If you’re not sure if you need to buy insurance for renting a car, here’s how you might be protected with or without it.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have a personal insurance policy, you may have to pay out of your own pocket.
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Insurance for the primary rental car. You won’t have to file a claim with your car insurance company because your credit card company will act as your primary insurance coverage for rental car damage.
Remember: Even if you caused harm or damage to another person’s vehicle in an accident, you must still file a claim.
Insurance for a second car you rent. This insurance can supplement your individual auto insurance by paying for rental car damage beyond your insurance’s coverage limits, including your deductible.
When you rent a car abroad or don’t have primary auto insurance, secondary insurance becomes primary insurance in some cases.
Additionally, some credit cards provide coverage for your luggage and other belongings, as well as accidental injury and death insurance.
Coverage conditions and exclusions are outlined in detail in the card policy.