Going on Vacation?
One of the most asked questions we get every single year especially during the summer months.
Hey, I am going on vacation and renting a vehicle. Do I need to buy the rental car insurance?
Well, in the state of New York, you DO NOT need to buy the insurance from the rental car company as long as you’re in the United States or in Canada renting the vehicle, it is a private passenger vehicle, and you currently have an auto policy in place for yourself.
Most states do it differently, but in the state of New York if you get in an accident with a rental car, your liability insurance will pay to fix the rental car. The damage it caused, and obviously the damage to the rental car.
Downside
If you get in an accident with a rental vehicle and your insurance pays for it, it can affect your future rates. So, if you don’t want to take that little chance that something happens and your insurance premiums go up because of it, you can obviously buy the rental car coverage to offset that. But any major accidents or accidents involving other parties will be reported on your Motor Vehicle Report so the possibility of your insurance carrier finding out and adjusting your rates is still possible.
Stipulations
The biggest factors here are to make sure of those few things.
That it is a private passenger vehicle, you are renting and driving it in the United States or in Canada. If you go overseas, go to another country, you have to buy insurance from them. It’s very important you understand that.
It’s also important to know how it works if you buy a rental truck or other non private passenger vehicles. These will require you to buy the insurance as there is no coverage extended from your policy.
What’s Next?
Make sure you are using an independent insurance agent who can provide options for you. Don’t know an agent or want a review of your insurance?
Click below to learn more on how to proceed.
