Do I Really Need Rental Car Insurance?

It is a good question, that's for sure. Many people wonder if they need rental car insurance and it really depends on the type of person to a large degree. In many cases, you already have rental car insurance and not even know it. There are a number of sources where rental car insurance can come from. You might have rental car coverage from your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. Many of the most popular credit card providers offer complementary rental car coverage in the case of accidents. However, many people don't know this. You also may have rental car coverage if you carry travel programs like American Express Platinum, AAA Roadside Coverage, or AARP Membership. Quite a few of these types of programs will give you complimentary rental car coverage for when you travel.

Another typical place where rental car coverage is already supplied is with your standard automobile insurance. This can make things very easy for you. If you obtain your car insurance through a provider that offers complementary rental car insurance you will already be covered under your standard auto insurance policy. This can certainly save you a bit of money when it comes to renting a car.

A common question you will almost always hear at the rental car desk is, 'Wiill you be needing rental car insurance for your trip?' Rental car companies price their insurance to be very affordable, while at the same time profitable for them. You don't think they're going to lose money, do you? Just like any other business, rental car companies are in business to make money. They offer the rental car insurance for peace of mind to their renters, for protection in case of accident, and for additional profitability to the company. Always bear this in mind when it comes time to consider if it is a good idea to obtain car rental insurance.

Therefore, your first step will always be to find out if you're already covered with rental car insurance. If you have rental car insurance coverage provided by your credit card, a travel program you are a part of, or by your standard auto insurance policy, then you don't really need rental car insurance. To purchase rental car insurance from the rental car company would simply be unnecessary and frankly, a waste of money. But if you do not have coverage by any of these sources then feel free to take the rental car insurance when offered. It can give you peace of mind when renting a car, especially if you are on a vacation. You don't want to be bothered with having to think about insurance coverage for your rental car (should the worst happen). If you accept the coverage offered by the rental car company you should be covered for any and all incidents that may come up. This alone can give you the peace of mind that will make your journey more enjoyable and less stressful.

By Matt Reynolds - Google+

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