You may not need to buy rental car insurance if your personal auto insurance policy already includes coverage that extends to rental vehicles.
For example, if you have an active Plymouth Rock personal auto policy with comprehensive and collision coverage on at least one vehicle, your coverage may extend to rental cars in the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories. However, you should check your policy before declining rental car coverage.
When would I need rental car insurance?
You may want to purchase rental car insurance if you do not have a personal auto insurance policy, only carry liability coverage, are renting a vehicle outside the areas covered by your policy, or want additional financial protection.
Rental car insurance may also provide coverage for personal belongings, medical expenses after an accident, or other costs, such as loss-of-use fees that may not be covered by your existing insurance.What is covered under rental car insurance?
If you choose to purchase rental car insurance when renting a vehicle, there are four main types of coverage to consider: liability coverage, loss damage waiver, personal accident coverage, and personal effects coverage.
Liability coverage
Liability coverage helps pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others while driving a rental car. Your personal auto insurance policy may extend liability coverage to a rental vehicle, so check with your insurance provider before purchasing this coverage.
Loss damage waiver (LDW) or collision damage waiver (CDW)
A loss damage waiver, also called a collision damage waiver, is offered by the rental car company. While it is not technically insurance, it may waive your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen, subject to the terms of the rental agreement.
Personal accident coverage
Personal accident coverage can help pay for medical expenses, ambulance services, or accidental death benefits for you and your passengers after a covered accident. You may already have similar protection through your health insurance, such as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage.
Personal effects coverage
Personal effects coverage helps protect personal belongings that are stolen from or damaged while inside the rental vehicle. Your homeowners, renters, or condo insurance policy may already provide coverage for personal belongings away from home.
Does my credit card cover rental car insurance?
Some credit cards offer rental car coverage when you use the card to pay for the rental. Coverage varies by card and may be secondary to your auto insurance, so review your card benefits before relying on it.
Does Plymouth Rock auto insurance cover rental cars?
If you have an active Plymouth Rock personal auto insurance policy with comprehensive and collision coverage on at least one insured vehicle, your coverage may extend to a rental car you rent in the United States, Canada, or a U.S. territory.
Before declining rental car insurance offered by the rental company, review your policy or contact your insurance agent to confirm:
- Which coverages extend to your rental car
- Whether your deductible applies to a rental car claim
- Whether all drivers of the rental vehicle are covered
- Whether there are any restrictions on the rental period or vehicle type
- Whether fees charged by the rental car company, such as loss-of-use fees, are covered
It is important to remember that your Plymouth Rock auto insurance policy will not cover gas for the rental, the mileage, any additional rental car insurance or the deposit for the vehicle.
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