Does my auto insurance cover rental cars? (2024)
There are many different parts to an auto insurance policy, so you may need to know if GEICO offers rental car insurance. While they don't offer a specific rental policy, your existing coverage may extend to a rental vehicle.
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Jeffrey Manola
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Jeffrey Manola is an experienced insurance agent who founded TopQuoteLifeInsurance.com and NoMedicalExamQuotes.com. His mission when creating these sites was to provide online consumers searching for insurance with the most affordable rates available. Not only does he strive to provide consumers with the best prices for insurance coverage, but he also wants those on the market for insurance to ...
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UPDATED: Feb 15, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 15, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- In most cases, whatever coverage you have with your Geico auto insurance policy will extend to a rental car
- You may be interested in purchasing additional coverage on your rental car if you have a liability-only policy
- Your Geico insurance rates will depend on your age, the type of coverage you have, and other factors
If you have auto insurance coverage with Geico, you may be curious whether you can get rental car coverage with the company. The good news is that the insurance you carry on your vehicle should also automatically cover any rental car.
But should you still purchase insurance for a rental car, or do you have enough coverage that you don’t need to worry about it? Before making any final decisions on rental car insurance coverage, you should consult your auto insurance policy.
Does Geico cover rental cars?
While there is no Geico rental car insurance or Geico insurance for rental cars specifically, your Geico auto insurance policy should extend to any rental car in your name.
With Geico, insurance for rental cars is covered under a standard auto insurance policy. But you only have as much coverage on your rental as you do on your vehicle. If you have a full coverage policy that includes both collision and comprehensive coverage, those coverages also extend to your rental car.
But if your car insurance policy only covers liability, you may need to consider purchasing additional coverage through the rental company when you sign for your rental car.
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Is liability coverage enough for renting a car?
According to Geico, policyholders should consider purchasing additional coverage on their rental car if all they have is a liability policy. The main reason is that liability car insurance coverage only covers damage you cause to other people and their vehicles. So if you’re in an accident and you’re at fault, your liability insurance will not help you pay for the damages to the rental car.
The best coverage to help with damage from accidents is collision coverage. Collision auto insurance works to cover your vehicle if you are in a car accident, even if you are at fault. However, collision coverage has limits, and you must pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in.
How much is rental car coverage?
Different rental car companies charge different amounts for coverage. The table below shows other companies’ average amounts for rental car coverage.
Rental Company Collision Damage Waiver Liability Coverage Personal Accident/Effects Total Cost
Alamo $25 $13 $6 $44
Budget $9 $15 $7 $31
Enterprise $30 $17 $13 $60
Hertz $27 $19 $7 $53
As you can see, Enterprise’s rates are significantly higher than other companies, and Budget comes out as the least expensive rental car insurance option. However, if other companies offer better rates for rentals, the insurance price may not matter as much.
Regardless of the company you choose for your rental car, it’s evident that rental car insurance rates are much higher than standard insurance rates for the same coverage.
Can I get a Geico car rental discount?
There are no Geico discounts on rental cars, but you can get rental reimbursement with Geico, which could help you save money on renting a car if you ever need a rental while your vehicle is being repaired.
With Geico, rental cars are covered under the company’s rental reimbursement program, but this coverage only helps if you need a rental car because yours requires repairs. Keep in mind that rental reimbursement will not help you pay for a rental car when you go on vacation in a different state.
To get rental reimbursement with Geico, you can contact a Geico agency near you to see how much the coverage would cost in terms of monthly rates.
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Should I get full coverage on my vehicle?
If it works with your budget, you should consider purchasing a full coverage policy on your vehicle. Full coverage offers you financial protection if you’re in an accident, your car is vandalized, your car incurs damage from hail or other inclement weather, and much more.
The table below shows average rates for liability and full coverage car insurance in each state, along with rates from Geico.
