Renting a car from Enterprise can be a great way to get around when you’re traveling, but before you hit the road, it’s essential to understand your car insurance options. While Enterprise does offer insurance coverage, it can be expensive, and you may already have coverage through your personal auto insurance policy or credit card. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about car insurance for Enterprise rental cars, including the different types of coverage available, how to choose the right policy for your needs, and frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage for Enterprise Rental Cars
When renting a car from Enterprise, you’ll have several options for car insurance coverage. Here are the most common types:
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is the minimum type of coverage required by law in most states, and it covers damages and injuries you may cause to other people and their property. If you’re at fault in an accident, liability insurance will typically pay for the other party’s medical expenses, property damage, and legal fees if they decide to sue you.
Enterprise offers liability insurance to renters, which typically costs around $14 per day. This coverage includes:
- Bodily injury liability coverage up to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability coverage up to $25,000 per accident
If you already have liability coverage through your personal auto insurance policy, you may not need to purchase this coverage from Enterprise. Check your policy to see what your liability limits are and whether they apply to rental cars.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Collision damage waiver (CDW) is a type of insurance that covers damage to the rental car in the event of an accident, theft, or vandalism. If you purchase CDW from Enterprise, you won’t be held responsible for paying for damages to the car, and you won’t have to file a claim with your personal auto insurance policy.
The cost of CDW varies depending on the location and type of vehicle you’re renting, but it typically costs around $30 per day. However, it’s important to note that CDW is not insurance, and it doesn’t cover all types of damage. For example, if you damage the car while driving under the influence or if you violate the terms of the rental agreement, CDW won’t apply.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Personal accident insurance (PAI) is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses and accidental death and dismemberment for you and your passengers in the event of an accident. If you purchase PAI from Enterprise, you’ll be covered for up to $500,000 in medical expenses and up to $100,000 in accidental death and dismemberment.
PAI typically costs around $7 per day and is optional. If you already have personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage through your personal auto insurance policy, you may not need to purchase PAI from Enterprise.
How to Choose the Right Car Insurance Policy for Your Needs
Choosing the right car insurance policy for your needs can be daunting, but it’s essential to ensure you’re adequately covered in the event of an accident. Here are some things to consider when selecting a policy:
Review Your Personal Auto Insurance Policy
Start by reviewing your personal auto insurance policy to see what types of coverage you already have and whether they apply to rental cars. If your policy includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, you may not need to purchase additional coverage from Enterprise.
Check Your Credit Card Benefits
If you’re paying for your rental car with a credit card, check to see what benefits it offers. Many credit cards include rental car coverage as a perk, which can save you money on insurance. However, be sure to read the fine print and understand what types of coverage are included and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
Consider Your Travel Plans
Think about where you’ll be traveling and what types of driving conditions you’ll encounter. If you’ll be driving in a high-risk area or on rough roads, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage to protect against damage to the rental car.
Compare Prices and Coverage Options
Before purchasing insurance from Enterprise, compare prices and coverage options from other providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. You can also use online comparison tools to get quotes from multiple insurance companies at once.
FAQs About Car Insurance for Enterprise Rental Cars
Do I Need Car Insurance to Rent a Car from Enterprise?
Yes, you’re required to have some form of insurance when renting a car from Enterprise. You can purchase their insurance coverage or provide proof of coverage through your personal auto insurance policy or credit card.
What Happens If I Damage the Rental Car?
If you purchase CDW from Enterprise, you won’t be held responsible for paying for damages to the car. If you don’t have CDW, you’ll be responsible for paying for any damages out of pocket or filing a claim with your personal auto insurance policy.
Can I Use My Personal Auto Insurance Policy to Cover a Rental Car?
Yes, you can use your personal auto insurance policy to cover a rental car if your policy includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. However, it’s essential to check with your insurance provider to ensure that your coverage applies to rental cars.
What Types of Damage Are Covered by CDW?
CDW typically covers damage to the rental car in the event of an accident, theft, or vandalism. However, certain types of damage may be excluded, such as damage caused by driving under the influence or violating the terms of the rental agreement.
Is PAI Required When Renting a Car from Enterprise?
No, PAI is optional when renting a car from Enterprise. However, if you don’t have medical payments coverage or personal injury protection through your personal auto insurance policy, it may be a good idea to consider purchasing PAI to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident.
Conclusion
Before renting a car from Enterprise, it’s essential to understand your car insurance options to ensure you’re adequately covered in the event of an accident. By reviewing your personal auto insurance policy, checking your credit card benefits, and comparing prices and coverage options, you can make an informed decision about the right policy for your needs. Whether you decide to purchase insurance from Enterprise or provide your own coverage, be sure to read the fine print and understand what types of damages are covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply.