Liability Insurance Supplement Vs Your Liability Insurance
Liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage is almost always required nationwide, so if you have car insurance, you’re likely already covered. Additionally, car rental companies are required by law to include at least the state minimum coverage, so you don’t have to worry about driving off the lot without coverage.
When deciding whether to purchase a rental company’s liability insurance supplement, consider the fact that you may be driving more while you’re on vacation than you would normally, in an unfamiliar car on unfamiliar roads. We recommend carrying at least $25,000 of bodily liability insurance per person, $50,000 of bodily liability per accident and $25,000 of property liability , as lower limits may not cover the full costs of a crash.
Damage Waiver Enterprise Carshare
HAVE RENTAL VEHICLE COLLISION COVERAGE PROVIDED BY CERTAIN VEHICLE INSURANCE AFFORDS YOU COVERAGE FOR DAMAGE TO THE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR ME THE RENTER, OR
Mar 11, 2020 When you buy car rental insurance, whats coveredand whats not? check its coverage. If it does cover rentals, you can place a claim on it.
Do You Need Insurance To Rent A Car
You dont need to have your own auto insurance policy to rent a car. However, rental agencies typically have minimal coverage on their vehicles, so if you get into an accident, you could be responsible for significant expenses.
Other options include buying additional insurance from the rental car company, using a credit card for coverage or getting a standalone policy through a third party.
Don’t Miss: How To Get A Car Loan With No Credit
Spot A Dent Take A Pic Before Driving Off The Lot
Its customary for rental car companies to have you do a quick review of the car youre renting to document any existing dents, scratches or other cosmetic flaws. You cannot be too thorough in this examination, and its best to photograph any problem areas you spot so that they cant be pinned on you later.
Always use your phone to take photos of any suspicious dents or dings or interior anomalies, says Winter. This proof with a time and date stamp can save you from any allegations or charges after you have returned the car and no longer have access for proof.
Alternative #: Use Credit Card Benefits
These days, most credit cards provide free collision coverage for car rentals, provided you use the card to secure the rental. A sample credit card benefits statement describes coverage as:
Physical damage and/or theft of the covered rental vehicle. Valid loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company while the damaged vehicle is being repaired and is not available for use, as substantiated in the companys fleet utilization log. Reasonable and customary towing charges related to a covered loss to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility.
Note that this typical Visa cards benefits do not cover diminished value or administrative costs. A few premium credit cards offer primary collision coverage, meaning the card takes full responsibility for the payment. But coverage on most cards is secondary, meaning the card picks up only what you cant first recover from your own insurance. And you still have to pay the rental company up front, then file for reimbursement from your card issuer.
Another gotcha in the above fine print: This card pays for loss of use only if verified by the rental companys log. Unfortunately, some rental companies dont cooperate with credit card issuers in providing this type of documentation in a timely manner.
Also Check: How Do I Know The Trim Of My Car
Enterprise Car Rental Insurance
Hi guys,
So I just booked a minivan from Enterprise Car Rental for about 9 days in May and we are picking up at LAX and dropping off at SFO. The estimated cost was about $460 USD but it does NOT include insurance. Now I had a couple of questions about this…
First of all, I was reading that third party liability insurance is required when renting in California? Can anyone tell me if this is true? If not, is there any insurance that I am required to get in California? Or are they all optional?
Secondly, this is probably a stupid question but what are the chances that they charge me more than the estimated costs once we get there to pick up the vehicle? Let’s say the prices go up, don’t they still have to honor the cost I booked for?
As well, to anyone with experience with Enterprise, how was your experience with them?
Thanks!
Yes liability insurance is mandatory. You do need to get both collision and liability. At times your credit card may cover both. Check with them if they offer primary coverage abroad
Enterprise is fine. Can they charge more than advertised only if you sign up for more. But I would make the decision before hand and sign up in advance so there are NO surprises
Start by contacting your current automobile insurance company and find out if you are covered in the U.S. Also, call your credit card company and ask the same thing. Lastly, call Enterprise and ask them what the cost of insurance will be .
Thanks for the responses!
Edited: 5 years ago
Key Things To Know About Collision Damage Waivers
- A CDW covers damage to the rental car, but not to other peoples property.
- Collision damage waivers for economy vehicles typically cost $10 $30 per day.
- Damage waivers do not cover theft or risky behaviors that result in damage, such as drunk driving.
- Personal auto insurance and credit card benefits serve as alternatives to collision damage waivers.
Don’t Miss: Which Comparison Site Is Best For Car Insurance
Scenario #: You Cause A Significant Accident Causing $5000 In Damage To The Rental Car $5000 To Another Drivers Vehicle And Injuries That Require $15000 In Medical Care
If you purchased the collision damage waiver and supplemental liability protection, the rental car company will pay for repairs to both vehicles and cover the cost of the other partys medical expenses. If you purchased personal accident insurance, the rental car company will also pay your medical bills.