State Average by State Geico Annual Premium
Alaska $3,421.51 $2,879.96
Alabama $3,566.96 $2,866.60
Arkansas $4,124.98 $3,484.63
Arizona $3,770.97 $2,264.71
California $3,688.93 $2,885.65
Colorado $3,876.39 $3,091.69
Connecticut $4,618.92 $3,073.66
District of Columbia $4,439.24 $3,692.81
Delaware $5,986.32 $3,727.29
Florida $4,680.46 $3,783.63
Georgia $4,966.83 $2,977.20
Hawaii $2,555.64 $3,358.86
Iowa $2,981.28 $2,296.16
Idaho $2,979.09 $2,770.68
Illinois $3,305.48 $2,779.16
Indiana $3,414.97 $2,261.07
Kansas $3,279.62 $3,220.65
Kentucky $5,195.40 $4,633.59
Louisiana $5,711.34 $6,154.60
Maine $2,953.28 $2,823.05
Maryland $4,582.70 $3,832.63
Massachusetts $2,678.85 $1,510.17
Michigan $10,498.64 $6,430.11
Minnesota $4,403.25 $3,498.54
Missouri $3,328.93 $2,885.33
Mississippi $3,664.57 $4,087.21
Montana $3,220.84 $3,602.35
North Carolina $3,393.11 $2,936.69
North Dakota $4,165.84 $2,668.24
Nebraska $3,283.68 $3,837.49
New Hampshire $3,151.77 $1,615.02
New Jersey $5,515.21 $2,754.94
New Mexico $3,463.64 $4,458.30
Nevada $4,861.70 $3,662.09
New York $4,289.88 $2,428.24
Ohio $2,709.71 $1,867.19
Oklahoma $4,142.33 $3,437.34
Oregon $3,467.77 $3,220.12
Pennsylvania $4,034.50 $2,605.22
Rhode Island $5,003.36 $5,602.63
South Carolina $3,781.14 $3,178.01
South Dakota $3,982.27 $2,940.29
Tennessee $3,660.89 $3,283.42
Texas $4,043.28 $3,263.28
Utah $3,611.89 $2,965.57
Virginia $2,357.87 $2,061.53
Vermont $3,234.13 $2,195.71
Washington $3,059.32 $2,568.65
West Virginia $2,595.36 $2,120.80
Wisconsin $3,606.06 $3,926.20
Wyoming $3,200.08 $3,496.56
Median $3,660.89 $3,073.66
Geico rates for full coverage are lower in each state than the average coverage cost. Still, a full-coverage auto insurance policy can cost hundreds or even thousands more than a liability-only policy.
If you choose to purchase a full coverage policy, your full coverage will extend to your rental car, and you can avoid paying up to $60 per day in rental car insurance.
Should I switch to Geico for car insurance?
With Geico, rental car coverage is included in your insurance. But this is also the case with many other auto insurance providers, and it should not be the only reason you choose Geico as your car insurance provider.
You should shop around and compare car insurance rates to know whether Geico is your best option for insurance.
You can go to one of many Geico locations near you or get a free quote from the company online. Compare the cost of coverage with Geico to the cost of auto insurance with multiple providers to ensure you don’t end up paying too much for car insurance.
Geico Rental Car Coverage: The Bottom Line
While not offering any specific auto insurance for rental cars, Geico still provides you with some choices. If you have a car insurance policy with Geico, your coverage extends to your rental car. However, if you do not have full coverage on your vehicle, you may need to purchase rental car insurance through the rental company.
If your budget allows, you should consider purchasing both collision and comprehensive coverage on your vehicle to ensure it is protected in virtually every circumstance.
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Rental Car Insurance
If your regular auto insurance policy does not cover rentals, then you might need to purchase rental car insurance that pays for accident costs involving your rental car. Allianz Travel rental car insurance costs only $11 a day, while Bonzah rental car insurance rates are usually less than $10 a day.
- You can purchase car rental insurance coverage at several companies
- Credit card companies may provide additional coverage for rental cars
- Your personal auto insurance may provide coverage for rental cars
Even when renting a car, you still need to be insured to drive the vehicle. If your regular insurance policy extends to rentals, then you don’t need to purchase additional coverage. However, in some cases, you may need to buy a rental company’s insurance in order to be appropriately covered.
What is rental car insurance coverage? It works the same as your personal auto insurance policy by paying for damages and injuries after an accident. You can choose what types of auto insurance coverage to purchase, but remember that skipping out on coverages means you’ll have to pay out of pocket for an accident.
Our guide to rental car insurance will go over everything you need to know about what coverages you need and the best auto insurance companies to buy insurance for rental cars.
Can I use my own insurance for a rental car?
If you want to know — does my insurance cover rental cars? — the answer is yes, your regular auto insurance policy should cover you if you drive a rental car for personal use. However, it is best to call your insurance company directly to check that your policy offers this coverage before renting a car.
Does liability insurance cover rental cars? If your insurance extends to rental cars, your liability auto insurance coverage will cover other parties’ costs if you cause an accident. However, your liability insurance won’t pay for the repairs to the rental car after an accident unless you also have collision and comprehensive insurance.
What kind of coverage do you need for a rental car? Generally, you will need the same coverages that you carry on your personal vehicles, including:
- Collision auto insurance. Pays for repairs to your car if you crash into another vehicle or an object.
