Not sure whether you need additional coverage when renting a car? You’re not alone. Before you rent, it’s a good idea to understand what your personal auto insurance, credit card benefits, and the rental car company may cover. Coverage varies, so reviewing your options before you get to the rental counter can help you make an informed decision.

Before renting

• Contact your insurance company. Ask whether your personal auto policy provides coverage for a rental car and how your coverage limits and deductibles may apply. Coverage can vary based on your policy, where you rent the vehicle, how you use it, and the type of vehicle you rent.
• Check your credit card benefits. If you use a credit card to pay for the rental, your card may provide certain rental car benefits. Contact your credit card company or review your card’s benefits to understand what is covered, any exclusions, and whether the benefit is primary or secondary to your personal auto insurance.
• Using a car-sharing service? If you plan to use a car-sharing service, review the insurance provided by the service and your own auto policy before driving. Coverage can vary by company and program.
• Traveling for work? Check with your employer before renting a vehicle for business use. Your employer may have specific requirements for rental vehicles, insurance coverage, or approved rental companies.

At the rental counter

Rental car companies generally offer several types of optional protection. Availability, names, terms, and coverage can vary by rental company and location.

• Loss damage waiver or collision damage waiver: This generally waives or limits your financial responsibility if the rental vehicle is damaged or stolen, subject to the rental agreement. It may also address certain charges associated with a damaged rental vehicle. If your personal auto policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage, it may provide coverage for physical damage to a rental vehicle, subject to your policy’s terms, exclusions, and deductibles.
• Liability coverage: This provides liability protection if you are legally responsible for injury to another person or damage to someone else’s property. Your personal auto policy may already provide liability coverage when you drive a rental vehicle. Review your policy limits and the rental agreement to determine whether additional liability protection may be appropriate.
• Personal accident coverage: This may provide benefits for certain medical expenses resulting from an accident involving the rental vehicle. You may already have coverage through auto insurance, health insurance, or other sources. Review the terms of each before purchasing overlapping coverage.
• Personal effects coverage: This may cover certain personal belongings that are stolen from or damaged while in a rental vehicle. Homeowners or renters insurance may already provide some coverage for belongings away from home, subject to policy terms, exclusions, limits, and deductibles.

For help understanding how your AAA auto insurance may apply to a rental vehicle, talk with a AAA Insurance agent or visit your local branch office.