Understanding State Farm Rental Car Insurance

When you’re traveling away from home, renting a car can be a convenient option. However, it’s important to understand the insurance coverage provided by the rental car company and your own car insurance policy. This article breaks down everything you need to know about State Farm rental car insurance.

What Is State Farm Rental Car Insurance?

State Farm rental car insurance is an optional coverage that you can add to your existing State Farm auto insurance policy. It provides coverage when you rent a car for personal use within the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The coverage is designed to help pay for damages and injuries that may occur while you’re driving the rental car.

When you purchase State Farm rental car insurance, you’ll be covered for liability, collision, and comprehensive damage. You can also choose to add on personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is required by law in most states, and it covers damages that you may cause to other people or their property while driving the rental car. State Farm rental car insurance provides liability coverage up to the limits of your existing auto insurance policy.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for damages to the rental car if you’re involved in a collision with another vehicle or object. This coverage is subject to a deductible, which is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. State Farm rental car insurance allows you to choose the amount of your deductible based on your budget and needs.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to the rental car that are not caused by a collision. This includes theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage. Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is subject to a deductible.

How Much Does State Farm Rental Car Insurance Cost?

The cost of State Farm rental car insurance depends on several factors, including your location, driving record, and the level of coverage you choose. In most cases, the cost of adding rental car insurance to your existing policy is relatively low, averaging around $10 per day.

Compared to the cost of renting a car without insurance, adding rental car insurance to your State Farm policy can save you money in the event of an accident or damage to the rental car. It’s important to weigh the cost of insurance against the potential cost of repairs, especially if you’re renting a high-end or luxury vehicle.

Does My Credit Card Provide Rental Car Insurance?

Some credit cards provide rental car insurance as a benefit to cardholders. However, the coverage levels and requirements vary depending on the card issuer and the type of card you have. Before relying on your credit card for rental car insurance, it’s important to understand the terms and limitations of the coverage.

In most cases, credit card rental car insurance provides secondary coverage, meaning it kicks in after your existing auto insurance policy has been exhausted. This can be beneficial if your existing policy has a high deductible or limited coverage. However, it’s important to note that credit card rental car insurance typically does not cover liability or personal injury, and may not cover certain types of rental vehicles or travel locations.

FAQs

Q:
Do I need rental car insurance if I have full coverage on my personal car?
A:
It depends on your personal auto insurance policy and the rental car company’s requirements. Check with both your insurance agent and the rental car company to understand your coverage options.
Q:
Can I purchase State Farm rental car insurance if I don’t have an existing auto policy?
A:
No, State Farm rental car insurance is an optional coverage that can only be added to an existing State Farm auto insurance policy.
Q:
What happens if I decline rental car insurance and then get into an accident?
A:
If you decline rental car insurance and then get into an accident, you may be personally responsible for the cost of damages to the rental car, as well as any liability or personal injury that may result.

Conclusion

Adding State Farm rental car insurance to your existing policy can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident or damage to a rental car. However, it’s important to understand the coverage limits and terms of the policy before making a decision. Consider the potential cost of repairs or damages, and weigh the cost of insurance against the potential savings.