- Comprehensive auto insurance. Pays for repairs to your car if you crash into an animal or the car is damaged from falling objects, weather, vandalism, or theft.
Insurance Company | Daily Coverage | What's Covered |
---|---|---|
21st Century | $25-$90 | Temporary rental for covered auto accidents |
AAA | $25-$50 | Temporary rental (breakdowns, repair, or serving) or short-term leisure use rental |
Allstate | Up to $30 | Temporary rental or other transportation during repair (collision or other insured loss) |
American Family | Direct billing with Enterprise Rent-A-Car | Rental car costs, ride share services, taxis, city busses, light rail, commuter trains |
Amica Mutual | $20 | Rental car costs, ride share services, taxis, city busses, light rail, commuter trains |
Auto-Owners Insurance | Direct billing | Temporary rental after a covered accident |
Esurance | Up to 45 days or $3,000 | Temporary rental after a covered accident of car theft (CarMatch) |
Farmers | Allows direct billing for up to 30 days | Temporary rental after a covered accident |
Geico | Set your limit or use direct billing with Enterprise Rent-A-Car | Temporary rental after a covered accident |
Liberty Mutual | Offers discounts with Enterprise Rent-A-Car; will pay all costs at approved auto repair shop | Temporary rental after a covered accident |
Mercury Insurance | $30-$100 | Temporary rental after a covered accident |
Nationwide | $30-$75 | Rental car or alternative transportation after a covered accident |
Progressive | $40-$60 | Temporary rental after a covered accident |
Shelter Insurance | Not specified | Temporary rental after a covered accident or theft |
State Farm | $25-$50 | Temporary rental and limited travel expenses after a covered event |
Travelers | Up to $100 | Temporary rental and limited travel expenses after a covered event |
USAA | Direct billing with Enterprise Rent-A-Car | Temporary rental and limited travel expenses after a covered event |
If you are wondering if you need collision insurance on a rental car, the answer is always yes. However, if you don’t have these extra coverages, you should purchase coverage from the rental car company, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket if you wreck the rental car.
Can I buy rental car insurance company coverage for rental cars?
When you purchase rental car insurance from the rental car company, you usually will see the following types of insurance offered:
- Collision or loss damage waiver. Most rental car companies will offer this to customers, although it is not technically insurance. If you damage the rental car, the waiver will help pay for repairs and loss of revenue use.
- Liability insurance. Liability insurance through the rental car company is usually intended to extend the limits of your personal auto insurance limits and increase your protection in case you damage someone else’s property or injure them.
- Personal effects insurance. The rental car company may offer insurance to protect your personal belongings if they are stolen from the rental car, such as your laptop or phone.
- Personal accident insurance. If you or your passengers are injured after a car crash, personal accident insurance will help pay for your medical bills. This coverage may also be called personal injury protection (PIP) insurance or medical payment coverage.
If you don’t have collision and comprehensive insurance on your own auto insurance policy, purchasing the collision or loss damage waiver is vital. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for damages to the rental if you don’t carry full coverage insurance for a rental car.
When should I get insurance from a rental car company?
You should get rental car insurance from a company if you don’t have your own auto insurance policy. At a minimum, you’ll need to purchase liability coverage.
Even if you have your own auto insurance policy, you should consider buying extra coverage from the rental car company if you don’t have extras like comprehensive or collision coverage. Doing so will ensure you don’t have to pay out of pocket if you crash the rental car or the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover repairs.
Finally, if you are traveling abroad and renting a car, your personal auto insurance policy may not cover you. If that’s the case, you should purchase coverage from the rental car company.
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Third-Party Rental Car Insurance Coverage
What rental car insurance company is best? If you don’t want to purchase rental car insurance at the counter, and your own car insurance won’t cover you, then there are a few places to purchase the best rental car insurance explicitly meant for rental cars.
Allianz Travel Rental Auto Insurance
Allianz Travel insurance policies have a rental car package called OneTrip Rental Car Protector. This coverage will pay for losses up to $50,000 after an accident. The car rental insurance costs only $11 per day, and Allianz Travel also offers 24/7 emergency assistance.
If you are looking for a quick and cheap option where you don’t have to use your own insurance, you may want to look into Allianz Travel. Allianz Travel also sells coverage in other countries, so you can purchase car rental insurance wherever you travel. Check out our Allianz auto insurance review for more information.
