Important information about your rental car auto coverage in New York.
Whether you’re taking a trip or your current car is in the shop, you may be looking for a car rental. If this is the case, it’s important to be aware of certain information that applies to car rentals in New York. New York State law requires all auto liability insurance policies to include coverage for damage to cars rented for 30 days or less. However, there are some exceptions.
You may not need to buy insurance at the counter.
Believe it or not, but insurance sold at the counter is optional. Selling consumers additional insurance coverage is how many rental places get their income. There are four different kinds of insurance coverage that rental shops encourage consumers to buy: Collision Damage Waiver, Supplemental Liability Protection, Personal Accident Insurance, and Personal Effects Coverage. Combined, these insurance coverages can add up to $30 a day, on top of the rental bill. Each coverage protects you against a different risk, but many are already covered in your car, home, life, or health insurance policies. When combined with the minimum insurance the car rental company is required by law to provide as part of every rental, you may just have all the protection you need.
You may be held responsible.
You may be held responsible for damage you intentionally cause, damage which results from using a rental vehicle in a race, or if you damage a rental car while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is essential that you bear in mind that rental car companies want to keep their vehicles in pristine condition, and may hold you responsible for any damage caused to the vehicle – and people/property. It is best to drive with caution and care at all times to save your funds from draining!
Do you know what coverage you need? Whether you do or don’t, the professionals are here to help. Contact insurance experts Perry & Carroll in Elmira, New York for all of your car insurance coverage needs.