Whether you’re renting a car for a vacation, a business trip, or while your own vehicle is in the shop, one question always comes up: Does your auto insurance cover rental cars? If you live in Springfield, Ohio, and already have a personal policy, the answer is usually yes—but it depends on your coverage.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how rental car coverage typically works, what your auto insurance in Springfield, Ohio might include, and how Link-Hellmuth Insurance can help you avoid costly surprises at the rental counter.
Understanding Rental Car Coverage in Your Auto Insurance Policy
The first step is to understand what your personal policy already covers. In many cases, your existing auto insurance will extend to a rental car—but only under certain conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included:
Liability Coverage
If you cause an accident while driving the rental car, your liability coverage may pay for the other person’s injuries and vehicle damage. This is the same protection you carry on your own car.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
If your policy includes collision and comprehensive, it may also extend to a rental. This means:
- Collision pays for damage to the rental if you crash.
- Comprehensive covers things like theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
If you only carry liability insurance, you’ll have no protection for damage to the rental car itself.
Medical Payments or PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
If you have Medical Payments or PIP coverage, it may help pay for medical expenses if you’re injured in a rental car accident.
When Your Auto Insurance May Not Cover a Rental
While your auto insurance in Springfield, Ohio may provide some rental car coverage, there are situations where it won’t be enough—or won’t apply at all:
- Business Rentals: Personal auto insurance usually doesn’t cover vehicles rented for business purposes.
- International Rentals: Most U.S. policies don’t extend coverage outside the country (except possibly Canada).
- No Full Coverage: If your personal vehicle isn’t covered by comprehensive and collision, a rental car won’t be either.
- Coverage Gaps: Your deductible still applies, and you may be liable for certain fees rental companies charge (like loss of use or diminished value).
What About the Insurance They Sell at the Rental Counter?
Rental companies typically offer four types of protection:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
This waives your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen. It often includes fees your policy won’t cover, like loss of use. - Liability Coverage
This adds extra liability protection if your personal limits are low—or you don’t have any. - Personal Accident Insurance
Covers medical expenses for you and passengers after an accident. Redundant if you have medical payments coverage. - Personal Effects Coverage
Covers theft of personal items from the rental car. Your homeowners or renters policy may already include this.
Whether or not to buy this coverage depends on your existing auto insurance and your comfort with potential gaps.
Should You Rely on Your Credit Card?
Some credit cards offer rental car protection when you use them to pay for the rental and decline the CDW. This is often secondary coverage, meaning it kicks in after your personal policy. Check with your credit card issuer for exact terms and exclusions.
How to Make Sure You’re Covered
Before renting a car, follow these steps:
- Call Your Insurance Agent
The team at Link-Hellmuth Insurance can review your auto insurance and confirm what extends to a rental. - Know Your Coverage Limits
Make sure your liability, comprehensive, and collision limits are high enough to cover potential damage or injuries. - Ask About Optional Add-Ons
You may be able to add temporary rental car protection to your policy at a low cost. - Check with Your Credit Card Company
If using your card for coverage, confirm what it includes and what steps are required for eligibility.
Why Choose Link-Hellmuth for Auto Insurance in Springfield, Ohio?
At Link-Hellmuth Insurance, we help drivers in Springfield, OH understand their coverage and avoid unnecessary costs when renting a car. Whether you need clarification on your current policy or want to upgrade for better protection, our experienced agents will guide you every step of the way.
We work with trusted carriers to offer competitive rates and custom policies that fit your lifestyle—whether you’re commuting daily or planning a cross-country trip with a rental car.
Drive With Confidence
If you’re planning to rent a vehicle, don’t wait until you’re at the counter to figure out your coverage. Knowing whether your auto insurance in Springfield, Ohio includes rental car protection can help you save money and avoid stress.
Reach out to Link-Hellmuth Insurance today to review your policy or explore affordable options that cover you on the road and beyond. Visit our Auto Insurance page or give us a call for a personalized quote.