There has been on going debates about the importance of taking rental insurance, when you are renting an automobile. Many believe that their own car insurance will cover them while they are driving a rental and other feel that the credit card they use to rent the car offers them protection. Somethings that you should take into consideration is that rental companies only push this rental insurance for two reasons; the first is so that they will make extra money on your rental and the second is so that the rental insurance will protect their car. In the end, their car is all that is important to them.
Here are some of the most asked questions about rental insurance, and the answer are most likely going to surprise many of you.
Q: DOESNT MY REGULAR CAR INSURANCE POLICY COVER ME WHEN I AM DRIVING A RENTAL CAR?
A: This is a big YES! Almost all car insurance companies will cover you, even when you are driving a rental car. I would, however, suggest that you contact your insurance company prior to getting your rental just to be 100% sure.
Q: WILL THE CREDIT CARD THAT I USED TO RENT THE CAR COVER ME FOR ANY DAMAGES?
A: Again the answer to this is most likely. Most major credit cards like Visa, American Express, and Master Card do offer you additional insurance protection when you charge your vehicle rental to your credit card. Again this is something that you can easily check into by calling the company in advance.
Q: IF MY CREDIT CARD AND INSURANCE COMPANIES COVER ME FOR RENTAL, DO I STILL NEED TO TAKE OUT CAR RENTAL INSURANCE FROM TEH RENTAL COMPANY?
A: Absolutely not. Many companies will tell you that your insurance wont cover everything or that you are leaving yourself open to liability if you don’t take their coverage, however most car rental coverage doesn’t even cover you as well as your own. Many times the companies and their representatives will lead you to believe that this coverage is necessary, but in reality it will provide you with no benefit at all if you are already covered, and therefore this will just be unnecessary money that you will be handing over to the car rental agent.
So before yo arrive at the rental car company to pick up your vehicle check with your insurance and credit car companies to see what you are covered for. This will make you more confident when you refuse the rental companies insurance and you will be saving a lot of money.