Here’s how you can decide if you need rental car insurance.

When you go to rent a car, the rental car company will likely ask if you would like to purchase rental insurance. While having this extra coverage might seem like a smart idea, there’s a chance that you may not need this insurance. This is because many of the coverages offered by the rental car company are already included in your personal auto policy. Here’s what you need to know to help you decide if you need rental car insurance.

Rental Car Insurance

Typically, rental car companies can offer you these four types of insurance coverage:

• Collision Damage Waiver – This type is insurance will ensure that the rental company will not hold you financially responsible if the car you have rented is damaged or stolen.
• Supplemental Liability Protection – If you get into an accident, then purchasing this type of insurance will ensure that you are covered for the damages and injuries you may have caused to another party.
• Personal Accident Coverage – This type of coverage will cover your injuries or death, or the injuries or death of the passengers in your rental car.
• Personal Effects Coverage – This type of coverage will reimburse you for any personal items that are stolen out of your rental car.

What Your Personal Auto Policy Covers

It’s likely that your personal auto policy already has some of the coverages offered by the rental company. For instance, most standard auto insurance policies offer liability insurance that covers you even if you are operating a rental. Some policies might even offer collision, comprehensive, and medical payments coverage that extends to rentals. However, it’s important to remember that different policies will have different coverages. That’s why it’s important to contact your insurance provider to find out what your policy covers. If you find that you do not have adequate coverage for rentals, you should consider purchasing the necessary insurance through the rental car company.

Ultimately, knowing what your personal auto policy already covers will help you decide if you need rental car insurance.  Do you need help finding the comprehensive auto insurance that you need?  Don’t hesitate to contact us at Steve Wilk Insurance Agency in Illinois.  Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.  Check out our new office at 310 S Main Street, Suite C, Lombard, IL 60148.