Millions of cars are rented each year. Companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and Avis supply customers with rental vehicles throughout Florida. Anyone who has rented a car always gets asked the same series questions. In our opinion, the most important of those question is: “Do you want our rental car insurance?” What should your answer be? Absolutely!
It is not only because, as we have said in prior articles, you can never have enough insurance coverage, but also because you may be putting yourself at financial risk if you fail to spend a few extra dollars on coverage offered by the rental car companies. In some cases, certain credit cards may include some rental car coverage as well. However, that is not always the case.
Your personal car insurance may provide coverage for the rental car. However, that may not always be the case either. Your personal car insurance also may only cover the rental car for “personal purposes” which may be an issue if you are renting the car for business. The best thing you can do to cover yourself is to talk to your insurance company before you travel and find out how far your coverage extends in regards to the rental car.
Consider talking to them about both property damage coverage and bodily injury coverage. Although your bodily injury coverage may be adequate, your property damage may not be sufficient in the case that you cause the accident. Many of these cars are newer models. If there is significant damage or the car is considered a total loss and you do not have sufficient collision coverage, you may be responsible for the difference to fix or pay for the replacement of the car.
The best thing you can do to make sure you are covered is to take the insurance. Accidents happen and it is better to be covered than to have to come out of pocket. Be safe everyone!
Nicolette R. Nicoletti
Managing Partner
Nicolette R. Nicoletti is the founder and managing partner of the Nicoletti Accident Injury Lawyers. She was born and raised in New Port Richey, Florida. Nicolette attended Genesis Preparatory School and graduated salutatorian of her class. She then went onto Saint Leo University for her undergraduate education. She graduated magna cum laude from the Honors Program with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While at Saint Leo University, Nicolette was President of Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society), Secretary of Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice Honor Society), and an active member of Delta Epsilon Sigma (National Scholastic Honor Society).
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