Auto Insurance – The Need for Rental Reimbursement

Generally, carrying both adequate liability and physical damage coverage on your vehicle will be enough protection in the aftermath of an accident. However, be sure that you don’t overlook Rental Reimbursement, as it is typically only offered as an option.

For example, an accident disables your car. Well, that happens. Your insurance company arranges for it to be repaired. Okay, that’s what you hoped would happen. Now you don’t have a car until it is back from being repaired or replaced. Hmm, maybe hadn’t thought about that.

Well, let’s think about it now. Perhaps you’re lucky and the temporary loss of a car is merely an inconvenience. You can just do without one for a while. However, that’s not likely. If you have a car, you have multiple reasons for its use. You have to commute for work, you go on trips, you take family members to school, recreational activities, you go shopping for clothes, groceries, you have to pick up dry cleaning….the list goes on. Even if you have access to public transportation; it may be inadequate for your demands for mobility. In other words, it may be fine for a work commute, but not for non-work and weekend needs. Even the best mass transit system will mean extra time and inconvenience.

The option that likely best meets your needs is rental reimbursement coverage. In most circumstances, coverage is quite affordable. Minimally rental reimbursement pays a daily and aggregate amount to assist with the cost of renting a vehicle during the time yours is unavailable. A common coverage situation is to pay, say up to $20 a day for a total of 30 days ($600). Many companies also have offer options to increase the daily and aggregate amounts, such as $30 daily/$900 aggregate.

The option is well worth considering since few would want to have to deal with an additional expense after an accident. There are other benefits often available with rental reimbursement coverage. Many insurance companies make deals with different auto rental companies so that daily rates are either under or close to the amount of protection they provide. The deals often include expedited service, such as reserving a car on your behalf. Another advantage is that some insurers may offer rental reimbursement in a package with other, handy coverages such as roadside assistance.

If you wish to make sure your insurance protection serves you properly, it’s smart to look into getting rental reimbursement. The cost and time you say will be your own.

Source – ©The Rough Notes Company, Inc.