Rental Reimbursement Coverage: 4 Things to Know About It

This time of year, we often slip and slide our way to work, school and grocery stores as temperatures drop and roads get icy. Accidents happen easily, and when your car is in the shop, it can be a huge inconvenience to be without your normal mode of transportation.

That may mean the bus, some major family commuting rearrangements, or a rental car.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. At an average cost of $30 – $50 per day, the cost of a rental car can add up quickly and is not covered on a standard car insurance policy…  UNLESS you purchased a special endorsement called “Rental Reimbursement Coverage.”
   
2. Rental Reimbursement coverage is very affordable:  For less than $3 per month, the cost of a rental car is covered if your car is being repaired after a covered insurance claim.
3. The caveat is that this endorsement isn’t automatically added to your car insurance policy.  You need to ask for it, or you need to have a good insurance agent who points this option out to you.
   
4. Keep in mind, however, that not everybody needs Rental Reimbursement coverage.  If your family owns more than one car and could make life work for a short while without one of the family vehicles, Rental Reimbursement may not be necessary for you.

One important thing to remember:  Whether you get a rental car after an accident or on your vacation, we ALWAYS recommend that you purchase the rental company’s Loss Damage Waiver if you rent a car.