Do You Need Car Insurance to Rent a Car?

Do You Need Car Insurance to Rent a Car

While renting a car doesn’t require you to get personal auto insurance in the UAE, you still need insurance of some type. If you don’t have your own offline or online car insurance, you can purchase temporary coverage from the company renting the vehicle, use a credit card that provides rental car insurance UAE to hire the vehicle, or invest in non-owner or short-term car insurance. 

You will be given the choice to buy insurance from the rental car firm, even if you already have personal car insurance UAE. Insurance for rental cars can be costly and may overlap with your personal policy. You have the option to reject the coverage provided by the rental company and utilize your own offline or online car insurance, credit card insurance, or other policy in its place.

Do Rental Cars Get Covered by Your Car Insurance UAE?

Most likely, your current car insurance policy provides sufficient coverage for vehicles you hire in the US or Canada for private use. Before you go to the rental counter, be sure you have coverage by calling your insurer.

An offline or online car insurance UAE typically covers the following:

  • In the event that you cause an accident, liability insurance takes effect. If you injure someone in another vehicle, this policy will cover the cost of their medical care. It comprises protection against the harm you commit to the belongings of another person.
  • The expense of your and your passengers’ medical care is covered by medical payment coverage, sometimes known as personal injury protection (PIP).
  • In the event that your car is damaged in a collision with another vehicle, object, or animal, collision insurance will cover the cost of replacement or repair.
  • Repairs or replacements for your car that result from events other than collisions, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or tornadoes, are covered by comprehensive insurance.
  • If you are in an accident brought on by a driver who does not have enough insurance, your medical expenses and property damage are covered under uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

What occurs if, while you are traveling, your luggage or camera are taken from the rental car? Personal possessions in your vehicle are frequently covered by renters and homeowners insurance. You have to check with your insurance provider to find out if this covers rental cars.

Is Rental Car Insurance Covered by Your Credit Card?

To find out if your credit card offers rental car insurance, check your credit card agreement or call the number on the back of your card. Get the specifics documented so you are aware of what is covered. To get the best coverage, evaluate the coverage provided by each of your credit cards if you have more than one that offers rental car insurance UAE.

The same coverage is often provided by credit card rental insurance as by comprehensive and collision insurance, including coverage for theft or collision damage to the rented vehicle. 

Nevertheless, liability, medical costs, personal property, and personal injury are typically not covered by credit cards. For such, you will need to rely on your rental car insurance or your own car insurance. Renting a car with a credit card that offers rental insurance may result in cost savings, even if your own car insurance UAE covers rentals. 

You usually file a claim with your automobile insurance first, as it is usually the principal insurance, and then you file a claim with your credit card rental insurance. Credit card insurance kicks in to cover any remaining charges once they pay out. It might even pay for your deductible on insurance.

Types of Rental Car Insurance 

Your rental car can be fully covered by both your credit card and your car insurance. If not, you can get insurance from the rental car company to cover any gaps in your coverage. Generally, rental car companies offer four types of insurance.

  • Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) 

This policy is similar to collision and comprehensive coverage and is also known as a collision damage waiver (also known as CDW). It protects you from financial liability in the event that the rental car is damaged or stolen. A replacement car while your rental car is being repaired, administrative costs, and towing may also be covered by certain insurance. 

  • Liability Insurance 

If you cause an accident while driving a rental car, liability insurance covers the costs associated with filing a lawsuit. Rental automobile firms are required by law to provide a specific amount of liability coverage. Buy supplemental liability insurance for extra protection.

  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)

Similar to PIP, or medical coverage, PAI covers medical costs for both you and your passengers. (This may also be covered by your health insurance.) 

  • Personal Effects Protection (PEP)

The replacement of personal belongings taken from your rental car is covered by PEP. Your renters or homeowners insurance may cover this, but if you file a claim, you’ll be responsible for paying the insurance deductible. A plan with no deductible would be a suitable option.

Is Insurance for Rental Cars Worth It?

When should you use a credit card or your own car insurance, and when should you get rental offline or online car insurance UAE? Consider buying rental car insurance if:

  • Your personal car insurance policy has a considered deductible. It can be more cost-effective to spend $300 on rental car insurance if your deductible is $1,000.
  • It is better to refrain from making an insurance claim. Rental car insurance might be beneficial if you’re worried that making a claim will raise your insurance costs.
  • Your own car is not covered by comprehensive or collision insurance. If the rental is lost, damaged, or stolen, you will be liable for the full cost of repairs without this coverage.
  • Your liability coverage is somewhat limited. When traveling in an uncharted area, having more coverage with rental car insurance might ease your mind.
  • The value of the rented car exceeds that of your own vehicle.
  • You plan to use the rental car outside of Canada and the US. Outside of these places, personal car insurance coverage does not apply.
  • Personal belongings stolen from your car are not covered by your renters or homeowners insurance.
  • Since you don’t own a car, you don’t have car insurance.
  • Your personal offline or online car insurance UAE cannot be supplemented by a credit card.

Short-term or non-owner car insurance may be less expensive than constantly buying rental car insurance if you don’t own a car but rent one frequently. These plans are designed for those who are renting or borrowing a vehicle. 

Typically, short-term car insurance only provides the minimum liability protection. Non-owner auto insurance may also include personal injury or medical coverage in addition to standard liability coverage. 

Nevertheless, if the rental car is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you are not covered by either type of insurance. Either rent the vehicle using a credit card that covers the gaps in coverage or buy the necessary insurance from the rental car company for complete protection.

Why not compare prices while determining whether rental car coverage is included in your car insurance policy? Get quotations using the support of our insurance specialists to potentially save hundreds of dollars on car insurance UAE. Often, credit cards offering advantages like auto insurance demand good credit. 

Before applying for a new credit card, find out where you stand by reviewing your credit report and score. By lowering your debt and making your bill payments on time, you can raise your credit score and be eligible for reward credit cards. 

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