Accidents can occur even when driving rental or car-sharing vehicles. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the coverage your auto insurance provides in such situations. The specifics depend on your individual insurance policy, so it’s advisable to contact the Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. team serving Westerville, OH, before your next rental or car-sharing experience.
Understanding Rental and Car-Sharing Coverage
Generally, your auto insurance policy will cover you when driving a rental or car-sharing vehicle. However, the extent of the coverage depends on your policy and its limits, so it’s best to check with your agent beforehand.
The liability component of your policy covers damage you cause to others and their property. However, it will only cover damage to the rental vehicle if your policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Your homeowner, condo, or renter’s policy typically extends to personal effects stolen from a rental or car-sharing vehicle.
Even if your policy offers rental and car-sharing protection, consider acquiring insurance through the rental or car-sharing company in the following situations:
- Your policy has low limits or high deductibles, or the rental vehicle is more valuable than your vehicle.
- You’re traveling for business, which personal policies do not cover.
- You’re traveling outside the U.S. and Canada, which U.S.-based personal policies seldom cover.
- You want to avoid involving your personal policy or reimbursement delays for out-of-pocket expenses.
The same considerations generally apply to those who use peer-to-peer car sharing. However, those who own a peer-to-peer vehicle typically need commercial vehicle insurance.
Working with Associated Insurance Agencies Inc.
The team at Associated Insurance Agencies Inc. can answer your questions about the auto insurance process. Call (800) 935-2335, visit us in Westerville, OH, or use our online tool to get a quote.
