Should I Buy Rental Car Insurance?

When leasing a rental car, the salesperson will likely suggest that you remember to purchase rental car insurance. You might think you should ignore them since you already have auto insurance and don’t need more insurance. As a resident of Southeast Michigan, your auto insurance likely doesn’t cover all the perils that might befall your rental car. This is why at Atlas Insurance Agency, we suggest you consider the coverage that comes with rental car insurance. 

Do I Need My Auto Insurance to Rent a Car? 

You aren’t required to have your own auto insurance to rent a car, but you will expose yourself to great liability. To be safe, you should also purchase rental car insurance when renting a vehicle. 

Why should I Purchase Rental Insurance on Top of My Auto Insurance? 

• Access loss-damage waiver (LDW)/ collision damage waiver (CDW)

You will get this waiver after purchasing rental car insurance. Although it’s technically not insurance, this waiver guarantees that the rental car company won’t pursue you if you damage the leased vehicle in an accident or it’s stolen. 

• Access coverage for damage to property beyond the US and Canada borders

Your auto coverage likely only provides coverage for damage you cause with your rental vehicles to property within the US and Canada. You can purchase rental insurance with the supplemental liability protection option to get property liability coverage beyond the US and Canada borders. Even if you damage property within the US and Canada and have auto insurance, your insurance record will be tainted, and you will be charged higher premiums moving forward. 

• To protect your personal property in your rental car.

Your auto insurance doesn’t cover personal property stolen from rental cars. You will need rental car insurance with personal effects coverage to protect your personal property in the leased vehicle. 

Contact Atlas Insurance Agency for rental car insurance assistance in Southeast Michigan.