Reader’s Question:

My job here in Missouri requires me to travel a lot. Most of the time, I rent a car to drive to different cities. Do I have to purchase car insurance for a rental car?

Sharyn

Kansas City, MO

Before you purchase rental car insurance, try and check out different insurance policies offered by your rental car agency. Review each policy very carefully to find the one that’s suitable for you and your job. Request for more specific information like insurance provisions, what are the limits and what are included or excluded in the policy, so you may figure out whether you truly need rental car insurance or not.

Review your own car insurance policy to make sure if driving a rental car is included in your coverage. Usually, driving a rental car is included in your liability coverage, so you don’t really need to buy additional car insurance for a rental car. Furthermore, you will also be covered by your comprehensive coverage, as well as your collision coverage. Just make sure that you have those in your policy.

There are some credit card companies who offer car insurance coverage for rental cars. Although most companies set limits regarding this matter, some would want you to apply for the additional coverage, while others are automatically included when you get for yourself a credit card, so it is wise to call your credit card company for details.

Most rental car agencies there in Missouri will offer you liability coverage, and this will protect you from damage and injury claims from other people. The rental company will also give you a waiver of loss or damage, which means that you will not be held accountable should damage occur to the rental car.

So, before you buy rental car insurance, consider the rates you’re going to pay, as well as the coverage included in these charges. Call your local insurer to find out what are included and excluded in your car insurance policy.

Tags: auto insurance coverage, auto insurance policy, rental car insurance