Does My Auto Policy Cover Me When I Rent A Car?

A question that we hear weekly, and will hear more often as summer vacations are planned, "Does my auto policy cover me when I rent a car?" Well, yes and no. So, without getting into too much of the insurance jargon that sounds like Greek to most people, let me try to explain with a real scenario -

(Call transferred to me)

Me~ Hi! How can I help you?

You~ Does my auto policy cover me when I rent a car?

Me~ Let me look at your policy. Where are you traveling to?

You~ We are renting a car here in Niceville and driving up to Atlanta for the weekend to go to our first Braves game.

Me~ Fun! If you can schedule a tour of the stadium, do it! I did it years ago and it’s a moment of awe when you walk on to the field and look around.

You~ Great idea!

Me~ Okay, looking at your policy, I see that you do have comprehensive and collision so that’s good.

You~ Yes, I have full coverage.

Me~ Nothing is ever full coverage. So, the comp and collision will transfer to your rental car along with your deductible.

You~ What if I didn’t have that?

Me~ You would have to buy that from the Rental Car place. As for your Bodily Injury, Property Damage, and medical payments, those will transfer over, also. However, I do still suggest looking at what they offer and consider the pricing, so you don’t have to worry about loopholes. But, the main thing that your policy will not cover is the Loss of Use of their vehicle.

You~ The Loss of what?

Me~ If you are in an accident in their vehicle, they can still charge you the daily rental price or extra fees while their car is being repaired. Each company may call it something different such as Loss of Use or Damage Waiver so make sure to ask about it.

You~ I’m a good driver, I think I’ll be ok.

Me~ My stepmom rented a car years ago and as she was driving away from the airport where she rented it, she was t-boned….

You~ Oh. I’ll look at the cost of that. Thanks for the info.

Me~ You are welcome! Enjoy your trip! Please do not hesitate to contact us with a question about your policy. We would rather explain it to you than have you say later on, “But, I thought…” Now, get out there and enjoy your vacation!

PS ~ The tour at the Atlanta Braves Stadium is pretty awesome!