Rental car insurance coverage can be a complex topic, as it depends on various factors, including your existing insurance policies, credit card benefits, and the rental car company’s offerings. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Personal Auto Insurance:
   • Liability Coverage: Your personal auto insurance policy may extend liability coverage to a rental car. This typically covers injuries and property damage to others.
   • Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: Your personal policy may also extend coverage for damage to the rental car itself, similar to how it covers your own vehicle.
2. Credit Card Coverage:
   • Some credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit. However, the coverage varies among cards, and it may not provide complete protection. It often acts as secondary insurance, covering costs not covered by your primary insurance.
3. Rental Car Company Insurance Options:
   • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This covers the cost of repairs to the rental car in case of an accident, theft, or vandalism. It may also include loss-of-use fees charged by the rental company while the car is being repaired.
   • Liability Insurance: This provides coverage for injuries and property damage to third parties. It is usually required by law and may be available through the rental car company.
   • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC): PAI provides coverage for medical expenses and accidental death benefits for you and your passengers, while PEC covers your personal belongings in the rental car.
4. Considerations:
   • Deductibles: Check the deductibles for both your personal insurance and the rental car company’s coverage. Be aware of any out-of-pocket expenses you might incur in case of a claim.
   • Coverage Limits: Understand the coverage limits of your personal policy, credit card coverage, and any additional insurance purchased from the rental car company.
   • International Rentals: Insurance rules can vary significantly in different countries, so it’s essential to understand the coverage and laws specific to the location where you’re renting the car.
5. Review Your Policies:
   • Before renting a car, review your existing auto insurance policy and any coverage provided by your credit card. This will help you determine what coverage you already have and what additional insurance you may need.

Always contact your insurance provider and credit card company directly to confirm coverage details, as policies can vary. It’s crucial to make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances and the specific terms of your insurance policies.

Here are some useful things to remember when you approach the rental counter:

1.  Liability coverage – Do I have coverage if I cause an accident ?  If you own a vehicle, the answer is probably yes.  You auto insurer in most cases will cover you for an accident caused in a rental car BUT you must check with your carrier before renting.  Some carriers have particular exclusions depending on where you are going or for what purpose your are renting the car, for example business. If you do not own a car and you have assets to protect, you can purchase liability coverage from the rental car company

2. Collision coverage – Rental car companies love to sell Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) protection.  It is very expensive, generally $10-15 dollars per day depending on the company and the type of car rented.  If you purchase that coverage and have an accident you will have no liability for the damage to the rental car regardless of fault.  If you want to save money on the CDW, you may have coverage through your own auto policy if you have collision coverage on your private vehicle.  Again check with your carrier.  Of course, you would be subject to the same deductible as for your private car.  Lastly, many credit cards provide this coverage if your rent the car using that card.  Check with your credit card company.

3.  Authorized drivers – Anyone who may drive the rental vehicle should be listed on the rental agreement, even if there is an additional fee.  If you let someone who is not on the agreement drive the car and that person gets into an accident, you may void your various coverages.”

Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.