If you did not purchase the rental insurance, your personal insurance collision policy will cover damage to the rental car and your liability coverage will pay for the damage to the other vehicle and the other partys medical bills. You will be responsible for paying the deductible for the claim, and for covering your own medical costs. The rental car company will likely charge you for loss of use, which most personal policies dont cover. Your insurance premiums will likely go up because of the accident.
Avoid Booking At Airports If Possible They Can Pile On Fees
If you can manage it, dont book your rental car from the airport.
Renting a car at the airport is definitely more expensive in many cases as a lot of cities had added surcharges, says Ted Rossman, industry analyst at CreditCards.com. It’s rooted in a revenue grab for them and its easy to pass along as a tourism tax that we often see at airports.
Arranging a rental car through the airport can add anywhere from 10 to 25 percent to your costs, Rossman says, adding that just today he was looking at the price of his rental car booked out of a San Francisco airport and found that the $200 base rate had another $100 tacked on in added taxes and fees $50 more than if I went into the city and rented the car there.
Chris Trifilio, blogger at FrugalReality.com, says hes actually saved money by paying for an Uber or Lyft to take him from the airport to a rental car depot. I came out well ahead even after my $20 ride-sharing cost, he says.
Read Also: How To Charge Your Car Battery
What Do I Need To Rent A Car From Enterprise
Bring your confirmation # with you to your pick up location. This can be your whole confirmation email from us, or just the confirmation # details on your phone. Your drivers license is always a necessity. An International Drivers Permit may be needed as an additional document if your drivers license is not in English. A credit card matching the name of the main driver, or a debit card may be accepted if you have a return ticket, and if it has a Visa or MasterCard Logo, and passes a credit check where required. You will need to bring any additional drivers, their drivers license and credit card to the car rental counter as well.
What Does Damage Waiver Cover
CDW Basic Cover is included in your reservation with Enterprise. This insurance limits the liability for any damage to the vehicle to a non-waivable charge of 900,- for all car groups. In case of a corporate account being present, a different non-waivable charge may apply. Please be aware this insurance only applies if the vehicle is used in accordance with the “General Car Rental conditions of Enterprise Rent-A-Car NL”.CDW Basic Cover only covers the body of the vehicle and does not cover roof, tires, rims and windows, broken/loss of keys or contamination of fuel. Damage to the under body-work and/or roof due to collision with bridges, tunnels, overhanging structures etc. is excluded from the damage cover, unless a force majeure can be proved.To reduce this non-waivable charge, please check the and insurance options.
Don’t Miss: Does Auto Insurance Follow The Car Or The Driver
Does Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars
Renting a car? Learn more about rental car insurance coverage options, terms, and if you need to get additional insurance when renting a vehicle.
Renters may obtain rental car insurance from a variety of other providers, however in the event If the renter accepts our Damage Waiver, Enterprise waives or reduces the renters CTP does not cover damage to property or other vehicles.
May 13, 2021 Whether you need insurance coverage on a rental car is an individual choice, of course, but in general, youll need to know what might be
Enterprise Car Rental Insurance Question
- Toronto
May 30th, 2018 1:20 pm
Remember to be an RFD-er and NOT a degenerate.
- +1
May 30th, 2018 1:30 pm
- +6
- Toronto
May 30th, 2018 5:59 pm
- +1
Just declined all insurances since your CC covers it
- +6
TrevorK wrote: Your CC typically only covers damage to the vehicle you rent.
“The crows seemed to be calling his name, thought Caw.” – Jack HandeyReferences
- East Gwillimbury
May 30th, 2018 10:58 pm
May 31st, 2018 2:19 pm
- +3
May 31st, 2018 2:41 pm
- +2
- 5 upvotes
May 31st, 2018 9:44 pm
- +2
OP, do you already have your own car insurance in Toronto?If you do and your insurer cover your rentals, then you are good.Use your credit card to rent, so the collision coverage is covered by your Credit card company. In case you need to make a claim, it doesn’t have to affect your personal insurance but the Credit insurance will cover it. Don’t deny all insurance, make sure you are covered elsewhere, then deny it.
- +1
canoek wrote: Common misconception. CC’s don’t offer the same insurance that you buy off the shelf. If you kill someone and get sued for $1million, that won’t be covered by your CC.
- +1
Rajanm wrote: When I rent, i use my credit card for CDW and CLD, but buy the third party coverage from the rental company. It is usually 7 CAD per day.
