The weather is nice, the kids are out of school and traveling seems like a good idea for a family get-a-way. Unless you plan on driving, more than likely, once you reach your destination, you’ll need to rent a car. And there are plenty available pretty much anywhere you travel. But when it comes to securing your rental car with the right insurance, do you know what to do? Chances are, you avoid paying the extra for rental car insurance- and you’re not alone. But is it a good idea? Here’s a few things to consider that may end up saving you a few dollars if you decide to rent a car.
Know Specifically What Your Texas Car Insurance Covers
You might be surprised to learn that there are quite a few gaps between your personal Texas auto insurance policy and the one that comes with a rental car. If you have any questions at all, it’s best to check with your provider to make sure everything is covered. For instance, in many states, if your rental car is involved in an accident, you are responsible for not only paying for repairs, but also for any loss of use that adds up while the car is out for service. In even the best-case scenario, this could mean fees at a rate of 100.00 per day or more. It makes sense before traveling to check with your Texas car insurance provider to see exactly what type of coverage you have- or don’t have.
Get The Basics
At the very least, find out if your policy covers rental car damage and loss of use fees. It’s also a good idea to determine if there are restrictions on rental car coverage. In other words, does it matter if you are renting the car for business or personal use and what about towing fees? Knowing the basics ahead of time before you travel will help you decide if and when you rent a vehicle if it is in your best interest to secure additional renters insurance. Most car rental contracts offer extra protection, and while purchasing it may sound like overkill, having it might end up saving you a significant amount of money should something happen.
Planning Is the Key
The secret to having a successful rental car experience is planning. By knowing ahead of time what to expect and not making important decisions quickly at the rental car counter, you can ensure that you and your family have an easy, stress free experience. Remember, the more you know, the easier it is to make an informed decision, and the more likely you are to want to do it all over again.