| Many people who reserve a rental car show up | | | | and deductible to a rental car. This is a |
| to the counter with little thought given to the | | | | replacement-only type of coverage because they |
| "what if's" that could result from them driving a | | | | are covering you on a different car. For an |
| car that is not their own. You wouldn't think of | | | | additional cost, you may be able to purchase |
| driving your own car without coverage, so take a | | | | either a temporary or ongoing rider (depending on |
| few moments to consider how you will make | | | | the insurance company) to cover your rental car |
| sure that your rental car is covered. Here are 3 | | | | even if your car is not in the shop. This is |
| steps to take to ensure you have adequate | | | | considered a non-replacement-type of coverage |
| coverage. | | | | since you will need coverage on both cars |
| 1. When you're calling the rental car company for | | | | because they potentially could both be driven. |
| a quote, find out how much the coverage costs | | | | 3. Contact your credit card company or check |
| and what it covers. Their rates for insurance | | | | out the Cardholder's Agreement. Your credit card |
| coverage may be higher but they also offer the | | | | may cover you for rental car insurance. Check to |
| least hassle, since you may not have to file a | | | | see that they cover you in your specific situation. |
| claim on your own insurance. Many car rental | | | | For example, there are certain cars they cover |
| companies have a couple of options, including | | | | (some don't cover trucks or SUVs) or they may |
| buying down the deductible to a hundred dollars | | | | not cover you depending on where you drive or |
| (or so, depending on where you live) or even to | | | | how long you have the car. |
| zero. | | | | Armed with this knowledge, you can make an |
| 2. Contact your car insurance company. They | | | | educated estimate of what the costs are to |
| may already cover you for rental cars in certain | | | | ensure that you are fully covered on your rental |
| situations. For example, if your car is in the shop, | | | | car. After all, you want to have peace-of-mind |
| they may automatically transfer your coverage | | | | when you're on your next trip. |