AboutDenise Expertise I am a licensed Property/Casualty agent in the state of Wisconsin, a Certified Insurance Counselor and a Certified Insurance Service Representive, with a 15+ year background in personal insurance underwriting. I am currently working in the Homeowners and Auto field, and was licensed in Life and Health insurance years ago. I can provide input if you will give me a "one paragraph what`s the story", however depending on the situation, do note that as policy forms and endorsements vary by the state, the information may be general and educational in nature.
Expert: Denise Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: Rental Car Break-in
Question I was recently rear-ended in my personal car. I had to take the car to get repairs and the insurance company paid for a rental car; however while I was driving the rental car, it was broken into and a briefcase was stolen. I know i need to file a claim but I was told by someone who used to work for a rental company that in the state of TX any non-collision damaged incurred to a rental vehicle should be covered by the driver's LIABILITY insurance and therefore waive the deductible. Is this true?
Answer Hi Brad-
I'm not from Texas, but what you were told doesn't make sense to me. Your personal auto policy's liability coverage should cover damages from an accident that you cause in the rental car. As to the theft of your personal property inside the rental car, it seems to me that would be a loss covered under your homeowners, subject to your deductible. Perhaps the Texas Auto policy has provisions to extend coverage to your personal property, but I can't tell you for certain. I do doubt though that it would be considered to be covered under your Bodily Injury or Property Damage liability. That is for damage that you do to others as a result of your negligence. Hope this helps. :) Denise
