There are many different types of car rental coverage, and understanding them is important if you intend to rent a car. Whether you’re planning a road trip, renting a car for a few days, or just commuting, understanding car rental coverage can help protect you from experiencing a financial burden or liability. When you rent a car, the rental company will typically offer several car rental coverage options. These typically include liability insurance, rental reimbursement insurance, collision damage waiver, personal accident insurance, and personal effects coverage. The first three types of coverage cover different types of physical damage to the car, while the last two cover in case you are personally injured or your belongings are damaged. Liability insurance covers any damages that are caused by the renter of the car to other vehicles or property. It also pays for any legal expenses should the renter be sued. Rental reimbursement insurance covers the cost of the deductible on the renter’s own car insurance in case of an accident. This coverage is recommended if you’re going to be driving a rental car frequently. Collision damage waiver is an optional coverage that covers any damage caused to the rental car, except for theft and vandalism. Personal accident insurance covers medical costs in case of an accident, as well as compensation for any passengers who are injured. Personal effects coverage covers the costs of any lost or stolen personal items that were in the car at the time of the accident. Making the decision of which type of car rental coverage to purchase depends on the renter’s individual needs. If you plan on frequently renting cars for business trips or long distance trips, it’s highly recommended to get the collision damage waiver option. That way, you won’t have to worry about any potential financial loss should an accident occur while you are driving. However, if you’re looking to save money, you may want to opt for only liability insurance, which is usually the most inexpensive coverage option. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to understand each type of car rental coverage and know how it will help you in case you are involved in an accident. Doing your research ahead of time can prevent a potentially costly mistake and provide peace of mind.
