The next time you are at the car rental counter take a moment before you agree to purchase additional car insurance. Chances are the insurance that covers your personal car will be enough to cover the rental car as well. Being knowledgeable about your car insurance policy will help you in times like these, but if you do not know what your policy covers, it is easy to find out.
If you want to rent a car and you are unsure about the amount of coverage you have with your current personal car insurance, the first thing to do is to call up your car insurance company and ask them exactly what your car insurance covers with respect to a rental car. Many comprehensive car insurance policies provide rental car insurance. This will definitely help you out because, in most cases, whatever coverage you have on your personal car will also apply to a rented car.
When you call your insurance provider, ask if your coverage will be enough for towing charges, payment of administrative fees, and loss of use. Many people often forget to inquire about the loss of use which can mean hefty fees tacked on by a rental company for lost revenue while the car is repaired after an accident. If your car insurance provides adequate coverage for a rental car, then there is no need for you to purchase the insurance coverage offered by the car rental company.
Another step you can take is to contact your credit card company of the card on which you want to use to rent the car. Since credit card companies typically offer free car insurance benefits for rental cars, you may also have additional coverage at no extra cost. Some credit cards allow you to earn benefits in the form of rental car insurance. You want to double check with your card provider before renting though because terms and conditions can change without notice. You also want to know specifically what type of coverage it is and the coverage amounts. In many cases, you may find that your credit card may not cover property damages or limit the amount of medical bills that are covered.
Knowing your options and your current car insurance coverage before renting can keep you from purchasing additional and potentially pricey car insurance from the car rental company.
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