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To Buy or Not to Buy: Auto Insurance for Rental Cars
If you’re going on a trip and you’re planning to rent a car, you may be wondering whether you should purchase the additional auto insurance coverage that rental car agencies offer. Although the decision to purchase additional auto insurance is entirely up to you, make sure you know what your Esurance auto insurance policy covers before you buy.
Rental Cars in the U.S. and Canada
If you carry liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage on your Esurance policy and you plan on driving the rental car in the U.S. and Canada, your Esurance coverage should transfer to your rental car with the same limits and deductibles.
You may want to consider buying additional auto insurance from the rental company if you want to increase your limits or if you’re missing a particular coverage like comprehensive or collision.
Don’t leave home without a copy of your auto insurance card. If you need a duplicate copy, you can get one by logging into your Esurance account anytime.
Rental Cars Outside the U.S. and Canada
Your Esurance auto insurance coverage applies only in the U.S. and Canada. If you’re traveling elsewhere, you’ll need to call your rental car company to find out the auto insurance requirements for the area.
What if I Have an Accident in My Rental Car?
If you're involved in an accident in a rental car, most auto insurance companies pay comprehensive and collision claims at the car's actual cash value, which factors in age, mileage, and wear and tear. However, this probably won't cover the replacement cost some rental companies charge customers if they wreck a rental car. Some rental companies may also charge customers for the diminished resale value of a wrecked rental car or for lost rental income while a damaged rental car is being repaired.
Remember, wherever your travels take you in your rental car, drive safely and have a great time!
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