Hey guys, I have a general question as I’m shopping around for my first insurance policy. I drive a relatively inexpensive car, so I’m planning to get liability insurance at $100k/$300k/$100k—something standard to cover my bases.
I occasionally use rental cars and wonder if my liability insurance would extend to the rental. I understand I’d need to get a damage waiver from the rental company since I won’t have collision coverage. However, do standard liability insurance policies apply to rental cars?
Any insights would be appreciated as I’m currently shopping around and don’t have an agent yet.
Yes, your liability insurance usually covers rental cars just like your own vehicle. Just make sure to get a damage waiver from the rental company for any damage to the rental itself.
I’ve been in a similar situation, shopping for my first insurance policy while driving an inexpensive car and occasionally renting cars for trips. I opted for a standard liability insurance coverage of $100k/$300k/$100k, and through my experience, I learned that most liability insurance policies do extend to rental cars. However, as you noted, they don’t cover collision or comprehensive damage, so you’d need to purchase a damage waiver from the rental company. This has been a cost-effective way for me to stay covered without breaking the bank. If you’re still shopping around, I’d recommend confirming this detail with your chosen insurance provider to ensure peace of mind while renting.
As someone who deals with rentals, I’d advise you to first check with your insurance provider. Based on my experience, your insurance will almost always cover your liability if you cause an accident while driving a rental car for less than 30 days.