Think about the last time you found yourself in need of a rental vehicle. Some of you may only rent vehicles on rare occasions, like when your every-day ride breaks down and you need reliable transportation while your wheels are in the shop. Some of you, who travel frequently, may be quite familiar with the questions a rental agency asks, and the additional insurance coverage that they offer.
Generally, this additional coverage is the last thing they discuss with you before you hop into their nice, freshly cleaned, relatively new rental vehicle. The timing of their offers of additional coverage is not accidental. They are aware that you are ready to be on your way, and usually are not thinking about insurance at that moment. This means that you are more likely to agree to accept their offers of coverage, even if technically you may already be covered under your own automobile insurance.
Of course, policies vary, so understanding exactly what type of coverage you already own through the agency that has written your policy, is important. In most cases, primary automobile insurance is extended to cover rental vehicles, but not always. There are exceptions, and the time to obtain this knowledge is before you rent a vehicle, not while you are standing in the parking lot with an employee of the rental agency waiting expectantly for your answer as to whether or not you want to purchase separate insurance through the rental agency. If you have questions regarding your automobile insurance coverage, or if you need to know what type of coverage you need to purchase before renting a vehicle, contact us! We would be happy to explain your coverage to you.
Robert Macoviak is the President of Oyer, Macoviak and Associates. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates is the oldest independent insurance agency in Boynton Beach and has been in business since 1953. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates are vested members of the community who are committed to doing business face-to-face and being your insurance advocate in times of need.
