Do I Need Insurance to Rent a Car?

When someone only needs a car for a very short period of time, a rental car is often a good choice. These cars are usually only driven for a few days at a time, but this does not mean that an accident cannot occur. Even excellent drivers who put very few miles on their vehicles can be involved in accidents because other drivers were careless. Since there is no guarantee of safety, rental car insurance is a necessity.

Drivers can cover rental cars in two ways -- through the customer's regular car insurance or through the rental agency. Often, however, the rental car insurance that comes with a standard vehicle insurance policy does not cover as much as the rental company's insurance. This can be a problem if an accident does occur. The safest choice is to purchase full rental car insurance from the company that rents the car. By doing this, the consumer can maximize coverage options and reduce the amount of insurance problems that may occur in the event of an accident.

What Does Rental Car Insurance Cover?

Rental car insurance should cover everything included on a standard insurance policy. The best way to ensure necessary coverage is to dutifully check the rental car insurance contract and see that it lists liability, comprehensive and collision insurance as well as payments for medical bills that may arise in the event of an accident.

If something or someone damages the car through no fault of the driver, if theft occurs or if a severe storm or other Act of God causes damages, the insurance should cover it. If the driver is responsible for damage to the car, then the insurance should also cover that. In short, rental car insurance should cover everything. Although the renter will only have the car for a short period, securing maximum insurance coverage for the vehicle is always a good idea.

Is Rental Car Insurance Really Worth the Price?

Rental car insurance is not as expensive as standard car insurance, because the consumer is only paying for the insurance for the period of time that the car is in his or her possession. Even if the timeframe is limited, the risk of accident still exists. If a driver would not drive his or her own car without proper insurance, it makes sense to secure adequate rental car insurance as well.

No one wants to be involved in a car accident. Most people do not even think about the possibility unless they have a "near miss" on the freeway or at an intersection. However, accidents do happen, and most people will be involved in at least one car accident over the course of their lives. If this accident happens in a rental car, the price the driver paid to insure the vehicle will be well worth it.