How to Compare Rental Car Insurance

When considering car rental insurance, many consumers are left baffled by the choices. Many think that their personal car insurance covers them while in a rental, while others may have coverage through their credit card company. It's important to call ahead to make sure, then learn the right questions to ask when it comes time to consider rental car insurance if you need the extra coverage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find out the charges. Every rental car company has a slightly different rate for car insurance, so call ahead to find out the specifics. The insurance usually ranges from $10 to $25 a day. If your insurance is paying for you to have a rental car while yours is in the shop, it may not cover the rental insurance, so you need to budget accordingly.

2. Discover what's covered. When you're comparing rental car insurance, ask if the policy is for collision only, or if it also includes liability, content and medical costs. These types of coverage vary widely by company.

3. Clarify what collision truly means. Here, the fine print can really get you. If you crack a windshield or blow a tire out, some policies may not cover the damage.

4. Know the policy exclusions. Some policies pay only if you can prove that it wasn't the result of negligence on your part. Others cover the car, no questions asked. So, if you get lost and go down a one-way street the wrong way, the insurance company could deny your claim.

5. Ask about boundaries. The policy may be good only in the state of Texas or in the United States, so if you plan on venturing outside the immediate area, make sure to ask how that would affect your coverage.