Know Your Rights After a Car Accident: Rental Car Insurance
This is part three of our series on rental cars after an accident. If you have not watched parts one and two, I encourage you to start there.
Today, we are talking about an important issue many people overlook: insurance coverage on the rental car.
When you pick up a rental vehicle, the rental company will almost always try to sell you their insurance. Before you automatically agree, there are two things you should check first.
First, check with your credit card company
Many credit cards include rental car coverage as a free benefit if you use that card to pay for the rental.
Before purchasing extra insurance, call your credit card company and ask whether rental car protection is included. This can often save you a significant amount of money.
Second, check with your own auto insurance
If you have full coverage on your personal vehicle, your policy usually extends to a rental car that is being used as a temporary replacement while your car is in the shop.
If you only carry liability coverage, your insurance typically will not protect you while driving a rental. In that case, you may need to purchase the rental company’s insurance to avoid being personally responsible if an accident happens.
The takeaway
Before buying rental car insurance:
- Check with your credit card company
• Confirm coverage with your auto insurance carrier
Knowing this ahead of time can prevent unnecessary costs and protect you if something goes wrong.
If you have questions after a car accident, contact Shane Smith Law at 980-999-9999.
In pain, call Shane.
