
If you're planning a trip and need to rent a car, you're probably wondering if your Travelers insurance policy covers rental cars. Fortunately, Travelers does offer rental car coverage, but there are some important details to understand.
Travelers rental car coverage is an optional add-on to your policy, and it's usually included in your premium. This means you'll need to purchase it separately if you want to be covered.
To qualify for rental car coverage, you'll typically need to have a valid Travelers policy and rent a car from a licensed dealer. Some policies may have specific requirements, such as a minimum rental period or a maximum age for the driver.
The rental car coverage will usually pay for damages or losses to the rental vehicle, as well as any related expenses, like towing or rental fees.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Rental Car Liability Coverage
What Travelers Insurance Covers
Travelers insurance can cover rental cars in various ways, but it's essential to understand what's included and what's not. Some policies offer rental vehicle damage coverage, which can provide up to $35,000/$50,000 in primary physical damage coverage for covered losses, with a $250 deductible.
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Travel insurance generally doesn't cover rental vehicles, but some companies offer loss and damage coverage as a policy add-on or separate plan. This coverage typically includes emergency roadside assistance and a predetermined amount of coverage for stolen or damaged rental cars.
If you already have a personal auto insurance policy, you may not need to purchase additional rental car insurance when traveling within the U.S. Your credit card may also provide primary collision coverage for some rental cars in certain destinations, but be sure to check with your credit card issuer for exclusions.
Travel insurance can cover damages to rental cars through Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), including environmental and theft-related incidents. Personal accident coverage may also include medical expenses for injuries sustained in rental car accidents.
Here's a breakdown of what's typically covered by rental car insurance under travel insurance:
- Collision damage
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Windstorm
- Fire
- Hail
- Flood
Keep in mind that each policy has a limit to how much it will cover, and you can find this information in the schedule of benefits.
Purchasing and Understanding Insurance

Travelers can purchase rental car insurance through third-party providers like Yonder, which offers policies that include rental car damage coverage, medical, evacuation, and travel loss/delay coverage.
To get the best policy, verify with your car rental agency to see if they accept third-party insurance, as some may not. If they do, you can run a quote online and select the filter "Rental Car Collision" on the quote results page.
Travelers may need to show proof of insurance when picking up their rental car, so it's a good idea to print out the schedule of benefits and the section of your travel insurance certificate that shows the terms of the rental car damage coverage.
Travel Guard's rental vehicle damage coverage is available as an add-on to their Deluxe, Preferred, and Essential plans, making it a convenient option for travelers.
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Choosing the Right Guard Plan
Choosing the Right Guard Plan is crucial to ensure you're adequately protected during your trip. Carefully review the policy details, including any exclusions or limitations related to rental vehicles, as coverage options, limits, and exclusions can vary widely among travel insurance providers.

You should compare plans to see what works best for your specific needs. Travel Guard's Deluxe, Preferred, and Essential plans all come with the option to add-on their rental vehicle damage coverage, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons of each plan.
To determine the best plan for you, consider the level of coverage you need. For example, Travel Guard's rental vehicle damage coverage includes up to $35,000/$50,000 in primary physical damage coverage for covered losses, with a $250 deductible.
Here's a quick rundown of the key features of Travel Guard's rental car insurance plans:
Remember, a quick and easy claims process is also included with Travel Guard's rental vehicle damage coverage, giving you peace of mind in case of an emergency.
What Is a Plan?
A plan is essentially a package of benefits and features that provide protection and support in case of unexpected events. This can include travel insurance plans with rental vehicle damage coverage, like the one offered by Travel Guard.
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Travel Guard's rental vehicle damage coverage is an optional add-on on select plans, which is a great example of how plans can be customized to meet individual needs. This add-on is designed to protect your travel investment.
Having a rental car insurance plan can give you peace of mind while traveling, knowing that you're protected in case of accidents or damages.
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Do I Need?
You're considering whether or not to purchase rental car insurance, and it's a great question. Most rental car riders offer $25,000 to $50,000 in rental collision damage.
If your credit card doesn't offer any coverage, then rental car insurance is available through most travel insurance plans. This can give you peace of mind while driving a rental car.
Travel Guard's rental vehicle damage coverage includes up to $35,000/$50,000 in rental car primary physical damage coverage for covered losses ($250 deductible). This can be a lifesaver if you're involved in an accident.
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You should also consider the convenience of roadside assistance, which can help you when things get stressful. Quick and easy claims process also makes it easier to get back on the road.
Here are some key things to consider when deciding whether to purchase rental car insurance:
How to Purchase
To purchase rental car travel insurance, you'll want to start by verifying with your car rental agency to see if they accept third-party insurance.
Verify with your car rental agency to see if they accept third-party insurance, which can save you time and hassle in the long run.
If they do accept third-party insurance, you can get a quote online through Yonder and select the filter "Rental Car Collision" on the quote results page.
This will show you policies that include rental car damage coverage, as well as medical, evacuation, and travel loss/delay coverage.
You'll also need to select the number of travelers you're looking to insure and enter the date of birth for each traveler.
If you live in different states, you'll need to run a new quote and purchase a separate policy.
If this caught your attention, see: Third-party Liability Coverage for Rental Cars
Trip Interruption Due to Accidents

