Whenever you rent a car, whether it’s for use in a distant city or transportation while your own is in the shop, the rental agreement usually includes a section that asks if you'd like to purchase rental car insurance. It’s generally separated into four types: collision damage waiver, liability coverage, personal property coverage, and personal injury protection. In some cases, this coverage makes terrific financial sense. However, Charles Adams Insurance Agency in Ashland, KY, says before you purchase a policy from the rental car service, you contact your auto insurance agent to see if you're already covered. 

Does Rental Car Insurance Duplicate Your Existing Coverage?

Collision Damage Waiver

A collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) from the rental agency helps pay for losses or damages should you get in an accident—although damages that occur while speeding or driving on unpaved roads are usually excluded. However, if you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your own vehicle, it may cover losses to a rental car. Call your auto insurance agent to discuss.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage through a car rental agency pays for repairs and medical bills if you should damage property or injure someone. You should, by law, have this type of coverage already if you own a vehicle, so you may not need to buy a separate policy for a rental car.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal property coverage from a rental agency reimburses you for losses or theft of property from inside the rental car. However, if you have renters or homeowners insurance, that policy probably already covers the contents of a rental car.

Personal Accident Insurance

This type of coverage pays for medical bills if you or a passenger is injured while you're operating the rental car. This is important protection, but if you have health insurance or, as part of your car insurance policy, medical payment coverage or personal injury protection (PIP), you may already have comparable coverage.

If you are uncertain what your home and auto insurance policies cover, contact your insurance agent for clarification. If you need coverage, the team at Charles Adams Insurance Agency in Ashland can help you choose a policy that fits your needs and your budget. Visit their website for contact details, or call them at (606) 325-9709 to request an insurance quote from a friendly, knowledgeable professional.