Does your regular auto insurance cover rental car on vacation?
 

I don't have a car insurance, but I was wondering if I did, if it will cover rental cars on vacation.
Thanks.

Yes - it is usually an extra you can pay for on top of your basic ins. policy.

Mine does in the States but not when I drive in Europe. But since most credit cards cover rental car insurance that is how most people handle it.

It's optional - so only if you buy it as part of your policy - but most agents include it unless you ask for it to be removed.

can depend on your state. in nj, you are insured, and your homeowners should cover theft from rental car.

The Wall St. Journal just had a really good article on this issue on Thursday - analyzing how car rental companies push unnecessary insurances on consumers, and how you should check with your own insurance policies and with your credit card compaines to see how you're covered. Oftentimes, you are.

OK, my curiosity got the best of me. Why are you asking since you don't have car insurance?

GEICO covers rental cars (at least in Maryland) and most credit card companies cover also. What the rental car companies will push to get you to pay their exhorbitant 'per day' fees is something like 'immediate loss' coverage. They will tell you that using your ins co or CC co, you might have to pay upfront and wait for re-imbursement. That's a risk I'm willing to take in exchange for not paying those sky high fees.

If you don't have car insurance, an American Express card or many Visa or MC Gold cards kick in as primary insurance when renting a car. (If you DO have your own insurance, the credit card just covers what your own insurance doesnt' cover).

Check with your credit card provider, you may be covered and it is a big savings on the per-day rates the auto renters charge.

While the information above is generally accurate...I hope that everyone realizes that they would need to contact their insurance agent or CC card for specific information that would apply to them.