Is Rental Car Insurance Necessary?
Whether you rent a car frequently or once in 10 ten years, chances are the associate across the counter will ask you if you want insurance coverage. The question is, Iis rental car insurance necessary though?. Getting put on the spot, while you are filling out paperwork at the last minute, can make it difficult to decide whether or not you should fork over the extra money for rental car insurance.
Interestingly, many drivers have enough coverage through their own personal auto insurance that they do not require extra, even when renting a car. Your insurance policy usually has a provision to cover you for theft or damages when you are in a rental. The credit card you charge your rental fee to may also offer rental insurance. Be sure to check with both your insurance provider and your credit card company before you make your next car rental. While you are on the phone checking, ask what your rental deductiable is and how to make a claim should you need too.
Additionally, if you are using a rental car for business rather than pleasure, your business typically provides full insurance coverage. Be sure to double- check rather than assuming they do (or do not, for that matter.).
Personal rental care insurance rRates are often extremely cheap, and you can be confident you are covered whenever you rent. You can also save yourself money by paying a lower fee that way rather than consistently having to pay insurance through rental companies. Also, if you rent frequently, check periodically to see if any changes have been made to your personal auto insurance plan (or to the insurance coverage your credit card offers). It’s always good to be prepared. s
Sometimes, though, the rental coverage your insurance policy offers does not seem sufficient. Consider calling ahead and talking to different rental companies to see what their rates are and what their protection covers. You may be surprised to find that the piece peace of mind their policies provide is worth the extra money during your trip.
Be watchful, though. Sometimes the companies try to combine the various types of coverages they offer, charging you twice for some of the same benefits. Carefully read the policies before you sign any papers. Be sure to ask questions to clarify any points of confusion you have.
To save yourself the stress next time you rent a car, and to help you make a wise decision, consider why you should or shouldn’t take out rental car insurance. Of course, no one wants to get into an accident, but they do occur, and it is wise to be prepared. It is also smart to consider all the options first and weigh out the benefits or possible waste. Then you can confidently sign—or not sign—, for car insurance during your next rental.