Attention Drivers: Here’s What You Need to Know About Rental Car Insurance Coverage!

Posted on October 9, 2023April 24, 2024 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Rental Car | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

Renting a car can be a convenient and cost-effective way to travel, whether it’s for a business trip or a family vacation. However, before hitting the road, it’s essential to understand whether your car insurance policy covers you when you rent a vehicle. In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of rental auto insurance, including coverage options, potential gaps, and how to ensure you have adequate protection.

Understanding Rental Car Insurance:

When you rent a car, the rental company typically offers insurance coverage options at the counter. However, it’s important to note that these options are not mandatory, and you may already have coverage through your personal auto insurance policy. Let’s delve into the different types of coverage and how they work:

1. Liability Coverage:

Liability coverage protects you if you cause an accident that results in injury or property damage to others. Most personal auto insurance policies extend liability coverage, but it’s crucial to check your policy’s terms and limits.

2. Collision Coverage:

Collision coverage pays for damages to the rental car if you collide with another vehicle or object. If you have collision coverage on your personal auto insurance policy. However, it’s essential to review your policy to ensure there are no exclusions or limitations.

3. Comprehensive Coverage:

Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Similar to collision coverage, your personal auto insurance policy may extend comprehensive coverage to rental cars, but it’s advisable to confirm this with your insurance provider.

4. Rental Car Reimbursement:

Rental car reimbursement coverage is an optional add-on to your personal auto insurance policy. It provides reimbursement for the cost of renting a vehicle while your car is being repaired due to a covered claim. This coverage is worth considering if you rely heavily on your vehicle and cannot afford to be without transportation.

Potential Gaps in Coverage:

While your personal auto insurance policy may cover rental cars, there could still be gaps in coverage. Here are a few scenarios where additional insurance may be necessary:

1. Rental Auto Damage:

If you damage the rental car, even if it’s covered by your personal auto insurance policy, you may still be responsible for paying the rental company’s deductible and any associated fees. To avoid unexpected expenses, consider purchasing a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) from the rental car company.

2. Rental Car Accident:

If you’re involved in an accident while driving a rental car, your personal auto insurance policy’s liability coverage should protect you. However, if the damages exceed your policy limits, you may be personally liable for the remaining costs. In such cases, an umbrella insurance policy can provide additional liability coverage.

3. Rental Car Agreement:

Before renting a car, carefully review the rental car agreement to understand the terms and conditions. Some rental companies may hold you responsible for loss of use, administrative fees, or diminished value of the vehicle, even if you have insurance coverage. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential expenses and consider supplemental coverage if necessary.

In conclusion, it’s essential to review your personal auto insurance policy and understand the coverage it provides for rental cars. While liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage may extend to rental vehicles, there may still be gaps that could leave you financially vulnerable. To ensure adequate protection, consider purchasing additional coverage from the rental car company or exploring options with an independent insurance agency like Shield Insurance Agency, which represents over 40 insurance companies.

Remember, accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and having the right insurance coverage can provide peace of mind during your rental car experience. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK, and an agent will be in touch soon. Safe travels!

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🚗🔧 Will my insurance cover a rental car if my car breaks down? Find out now!

Posted on September 29, 2023September 18, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Rental Car | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today!

When it comes to car insurance, there are many questions that can arise. One common question that many people have is whether their insurance will cover a rental car if their own car breaks down. In this blog post, we will explore this topic and provide you with the information you need to know.

First and foremost, it is important to understand the different types of coverage available with auto insurance. The most basic type of coverage is liability insurance, which covers damages to other people and their property if you are at fault in an accident. This type of coverage does not typically extend to rental cars.

However, there are other types of coverage that may provide coverage in the event of a breakdown. One such coverage is called comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is designed to cover damages to your own vehicle that are not the result of a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Some comprehensive policies may also include coverage for rental cars if your own car is in the shop for repairs due to a breakdown.

Another type of coverage is called roadside assistance or breakdown coverage. This coverage is designed to provide assistance if your car breaks down, such as towing, jump-starting a dead battery, or changing a flat tire. Some roadside assistance policies may also include coverage for a rental auto while your car is being repaired.

