Going out of town often requires obtaining a rental car in order to get around. But it can be difficult to know for sure whether you need to opt for the rental insurance coverage. Yes, you already have Philadelphia auto insurance, but is that enough in this case? Read on to find out.
Does My Philadelphia Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars?
Rental car insurance may include a few different types of coverages:
- Loss/Collision Damage Waiver. This covers you in instances of theft, vandalism, or damage (in a crash) to your rental car.
- Liability. If you damage another vehicle or property while in your rental car, you are off the hook for the costs. Liability coverage also pays for medical costs for third parties who are hurt in an accident that you caused.
- Personal Accident Insurance. If you are your passengers are injured in a rental car-crash, you are covered by this insurance.
- Personal Effects Coverage. This coverage comes into effect when any of your personal belongings are stolen from or damaged in your rental car.
When reviewing rental car insurance, you’ll quickly notice that it is not cheap. Costs vary from company to company, but you could find yourself paying $40 a day or more, on top of your rental car charges.
While you don’t want to drive around in a rental car without insurance, you should first check your own Philadelphia auto insurance to see what types of coverage you already have. Most states, including Pennsylvania, require some sort of liability insurance, which will help cover other peoples’ medical costs and property damage when you’re at fault. Typically, this carries over to rental cars. If you already have enough liability coverage, no need to get supplemental liability. Similarly, collision coverage is unnecessary if you already have it as part of your Philadelphia auto insurance.
Do you have home insurance or renters insurance? Your policy should cover your personal items wherever you take them, including inside your rental car. If they’re properly covered, you can decline the rental car company’s personal effects coverage. (Check the limits of your personal coverage first.)
Ever think of checking your credit card benefits? Many credit card companies offer rental car insurance to its card holders. Check to see if you qualify and what the exact terms are. You may save yourself from paying for the additional insurance for no reason!
When might you opt for rental car insurance?
- If you don’t have auto insurance, or you only have the bare minimum.
- If you’re traveling for business, your personal insurance may not cover you. Check to see what your policy covers, and talk to your company to see if they cover rental car insurance costs.
- If you’re out of the country.
- If you’re worried that an incident may affect your personal insurance rates.
Insurance Shops for Philadelphia Auto Insurance
If you need help determining what exactly your Philadelphia auto insurance covers, call Insurance Shops – we’ll review your policy and help you understand it better. If you don’t currently have auto insurance, we can help you obtain it.
