Expert: Richard L Carranza - 7/8/2005

Question
I have asked this question twice and received no reply from AllExperts so I am assuming there is a problem with my home PC's receipt of messages as AllExperts is always so prompt.  I am using my work PC now.  I will ask my question again.

I plan on renting a car to have extra space for vacation travel.  Do I need to take the rental company's insurance?  Will my insurance cover liability and collision on the rental car?  Do I need to inform my insurance company of the rental car plans?  Any insights would help.  

Answer
As the rental car will be a "temporary substitute" for a presently insured auto that you own then your coverages (1st (COLL, COMP, etc) and 3rd Party (Liability)) would "roll on" and accordingly you would have the same coverages that you have on your own cars.... and the same deductibLEs.

I ASSUME that you carry both Collision (COLL) and Comprehensive (COMP) on your cars.... if not the rental company wil require that you purchase these covers from them toprotect the rental vehcile with these coverages.

Regardless of whether you have COLL/COMP and/or purchase it you should also purchase the "deductible waiver" coverage which the renter should offer... this will cover you in case of a loss for the otherwise applicable deductible.

Suggest you touch base with your agent and/or company to confirm the above as SOME companies have quirky covers.

Hope and trust that I have answered your question and provided some direction.

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