- +2
- +6
- +1
Awesome thank s for this info, peace of mind
You May Like: How To Burn Mp3 Cd For Car
Do You Need Personal Effects Coverage When You Rent A
Jan 19, 2021 Heres the scoop from AutoSlash, the #1 site for cheap car rentals. What is Personal Effects Coverage in a Rental Car? In a cautionary tale, Enterprise would not cover a renters personal valuables after their rental car
Apr 13, 2021 But rental cars come with the question, Do I purchase the extra insurance coverage or take my chances? In general, your individual auto
Will My Credit Card Insure My Rental Car
Many credit cards, especially travel cards, have a damage waiver that pays for damage to your rental car while you drive it, as well as trip interruption coverage. However, these waivers don’t provide coverage for liability or your own medical bills, so make sure you’re fully protected before you drive.
Recommended Reading: How To Change Your Oil In Your Car
Types Of Insurance Coverage
Enterprise offers three types of insurance coverage that customers can purchase at the time they rent a car. The first is called a damage waiver. A damage waiver is not literally insurance, but it acts like insurance. If the customer accepts the damage waiver terms, she pays a set amount per day of the rental. In exchange, Enterprise agrees to limit or waive any claim for loss of the car or damage to the car. The damage waiver also includes towing, storage, loss of use and administrative fees. The per-day cost to the customer for a damage waiver varies widely. The lowest rate is less than $10 a day but, in some offices, its rate is three times that.
Enterprise offers Personal Accident Insurance at every Enterprise location. A customer purchasing PAI pays a set amount per day for this coverage, in addition to the rental amount. The PAI covers the customer and her passengers in case the car is in an accident. It covers ambulance expenses, medical expenses and also provides accidental death benefits.
Personal Effects Coverage is offered by Enterprise only at its airport locations. This PEC policy protects the customer, other drivers or any members of the customer’s immediate family traveling with her against loss or damage to personal effects. Even if the losses are covered by other insurance, Enterprise pays for the losses. The cost for the PAI/PEC coverage depends on where you are renting the car, averaging between $5 and $11 per day.
References
Roadside Assistance Protection Of Enterprise Rent
Aside from the car rental insurance policies, Enterprise Rent-A-Car also provides a Roadside Assistance Protection , which allows the customers to waive their financial responsibilities for chargeable incidents like vehicle lockouts, lost keys, flat tires, and fuel outages, to name a few.
Moreover, you can add a Roadside Assistance Protection in two ways: either through online bookings at the chosen Enterprise branch or, you can just purchase it at a rental ticket, which you can avail any time of the day. Do take note that if you add a mid-rental vehicle, you must make sure that you return the car to its designated rental location to have it inspected before the RAP is added.
You May Like: How To Change Car Registration Address
Scenario #: You Back Into A Light Post Causing $500 Worth Of Damage To A Rental Cars Bumper
If you purchased the collision damage waiver, the rental agency would repair the vehicle at its own cost. If you didnt purchase the collision damage waiver, youll be responsible for paying the repairs out of pocket. You are also likely to be charged for loss of use, which is the lost rental income while the vehicle is being repaired.
Can I Rent A Car With My Bank Card
Yes, you can rent a car with a debit card if you are at least 25 years old and are prepared to have an authorized hold placed on your account for the duration of your reservation. Be aware that some locations dont accept debit cards at the time of reservation but do accept them at the time of payment.
Recommended Reading: What Causes A Car To Overheat
Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars
When you rent a car for a family vacation or a road trip with friends, theyll ask at the counter if you want to buy car insurance from them.
But do you need rental car insurance to be properly covered? Your first instinct might be to go ahead and agree to it so you dont run into problems. You wouldnt want to drive illegally, or not be covered if something happened.
But theres a chance that youre already covered by your current car insurance policy.
So how does car insurance work when it comes to rental cars? Lets take a look at the insurance options from rental companies. Theres a chance youre covered already.
Is A Collision Damage Waiver Worth It
For most people, buying a damage waiver is not worth the money. While it may seem prudent to buy just to be safe, the purchase of loss or collision damage insurance may cancel or be redundant with other forms of insurance you already have.
On the other hand, there may be certain situations where paying a comparably small fee to buy a damage waiver may avoid enough of a headache to make it worthwhile. Do a little research and know how your existing car insurance policy covers when it comes to rental cars, and whether your credit card offers this type of coverage as a benefit.
Regardless of your decision, consider taking before pictures of your rental vehicle when you pick it up, especially if you see any existing damage. When you drop the car off, have the attendant do a walk around the vehicle. If that isnt possible, take after pictures as well. Doing this can document any damage that was already present and give you peace of mind that you can prove no damage occurred to the car while you were renting it.
Walking through the series of questions below may help:
Recommended Reading: Does Paying Off Car Loan Help Credit
