Rental Reimbursem*nt Coverage | Travelers Insurance (2024)

FAQs

Why do rental car companies ask for insurance? ›

No, you don't need to have your own auto insurance policy to rent a car, but rental agencies typically have minimal coverage on their vehicles. You could end up responsible for significant expenses if you're in an accident with the rental and don't have your own car insurance.

For example, most U.S. states require a minimum limit for liability coverage on an auto insurance policy, but you can choose higher liability limits to better protect your assets if you're responsible for someone else's injuries or damaged property.

Rental car insurance can be expensive — it can easily double your rental costs if you purchase a full coverage package. You also technically don't need to purchase insurance since rental cars are automatically covered for the minimum requirements in their state. However, it can still be worth it in some situations.

If another driver is responsible for a car accident, their insurance typically pays for your rental car expenses as part of their mandatory minimum liability coverage. To use this coverage, you must file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who was at fault.

Proof of insurance – this is often requested if using a debit card to pay. A return plane ticket or proof of travel itinerary for your return trip - this is often requested at airport pick-up locations.

Car rental insurance is a protection plan that safeguards you and the vehicle in the event of a collision, theft, and more. Enterprise also offers roadside assistance to help with incidents such as lockouts or lost keys.

Between 10 and 15 years after a vehicle's model year, full coverage is a poor investment. While the cost of full coverage by itself likely won't be more than what a car is worth, the cost of insurance is more likely to be higher than the value of the car after an accident.

The cost of car insurance is affected by factors including your age, gender, location and marital status; the vehicle you drive; your annual mileage; your driving record; your claims history and even your credit score.

Auto Liability Coverage limits can be written out in three numbers, such as 100/300/50. This means you have a $100,000 limit per person for bodily injury in an accident, a $300,000 total limit per accident for bodily injury, and a $50,000 limit per accident for Property Damage.

Collision damage waiver (CDW), also called car rental insurance, removes a car renter's liability for all or some damage to a rental vehicle in an accident, similarly to collision insurance. CDW also may cover instances of theft or vandalism. The renter will normally only have to pay for a deductible in an accident.

Does Amex Platinum cover rental car insurance? ›

The Amex Platinum card comes with secondary car rental insurance¹ at no additional charge. Since this free coverage isn't primary, you'll need to file a claim with your auto insurance provider before Amex's rental coverage kicks in.

Our car rental insurance product is called OneTrip Rental Car Protector and provides primary coverage for covered collision, loss and damage up to $50,000, along with 24-hour emergency assistance.

The only required coverage that drivers must have when renting a car in California is third party liability (you already have this if you have local liability coverage through your personal carrier). This coverage includes damage that occurs to someone else (whether personal injury or property damage).

You would only have grounds for legal action against the rental car company if they violated their contract with you in any way or if they provided an unreasonably dangerous vehicle without informing you of any associated risks.

Under California law, the other driver's insurance carrier must put you in a similar vehicle. A sedan is not similar to an SUV. You are entitled to an SUV, regardless of the fact that your SUV was older.

No, you do not need rental car insurance in Ohio. Rental car companies in Ohio provide the minimum state-required liability insurance coverage: $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person ($50,000 per accident) and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.

Whether you're a Floridian or just visiting for vacation, you do not need car insurance to rent a car in the Sunshine State. Rental car companies typically already have car insurance on their own vehicles so there is less work and expense on your end.

You don't need car insurance to rent a car in most states, because rental car companies are required to provide the minimum in liability coverage. California and Texas are exceptions, and you'll either need to have your own liability insurance or purchase it when renting a car in these states.