Rinehardt Law - April 2022

IT’S VACATION SEASON! SHOULD I BUY RENTAL CAR INSURANCE WHEN I TRAVEL?

Whether you rent a car while on vacation or simply drive around your hometown, you may wonder if you should buy the extra rental car insurance the company offers. The answer to that depends on what type of car insurance you already have. Some people need the additional coverage, and for others, it is a redundant expense. Before you drive the rental car off the lot, verify your coverage with your personal car insurance policy and then go into the rental car company with an idea of what types of insurance you need to supplement your own. What types of car insurance do I need for my rental car? You will need to have liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for your rental car. You may also want to have uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and medical payments (med pay) on your policy. Does my current car insurance cover rental cars? If you own a car and have a personal car insurance policy, it includes liability coverage as well as any additional coverage options you’ve

individuals in crisis to formulate a plan that outlines the steps they need to take to regain their independence. They connect clients with community resources, help them find jobs, provide transportation to interviews and appointments, and assist them in securing a safe and affordable place to live. The Harmony House exists to serve “the least of these.” Kelly always keeps this thought in mind: “Everyone has a story and every story matters.” That is why Harmony House staff always approach their clients with a sense of compassion and dignity. Restoring hope along with independence is the greatest gift they can give. Inspiration Corner Kelly Blankenship ‘Everyone Has a Story and Every Story Matters’ selected. Most personal car insurance will extend to rental cars if you only use it for personal use. However, you need to make sure your insurance covers rentals. You can do this by calling the number on your insurance card and speaking with someone in customer service. It’s important to note that all of the same coverage limitations and deductibles that apply to your personal vehicle will also apply to your rental car. If you have low coverage limits or high deductibles, you might consider opting into the extra rental car insurance policy to cover whatever your own personal car insurance does not. Does my credit card have rental car coverage? Some credit cards offer insurance if you pay for your rental car using that card. You can call the toll-free number on the back of your credit card and ask your company before deciding to purchase extra coverage through the rental car agency. It’s possible that your credit card company may only offer collision coverage for your rental car. Thus, you would still need liability and comprehensive coverage. If your

We are inspired by Kelly Blankenship for her work serving our community as the executive director of Harmony House. Kelly is also a small-business owner of KGB Accounting Solutions and a busy mom. The Harmony House serves the homeless community of Mansfield, and Kelly has made it her mission to do whatever she can to help this overlooked community. The passion to help those in need is what drives Kelly to wear so many hats each day. She states that the Harmony House is large enough to house 58 individuals at a time yet still not big enough to meet the need in the community. Unfortunately, they must turn people away daily. She explains that most people can’t even imagine not having a home, but homelessness is a sad reality for too many. That’s why the Harmony House helps

The Harmony House is always in need of donations. If you would like to help, please contact them at 419-522-2323.

2 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator