Rental car insurance policies: find out how to choose the right cover

Travelling somewhere and looking to rent a car? If you are one of the thousands who rent cars each year, you will surely have been faced with the option of insuring a rental car when you arrive at the car rental counter. Car rental agencies usually offer a rental car insurance policy as an optional extra or standard in the rental car package. However, there is another way to ensure you’re covered when driving a rental car. Discover more from the Dialdirect team. 

What is rental car insurance?

Rental car insurance is a policy that provides coverage while you are driving a rented vehicle and will cover this vehicle in the event of accidental damage through a car accident or collision. However, did you know that you can also be covered for car rental through your existing car insurance policy?

Does my car insurance cover rental cars? 

If you’re wondering whether you need insurance to hire a car, the answer is that this will depend on the car rental company. Typically, proof of insurance is a requirement[1]. However, depending on your car insurance policy and the car insurance agency covering you, car insurance for rental cars could be included in your current policy. Each policy will tell you whether you have comprehensive or liability coverage that extends from your current car insurance to rental cars.

Rental car insurance vs regular car insurance 

Out of the many factors that make up choosing which rental car insurance option you might take, two factors are worth taking a closer look at: cost and benefits. This will involve calculating how much the car rental insurance will cost and the type of benefits offered.

Choosing between relying on your current car insurance policy or taking out temporary car insurance for rental cars is best done using a bit of mathematics. You can calculate what each option will cost you and decide based on that.

However, keep in mind that cheaper isn’t always better. Even though you could save on one, the other might offer better car coverage and would cost you less if you want to claim. Your choice should depend on doing some research. 

To get clear advice on this, try and contact the rental car agency and discuss their car insurance policies or contact your own insurers about getting a rental car insured on your existing car insurance policy. Take a look at the Dialdirect Guide on How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes. 

Choosing your own car insurance over rental car insurance 

If you choose your own car insurance policy to cover a rental car, it is your responsibility to notify your car insurance broker or agency about it. You can expect some car insurance policies to already include coverage, with others may require a change in policy and payment. 

Your car insurance agency will want to know which model vehicle you are renting, how much you are paying, where you are driving, and the duration of the rental period. Another factor affecting your car insurance policy change is where you plan on parking the vehicle. 

Other factors you need to consider about car rental insurance

As with many car insurance policies, tyre insurance is an optional extra. As with a rental car insurance policy, your existing car insurance coverage may not include cover for tyres and rims. Dialdirect advises that you talk it over with your car insurance broker and have them help you decide what is best for you and your travel situation.

Get a car insurance quote from Dialdirect

Don’t stress about car insurance for rental cars if you need to travel. If you need to find out if your current car insurance policy will include rental car insurance, we can give you that information. Simply call 0861 007 367 or connect with us online today, and we will give you all the particulars about your policy. Choose a car insurer you can trust. Get a car insurance quote from Dialdirect online today. 

Sources:

[1] IOL: 7 FAQ about car rental 

Disclaimer: Dialdirect Insurance is an authorised FSP insurer. Terms and Conditions online.