To buy or not to buy….rental car insurance

With the Thanksgiving holiday on the horizon, many people across Missouri are preparing to travel to see family and friends. Given how low gas prices are, it is expected that a greater number of people will take to the road to travel for the holiday weekend.

Indeed, most people will use their own personal vehicle, but it is becoming more common for people to rent cars for the holiday. After all, it may be cheaper the getting a plane ticket. Nevertheless, rental car companies are in business to make money, so it should be expected for those renting cars to be confronted with a host of other fees and options.

One of the most common is insurance. So the question is: should you be inclined to buy it?

While this does not qualify as legal advice, the decision to purchase additional insurance depends on one’s aversion to risk. Generally, a person’s auto insurance policy will cover them whether they are driving their personal vehicle or a rental car. Essentially, your policy and rates are based on your driving and safety record. Which are not necessarily affected when you choose a rental car for a few days.

Also, in the event you are injured, your personal health care insurance should be applicable. Indeed, you may have to deal with “out of network” costs in the event you are hospitalized. However, depending on who may be at fault in the accident, you may be able to recover those costs through a personal injury lawsuit.

In the meantime, it is helpful to check with your insurer to be certain about the transferability of your insurance.