Are you covered when renting a car?

Making sure you have the right coverage when renting a car can help you save money and give you peace of mind to enjoy your vacation or focus on that big business trip you’re taking. Most rental car companies offer some form of rental car insurance, but are typically much more expensive than other options, some of which you  may already have. You’ll want to follow the steps below to see if you’re covered or check with your insurance broker to see what options you have. In order to check if your covered you’ll want to review your own vehicles auto insurance policy firstly. Some auto policies come with rental car insurance included if you’re renting in Canada or the US. For example, if you are an ICBC Roadside plus or Roadstar customer, rental insurance is included in your policy. If you are unsure if you are a Roadside Plus or RoadStar customer or would like to purchase this optional insurance package contact your local Westland office today.

Once you’ve determined if you have existing rental vehicle coverage,  you will still want to check on the policy limits of your coverage.  It’s important to make sure you have the sufficient coverage in place when renting a car. Typically, in the event of an accident the renter is responsible for the full value of the vehicle regardless of fault, loss of use for the company to be able to rent out the vehicle, and any additional towing and administrative fees associated with the car. These fees can add up quickly in the event of an accident and having the right insurance in place can give you the peace of mind when renting. ICBC also offers rental car coverage at a daily rate, if you’re not already covered under their Roadstar or Roadside plus packages, and is usually much more affordable than  purchasing from the rental agency. ICBC’s rental coverage gives you the benefits of:

• Third Party Liability
• Accident Benefits
• Underinsured Motorist Protection
• Collision
• Comprehensive
• Loss of Use

To learn more about rental car coverage and how it can benefit you, contact your local Westland office before you rent your next vehicle.