Car Insurance and Rentals

[Herr Kutz]

I was in an auto accident which was 100% the fault of the other driver so I am dealing with the other guy's insurance company to have my vehicle fixed (I have liability only on my insurance and no collision/comprehensive since my car is not worth much). They will be providing me with a rental (through Hertz) while my car is in the body shop.

If I am in the rental and get in an accident where I am at fault, will my liability-only insurance (through my insurance company) pay for the repairs of the rental vehicle since it is not owned by me or do they consider it "my car" in this instance? Last time someone rear-ended me I made the at-fault company pay for LDW from Hertz since I figured it would be considered "my car" if I cause an accident, and I would have to pony up whatever it takes to fix it. The reason I ask is that I'm not willing to take a risk of not having comprehensive/collision on the much higher valued rental vehicle like I am with the cheap POS I drive. Obviously I'm going to demand LDW this time, but I'm curious to know the definitive answer to this.

 

[Kelvrick]

A definitive answer will only come from your insurance company.

EDIT: To clarify, a definitive answer comes from your policy. What your insurance agent/company might tell you over the phone might differ. You should still talk to them about it though.

 

[Jimzz]

It depends on what your policy says and if the state requires certain coverage.

Call your insurance company and ask them.

 

[Blanky]

I certainly doubt they would cover it. The fact that your insurance is covering you on a rental is only because they are considering it your car while you drive it, and you don't have comprehensive.

Basically you're asking if you'll get free comprehensive coverage on a rental? I assume not and you should assume not until you speak to your agent and they say something in your policy automatically elevates you to comprehensive on rentals even if you don't have it.

 

[Herr Kutz]

I certainly doubt they would cover it. The fact that your insurance is covering you on a rental is only because they are considering it your car while you drive it, and you don't have comprehensive.

Basically you're asking if you'll get free comprehensive coverage on a rental? I assume not and you should assume not until you speak to your agent and they say something in your policy automatically elevates you to comprehensive on rentals even if you don't have it.

So you basically agree with everything I said. Thanks.

 

[jlee]

Also check with the credit card you're using for the rental - they often have insurance for rental cars.

 

[Herr Kutz]

Also check with the credit card you're using for the rental - they often have insurance for rental cars.

Somewhat different case here--the insurance company of at-fault driver is paying for my rental directly.