Bonzah Rental Auto Insurance
Bonzah offers rental car coverage in all 50 states and other countries. Damage insurance at Bonzah will cover up to $35,000 of accident costs if you collide with another vehicle, and you can also purchase supplemental liability insurance. The cost is usually less than $10 a day for a Bonzah rental car plan.
Rental Cover Rental Auto Insurance
Like the other companies on our list, Rental Cover provides insurance in the U.S. and abroad. It has collision insurance as well as supplemental liability insurance.
While Rental Cover doesn’t list its prices, it claims to be 50% cheaper than the average insurance cost of rental coverage at the counter, which is $29. Therefore, Rental Cover should provide coverage for less than $20 daily.
Sure Rental Auto Insurance
Sure is underwritten by Chubb National Insurance Company and will cover up to $100,000 in physical damages to the rental car, which is more than what other rental car insurance companies provide. It also includes coverage for flat tires, lost keys, and other mishaps.
However, Sure doesn’t list prices readily on its website, so you’ll have to get quotes to determine how much it will cost. You can find more information about Sure and other subsidiaries of Chubb by reading our Chubb auto insurance review.
Credit Card Companies and Rental Car Insurance
Sometimes, your credit card company may offer additional protection if you pay for the rental car using their credit card. You can call your credit card company’s number to see if this is a perk that it offers.
Keep in mind that the insurance offered by credit card companies is usually secondary coverage meant to be added to your primary insurance. So, if the accident costs go beyond your policy limits, the extra coverage provided by the credit card company will pick up the rest of the bill.
The Final Word on Rental Car Insurance
Is rental car insurance worth it? If you have a full coverage auto insurance policy at your personal insurance company, it is usually best to first see if your policy will cover rental cars.
If your insurance company doesn’t cover rental cars or you don’t have full coverage, you should purchase rental car insurance.
It is usually cheaper to get rental car insurance from an outside party than the rental car company. You can also check with your credit card company to see if they offer extra coverage.
To find the best insurance company rates in your area for your personal and rental car, use our free quote comparison tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is insurance for rental cars?
Rental car insurance protects you when you drive a rental car. It works the same way as your personal auto insurance by paying for damages and injuries after an accident. However, you may not need to carry rental car insurance if your personal auto insurance covers you.
Does auto insurance cover rental cars?
If you have auto insurance coverage with GEICO, your existing coverage may extend to a rental vehicle. GEICO does not offer a specific rental car insurance policy.
Is liability coverage enough for renting a car?
Liability coverage may not be sufficient for renting a car as it only covers damage you cause to other people and their vehicles. If you’re at fault in an accident, your liability insurance will not help pay for damages to the rental car.
Is rental car reimbursement the same as rental car insurance?
No, rental car reimbursement is an optional coverage you can add to your personal auto insurance policy. If you crash your personal car, rental car reimbursement will pay for a rental car until your vehicle is repaired.
Should drivers buy rental car insurance from rental companies?
Wondering — should I get rental car insurance? It is usually best to first see if your auto insurance coverage will cover your rental car.
However, if you don’t have personal auto insurance, or a full auto insurance policy, or are traveling overseas, you should purchase car insurance from a rental car company.
What is a loss damage waiver (LDW)?
A loss damage waiver, often offered by rental car companies, is not technically insurance but a contractual agreement. It releases you from financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged, stolen, or involved in an accident.
However, it’s important to review the terms and conditions of the waiver, as certain exclusions and limitations may apply.
Can I decline rental car insurance at the rental car counter?
Yes, you can decline rental car insurance at the counter if you have coverage through your personal auto insurance policy or other means. However, be sure to understand the potential risks and consequences before making this decision.
It’s always a good idea to review your existing coverage and consult with your insurance provider if you have any doubts.
How much is rental car coverage?
The cost of rental car coverage varies depending on the rental car company. Rates can differ significantly, with Enterprise being the most expensive and Budget being the least expensive option.
Can I get a GEICO car rental discount?
GEICO does not offer discounts specifically for rental cars. However, they provide rental reimbursement coverage, which can help you save money on renting a car if your vehicle requires repairs.
Should I get full coverage on my vehicle?
If it fits within your budget, purchasing a full coverage policy for your vehicle is recommended. Full coverage offers financial protection in various situations, including accidents, vandalism, and damage from weather conditions.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Jeffrey Manola
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeffrey Manola is an experienced insurance agent who founded TopQuoteLifeInsurance.com and NoMedicalExamQuotes.com. His mission when creating these sites was to provide online consumers searching for insurance with the most affordable rates available. Not only does he strive to provide consumers with the best prices for insurance coverage, but he also wants those on the market for insurance to ...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.