You should make sure you have the right coverage whether you're renting a vehicle for vacation or work. The best way to do this is to learn about your auto insurance policy before you rent a car. Typically, your policy will cover the same deductibles and limits that you have when you own your car. You will have different coverage depending on what type of rental car you are renting. To determine exactly what you are covered for, please read the terms & conditions of your policy.
Your employer may have coverage if you rent a car for business. However, if you don’t have this coverage, you may need it. To protect you and your passengers, many rental car companies offer supplemental insurance. This can cost $15-30 per day depending on which car rental company you choose. You can either add this coverage to an existing auto policy or buy it through your car rental agency.
Your credit card can be used to purchase extra insurance. Several major credit cards offer supplemental insurance coverage. But, the coverage may not be sufficient to protect you. It's best to speak with your company before you rent a vehicle. Some credit cards may only offer collision coverage for up to 15 days. A deductible will also be required. If you do not pay your deductible, you might be responsible for the damages.
Many states require that car rental companies have liability insurance. This insurance covers you in the event that you cause an accident that results in injury to another person. You should ensure that your policy covers at least $25k for bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 for liability coverage per accident.
You can ask your agent to verify that your insurance policy covers you adequately. Supplemental insurance may be required if your deductible is higher or you are traveling for business. You might also be advised by the rental company to buy additional coverage.
You may also choose to rent a car from a car sharing service. This is a popular method to rent a car. However, the coverage can be varying and is not uniform. This information can often be found on the service's site. Most services will require you sign an insurance agreement.
Credit cards can be used to purchase additional rental car insurance. If you have auto insurance policies, this coverage may offer some additional protection. It is important to carefully read and understand the credit card policy terms. Certain types of vehicles and restrictions may be excluded from some credit cards. You may not be able to get adequate coverage if you don’t intend on renting a luxury vehicle. You will also have to pay a deductible for the coverage.
You will need liability insurance if you rent a car in California. Your policy must also cover you for state minimum auto insurance requirements.