even offer collision, comprehensive, and medical payments coverage that will cover rentals. However, it's important to remember that coverage options differ from policy to policy. This is why you should contact your insurance provider to find out what your policy covers. If your auto insurance doesn't offer you all the coverage that you need, consider purchasing additional insurance through the car rental company.

Ultimately, whether or not you need insurance for your rental car depends on what your existing auto policy offers.  Interested in getting the comprehensive auto insurance that you need?  Then don't hesitate to contact the team at Scavone Insurance in White Plains, New York.  Our highly-trained professionals are ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.