insurance coverage for rental car

[bk752]

I recall the last time I rented a car in Orlando I also paid additional insurance coverage third party and/or personal injuries. This was on top of the regulat collision and comprehension coverage. I am using a credit card that comes with collision coverage as long as the whole rental is charged on this card and I waive the rental company offer. My question is do I need to take out the additional personal injuries coverage? Thanks.

 

[sammi]

Hi bk! No you shouldn't need any extra insurance added on when you get to the car rental in Orlando but please call you own car insurance company to verify that. I know when we go to Orlando we don't get the extra insurance as we are covered already by our own policy here at home. Also we are covered (like you say) through your credit card company only if you put the cost of the rental on your card. Which can save you a small fortune as the extra insurance can really add up. As far as the additional personal injuries coverage...I would again call your own insurance company to make sure. I know that we didn't have to, but your policy may be different. Hope this helps! And by the way welcome to the DIS...there are so many great folks here to give you a big hand in arranging your trip!

 

[MikeJ]

There are generally three separate coverages that the rental company will try to soak you fo... er... offer to you. One if the collision damage waiver (CDW), which covers physical damage to the car you rent. The second is personal effects coverage (PEC), which covers any personal property which may be stolen from the rental car. The third is often called supplemental liability insurance (SLI) and covers personal injury to anyone unlucky enough to get in your way.

Most major Gold credit cards will pick the tab for the CDW, so you don't need to worry about that.

If you have a homeowner's policy, your personal effects are usually covered for theft so you can pass on the PEC.

The SLI is the tricky one. The way it was explained to me, in Ontario the owner of the car (including rental companies) is responsible for carrying liability insurance. So if you rent a car in Ontario, the insurance carrier for the registered owner is on the hook for any personal injuries sustained if that car is in an accident. Of course, in a lawsuit if the damages exceed the insurance coverage you're in trouble. The laws vary from state to state, but apparently in Florida no such provision exists, so that if you rent a car there is no insurance coverage provided by the rental company's carrier unless you pay the SLI premium. Your insurance company may offer protection for rental cars, but that is typically for just damage to the car (like the CDW) and will not cover you if you injure someone else. Others have reported that they are covered for personal liability through their own insurance, but unless I got it in writing I would be a little leery. I find that my insurance company will offer evasive political-like responses to questions rather than providing a yes/no answer (like, "Am I covered should I wipe out someone else's car?").

Anyway, the short answer to bk's question, as sammi said, check with your insurance company and be very precise in what you are asking them.

- Mike

P.S. That's why we're driving on our next trip.