Before you read further, do you know the different types of insurances and what they cover? No? Learn more here.
While we love to save you money, there are times when car rental insurance really IS in your best interest and it doesn’t always have to cost you an arm and a leg. While it would be nonsensical to get insurance when you’re already covered, there are some instances when you need to protect yourself (and that rental!).
When you don’t have insurance OR the insurance you have is minimal: If you don’t have car insurance, you only have liability insurance, or you have a very high deductible, you will need to opt for the rental company’s loss damage waiver. With No insurance, you will also need to get supplemental liability.
When traveling abroad: More often than not, your car insurance company will not cover you outside of the United States—call to verify. Your credit card company might cover international travel but it’s a slight chance. Don’t take your chances here though, 9 times out of 10 you will need rental car insurance.
Business Travel: Did you know that if you are traveling for business, your personal car insurance may not cover you at all? If your company won’t cover your rental car, check in to see if your car insurance company will protect you. If not, you will need to get the car rental company’s insurance.
Better safe than sorry: If you’re the type of person who will spend the entire trip worrying because your rental isn’t covered—get the rental insurance. The last thing you want to do is have your trip ruined by worrying about a rental car. If you are traveling somewhere that is highly populated (NYC, Los Angeles, etc.) or has a difficult terrain (off-road campsite, the mountains, etc.) and you’re worried that something happening that can affect personal car insurance rates—get the rental insurance.
Your personal car insurance policy applies to your rental in the same way it does to your regular car. You run the risk of your rates going up if you file a claim; if you buy the rental insurance, there is no need for concern.