If your trip is interrupted due to an accident involving your rental car, you may need to cut your trip short. Trip interruption coverage can help by reimbursing you for non-refundable, unused trip expenses like hotel stays and flights.
This coverage may also cover the cost of transportation back home or to a destination where you can continue your trip.
Rental Car Insurance Options
Rental car insurance options can be a bit overwhelming, but it's essential to understand what's available to you. Travel insurance policies with theft protection under CDW can cover you if your rental car is stolen.
You should also check your current insurance policies and credit card benefits to see what coverage you already have. This can help you avoid overpaying for coverage that may not be necessary.
Car rental companies may have their own insurance plans, but be aware that these plans can sometimes be more expensive than purchasing a travel insurance policy with car rental coverage.
Rental Car Insurance Options

Rental car insurance options can seem overwhelming, but let's break it down. You have a few choices when it comes to rental car insurance.
Travel insurance policies often include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which covers damage to the rental car in the event of an accident, including minor damages like scratches or dents. This coverage also applies to damages from fire, vandalism, or other incidents.
Some travel insurance companies, like Travel Guard, offer customizable rental car insurance plans. These plans may include up to $35,000/$50,000 in rental car primary physical damage coverage for covered losses, with a $250 deductible.
You can also opt for loss and damage coverage as a policy add-on or separate plan. This typically includes emergency roadside assistance and a predetermined amount of coverage, sometimes with a deductible, if your rental is stolen or damaged in a qualifying accident or natural event.
Travel insurance can cover damages to rental cars through CDW, including environmental and theft-related incidents. However, it's essential to check your policy details to ensure you have the right coverage.

