Rental Car Insurance Coverage: What Applies After an Accident?

At the rental counter, you were offered:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Waives your responsibility for vehicle damage
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Similar to CDW, may include theft
• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Covers injuries to others
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers your injuries
• Personal Effects Coverage: Covers your belongings

What you purchased affects your coverage now.

Your personal auto policy may provide:

• Liability coverage for injuries you cause others
• Collision coverage for vehicle damage
• Comprehensive coverage for non-collision damage
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Medical payments coverage

Coverage typically extends to rental cars, subject to policy terms.

Many credit cards offer rental car coverage:

• Usually secondary to other insurance
• Typically covers vehicle damage only
• May not cover liability for injuries
• Has strict requirements (decline rental company coverage)
• Time limits on rental duration
• Geographic restrictions may apply