It is important to note that not all insurance carriers offer rental auto coverage in the event of a breakdown. It is always a good idea to review your policy or contact your insurance carrier to determine if this coverage is included in your policy. If it is not, you may have the option to add it for an additional premium.

If your insurance policy does not include rental car coverage for breakdowns, there are other options available to you. One option is to purchase rental car insurance from the rental car company itself. This type of insurance typically provides coverage for damages to the rental car and may also include liability coverage. However, it is essential to note that rental car insurance can be expensive and may duplicate coverage that you already have through your own auto insurance policy.

Another option is to consider purchasing a separate breakdown insurance policy. This type of policy is specifically designed to cover the costs associated with a breakdown, including the cost of a rental autowhile your car is being repaired. Breakdown insurance policies can be purchased from various insurance companies and may provide coverage for a wide range of breakdown-related expenses.

In conclusion, whether your insurance will cover a rental car if your car breaks down depends on the specific coverage you have in your policy. Liability insurance typically does not provide rental car coverage, but comprehensive coverage and roadside assistance or breakdown coverage may include this type of coverage. If your policy does not include rental car coverage, you may have the option to add it for an additional premium or consider purchasing rental car insurance from the rental car company or a separate breakdown insurance policy.

If you have any questions about your car insurance coverage or would like to explore your options for rental car coverage, it is always a good idea to contact your insurance carrier or speak with an insurance agent. Shield Insurance Agency represents over 40 insurance companies and can provide you with a free quote and personalized advice. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK and an agent will be in touch soon.

7 Things to Know About Rental Car Coverage

Posted on January 13, 2020February 7, 2025 by Shield Insurance Agency

Rental Car Coverage | Shield Insurance Blog | Auto Insurance |

After a car accident, you have enough things to worry about. Getting to work the next day shouldn’t be one of them.

We’ve all been there—and arranging alternate transportation while your vehicle is in a repair shop can be a hassle. But rental reimbursement coverage can help alleviate some stress after an accident while also saving you money.

Here are seven things you should know about before buying rental car reimbursement coverage:

1. Rental car insurance is optional.
Rental car reimbursement coverage does not automatically apply after an accident. As an optional coverage, it must be purchased separately. A common misconception is that auto insurance automatically covers the cost of a replacement rental car. In reality, you often have to select this coverage and apply it to the policy.

2. There is a limit.
You’ll likely have a per day and per occurrence limit. For example, if you have a 25/750 limit, your insurance company will pay up to $25 per day but no more than $750 per claim for the rental vehicle. Most insurance companies will offer several different options, allowing you to choose the limit that is right for you.

3. Your vehicle must be in the shop due to a covered loss.
Rental car reimbursement coverage can be used while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident or another covered loss, not for routine maintenance or leisure. So, if your car is at the body shop after an accident, a rental car is covered up to your limit. But if your car is undergoing routine maintenance that will keep it in the shop overnight or you are renting a vehicle for a family road trip, then rental reimbursement coverage would not apply.

4. You can use it right away.
After reporting a claim, if your vehicle isn’t drivable, you can be authorized for a rental car right away. Otherwise, you will be relying on the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and you may have to wait a little while before they can assess the claim and agree to pay for a rental car. With rental reimbursement coverage, there’s no waiting.

5. No need to worry about additional insurance.
For the most part, when you have collision and comprehensive coverages in your auto insurance policy, it will transfer to the rental vehicle, eliminating the need to purchase additional coverage from the car rental agency. Check with your Shiel d agent, who will be able to tell you when this applies.

6. You may not need it at all.
If you have access to another vehicle, rideshare service, or public transportation in the event your vehicle isn’t drivable, you may not need rental reimbursement coverage. But if you prefer the safety net of having a rental available if you need it, you may want to opt-in to this coverage.

7. Rental car insurance costs less than you might expect.
One year of rental car reimbursement coverage will typically cost less than one day of out-of-pocket rental car expenses. Want to learn more? Talk to your local independent Shield agent for complete details on rental reimbursement coverage.

Reference
– Insurance Information Institute