Here are some key things to consider when choosing a rental car insurance option:
- Coverage limits and deductibles
- Types of coverage (e.g., physical damage, liability, roadside assistance)
- Exclusions (e.g., high-risk activities, unauthorized drivers, mechanical issues)
- Additional fees or charges
Ultimately, it's crucial to understand what's covered and what's not in your rental car insurance policy to avoid gaps in coverage during your trip.
Check Your Coverage
If you already have a personal auto insurance policy, you may not need to purchase additional rental car insurance when traveling within the U.S. according to Progressive.
Before your trip, check your current insurance policies to see what coverage you already have. This could include your personal auto insurance policy or your homeowners or renters insurance.
Some credit cards may provide primary collision coverage for rental cars in certain destinations, so it's worth checking with your credit card issuer to see if you have such protection and if any exclusions apply.
You can also check if your travel insurance policy excludes certain types of vehicles, such as luxury cars or vans, or if it has restrictions on the maximum duration of rental coverage.
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Make sure you understand what your travel insurance policy covers and what it doesn't, so you can avoid gaps in coverage and have peace of mind on your trip.
Here's a quick rundown of what you should check:
- Your personal auto insurance policy
- Your homeowners or renters insurance
- Your credit card benefits
- Your travel insurance policy exclusions and limitations
- The rental car company's insurance options
Insurance Exclusions and Limitations
Insurance exclusions and limitations can be a major headache when renting a car while traveling. Certain types of vehicles, such as luxury cars or those with more than a specified number of seats, may not be covered by your travel insurance policy.
Rental periods exceeding policy limits can also void coverage, so be sure to check your policy details carefully. If you're planning a road trip, it's essential to review your policy to avoid any surprises.
Some travel insurance policies may exclude coverage for losses already covered by the rental company's insurance or waivers, such as collision damage waivers (CDWs) or theft protection. This means you may not be covered for damages or losses if you've already purchased a waiver from the rental company.
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Here are some common exclusions to watch out for:
- Excluded rental vehicle types (e.g. luxury cars, vans or buses)
- Rental periods exceeding policy limits
- Losses covered by the rental company's insurance or waivers
- Accidents or incidents in restricted or prohibited areas
- Pre-existing medical conditions not disclosed or covered by the policy
- Personal belongings left unattended in a rental vehicle
- Accidents or incidents while engaging in illegal activities
Remember to carefully review your policy details and check with your credit card issuer to see if you have any additional coverage for car rentals.
What's Not Covered
If you're planning a road trip and purchasing travel insurance with car rental coverage, there are some things you should know aren't covered. Certain types of vehicles, such as luxury cars or exotic cars, may not be covered.
Rental periods exceeding policy limits may also not be covered. If the rental agreement violates the terms and conditions outlined in the insurance policy, coverage may be invalidated. For example, driving under the influence, reckless driving, or allowing unauthorized individuals to drive the rental vehicle can all lead to invalidation of coverage.
Losses covered by the rental company's insurance or waivers, such as collision damage waivers (CDWs) or theft protection, may also not be covered. Coverage may be excluded for accidents or incidents that occur in restricted or prohibited areas, such as unpaved roads or off-road terrain.
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If a medical condition leads to an accident or incident while driving a rental car, coverage may be excluded if the condition was pre-existing and not disclosed or covered by the policy. Personal belongings left unattended in a rental vehicle may not be covered under the travel insurance policy if they are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Here are some specific exclusions to be aware of:
- Damage due to reckless or negligent driving
- Unauthorized drivers
- Mechanical issues due to the car's condition
- Tires, windscreens, and undercarriage damage
- Use of the vehicle for unauthorized purposes
It's essential to review your policy details and understand any exclusions or limitations related to rental vehicles.
Cost
The cost of travel insurance with rental car coverage can be a significant factor in your overall trip expenses. A travel insurance policy can cost between 4% and 8% of your total trip.
However, the price could be higher than 8% if you purchase add-ons like rental car coverage. The exact price of your policy will depend on several factors, including the travel insurance provider, the type of policy you select, and the policy's limits.

Carefully consider the factors you have control over, like the length of the car rental agreement and your choice of car. Your decisions can help you save money.
Here are some factors that can affect the cost of your policy:
- The travel insurance provider
- The type of policy you select
- The policy's limits
- The car you rent
- The length of the rental agreement
- The number of drivers
- Other insurance add-ons you buy
- Your choice of deductible
Additional Benefits and Protections
Travelers insurance can provide additional benefits and protections for your rental car. Theft Protection is a valuable feature that covers you if your rental car is stolen, with options for full replacement value or repair costs.
Carefully review your policy details to understand any exclusions or limitations related to rental vehicles. Coverage options, limits, and exclusions can vary widely among travel insurance providers.
Travel insurance with Theft Protection may also cover situations where parts of the car are stolen, such as wheels or mirrors. This can give you peace of mind when driving in unfamiliar territories.
Related reading: Will Car Insurance Cover Stolen Items
Insurance Definitions and Clarifications
Liability only insurance typically doesn't cover rental cars, as it only covers damages to third parties.

Collision damage waiver (CDW) is often included in rental car agreements, but it's usually not considered a form of insurance.
Insurance endorsements are additional coverage options that can be added to your existing policy.
Rental car insurance may not be necessary if you already have comprehensive coverage on your own vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have car rental coverage?
Check your personal auto policy and credit card benefits to see if you already have car rental coverage in place. Review your policy details to understand the extent of your coverage and any applicable limits.
Sources
- https://www.travelguard.com/travel-insurance/trip-types/rental-car-insurance
- https://www.insureyonder.com/rental-car-travel-insurance/
- https://money.com/rental-car-coverage-and-travel-insurance/
- https://www.axatravelinsurance.com/travel-insurance-car-rental-coverage-exclusions
- https://www.moneysmart.sg/travel-insurance/does-travel-insurance-cover-car-rental-ms
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