If you’re planning on renting a car, you may be wondering, “Do I need proof of insurance to rent a car?” The answer to this question depends on the rental company and your country of residence. Sometimes, the rental company may require you to provide proof of insurance before allowing you to rent a car. In other cases, you may be able to purchase coverage from the rental company. If you’re confused about auto insurance and need to provide proof of coverage before you rent, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Proof of Insurance, and Why Do Rental Car Companies Require It?
Proof of insurance is a document that verifies that you have active auto insurance coverage. Rental car companies require proof of insurance to ensure that the active policy protects their customers and vehicles in case of an accident. If you don’t have proof of insurance, the rental car company may charge you a higher rate or refuse to rent to you altogether. To avoid any problems, carry your insurance proof when renting a car.
Who Is Responsible for Insuring the Rental Car?
When renting a car, it’s important to know who is responsible for insuring the vehicle. In most cases, your personal auto insurance will extend to cover a rental car. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance agent to be sure.
If you don’t have active auto insurance, or if your policy doesn’t extend to rental cars, the rental company may offer to sell you coverage. This coverage is typically expensive, so it’s always best to purchase auto insurance ahead of time if you know you’ll be renting a car.
Some credit card companies also offer rental car insurance, which is another option to consider if you’re unsure whether your personal policy will cover you. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s essential to have some form of insurance before you get behind the wheel of a rental car.
How Do I Provide Proof of Insurance to a Rental Car Company?
Now that we’ve established what proof of insurance is and who’s responsible for insuring the rental car, let’s look at how to provide it. You can show proof of insurance in a few ways when renting a car:
- Presenting a digital or physical copy of your auto insurance card
- Calling your insurance provider to give the rental company your policy number
- Purchasing coverage from the rental company
If you have active auto insurance, the easiest way to show proof of coverage is to present a digital or physical copy of your auto insurance card. Your insurance card will list your policy number, coverage dates, and other important information. Most rental car companies will accept a digital copy of your insurance card, but it’s always a good idea to have a physical copy.
If you don’t have your insurance card or can’t find it, you can call your insurance provider and give the rental company your policy number. The representative will be able to verify your coverage and provide the necessary information to the rental company.
What Are the Consequences of Not Having Proof of Insurance When Renting a Car?
If you don’t have proof of insurance when renting a car, you may be held liable for any damages during your rental period. Consequently, you could be on the hook for the total cost of repairs if you damage the vehicle. In some cases, this could even mean legal action against you.
Additionally, your rental company may require you to purchase insurance from them before they allow you to take the car off the lot. So, it’s always best to have proof of insurance ready when renting a car to be safe. If you decide to purchase extra insurance from the rental car company, you have a few options to choose from:
- Liability insurance: This insurance covers damages to other people or property if you’re at fault in an accident. It doesn’t cover any damage to the rental car itself.
- Collision damage waiver (CDW): Also known as a loss damage waiver, this type of insurance covers damages to the rental car if it’s involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): If you or any of your passengers are injured in an accident while in the rental car, this type of insurance will cover medical expenses and sometimes death benefits.
- Personal effects coverage (PEC): Personal effects coverage reimburses you for any personal belongings stolen from the rental car.
Remember that your personal auto insurance policy may cover some or all of these things, so check with your agent before buying extra insurance from the rental car company.
What Are the Basic Requirements for Renting a Car?
Besides having proof of insurance, you’ll also need to meet the rental company’s requirements to rent a car. You’ll usually have to:
- Be at least 25 years old: First and foremost, you’ll need to be at least 25 years old to rent a car in most states. Some companies make exceptions for drivers who are 21 to 24 and have an additional surcharge, so check the rental policy before making your reservation.
- Have a major credit card: To rent a car, you’ll need a major credit card in your name. This is because most rental companies require a credit card hold in case of damages to the car. If you don’t have a credit card, you may be able to use a debit card, but this isn’t always an option.
- Have a valid driver’s license: One of the essential requirements when renting a car is having a valid driver’s license. You’ll also need to have had your license for at least one year, and it must be valid in the state where you’re renting the car.
These are the general requirements for renting a car, but keep in mind that rental policies can vary by company.
Now that you know what’s required to rent a car and have learned the types of car rental insurance available, you’re one step closer to hitting the open road. You can enjoy your vacation without worrying about what to do if you have an accident.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
