Unless you have full auto insurance coverage, including liability, comprehensive, and collision, you may need to get some kind of insurance coverage from the rental organization. As mentioned, your NH personal auto policy will most likely extend coverage to a rental car, but it will not pay for the additional expenses the rental company can charge you. In one test Avis conducted with the technology at London's Heathrow airport, it increased its number of damage claims by 22%. If you’re still considering buying extra insurance protection from a rental car company, it’s important to understand that the coverage is secondary insurance. I'm a consumer advocate. Overall car rental insurance can be a good idea, but generally it is mainly covered in your existing auto insurance policy. Pro tip: Buying the car rental company's optional insurance might be overkill, since your travel insurance can offer comprehensive coverage. The rental company may charge a deposit on your debit card and then refund the money when you return the car in good condition. Here's how to sort through ... [+] everything. Something to think about before you rent your next car. The rental car insurance agency will verify that you have a license, credit card and possibly a liability insurance policy. Remember, most car insurance covers your rental, with some significant restrictions. you can take it, but for the most part, its just another way for the car rental firm to make more money. If you do not have personal collision coverage or of you do not have your own auto insurance policy, it can be beneficial to purchase the rental policy so long as … "I suggest before renting a car, that my clients check with their auto insurance carrier to see if they offer such an option," he adds. On a recent visit to Anchorage, Alaska, a stray pebble struck Brian Novak's rental vehicle. Buying insurance when you're already covered may be too much — but then again, not buying enough coverage could decimate your personal finances. That's usually because the optional collision damage waiver can double the cost of the vehicle. Whether you’re about to rent a car for the first time or you're an old pro, you might not know whether it makes sense to buy insurance from the rental car company. Then they send a damaged vehicle back into service, where another renter could be charged for the same damage. Your liability insurance for your own vehicle, for example, will cover your liability while in a rental car as well, hence the "supplement" modifier on what the car rental company offers. This typically helps only with additional expenses and the deductible beyond your existing auto policy. you don't need rental car insurance. you can take it, but for the most part, its just another way for the car rental firm to make more money. A standalone policy may offer a range of collision damage waiver policies that are cheaper and more comprehensive than those offered by car rental companies. In that case, you will need to purchase insurance from the truck company. Buying the LDW/CDW from the car rental company is one way to cover these expenses, should they happen. Often, no additional car insurance coverage is necessary because your rental car is already covered by either your credit card or current insurance coverage. The collision damage waiver, sometimes called a loss damage waiver, shields you from any liability for costs if the car is damaged or stolen during your rental. While all four insurance types sound like worthwhile investments on the surface, much of it could be redundant. At the car rental counter, when asked if they want insurance for their rental car, many travelers say "no." Reputable car rental companies only charge you for the actual repair. 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"Rental insurance provided through your credit card usually lasts around 15 to 30 days, and it covers most basic types of vehicles while excluding things like trucks and exotic cars," he says. Hertz rental car insurance is not required, but your personal policy may not fully cover a rental. A variety of credit cards include some level of rental car coverage, which might allow you to decline the insurance offered by the rental agency, says Sean Messier, an analyst for Credit Card Insider. Reasons Why to Buy Insurance on a Rental Car As mentioned, your NH personal auto policy will most likely extend coverage to a rental car, but it will not pay for the additional expenses the rental company can charge you. A common question for drivers who are traveling is whether they need to purchase additional car insurance for their rental cars. "Conventional wisdom is that the added insurance on a rental car is a rip-off in most cases," says Jake McKenzie of Auto Accessories Garage. 1) Quality of your own insurance policy – If you have state minimum coverage don’t except much help from your insurance company if something were to happen. If you plan to use insurance through your credit card, call the company ahead of time to make sure you’re aware of the limits and have adequate coverage. Do you need car rental insurance? Thanks for sharing this advice on choosing rental car insurance! Personal accident insurance covers costs of any injuries to you and your family if you have an accident. To compare auto insurance quotes start with your zip code in the box above! Your homeowner's or renter's insurance, meanwhile, likely covers your personal items in the car. The case for credit card insurance. What You Don't Need. "They end up spending a fortune at car rental desks or find themselves with a huge deductible bill at the end of their trip after a small chip to their windscreen.". While your car or credit card insurance will cover the cost of damage to the car, they might not cover some of the additional charges the car rental company could charge. "Many people find rental car insurance confusing," says Ernesto Suarez, CEO of InsureMyRentalCar.com. He's. You can also follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter. If they don’t offer renter’s insurance or if you want to shop around, check out www.insureme.com. Some policies do not extend internationally, and some countries might not let you leave until you've settled up your rental car bill. Reasons Why to Buy Insurance on a Rental Car. Others aren't as fortunate. This means that damage to a rental car will not be covered and so it would be worth looking into car rental insurance options. 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