Georgia Rental Car Insurance

Among some of the reasons for checking your existing rental car insurance are:
• Liability. Most rental car companies will hold you totally responsible for your rental vehicle if damaged or stolen.
• Possible savings. These coverages can add up to $12-$25 per day on your final car rental bill. There is really no need to pay for coverages you already have. Some renters may want these coverages to protect their existing personal car insurance premiums/rates).
• Convenience. Normally the only way to change your rental coverage options during the time of your rental is by the inconvenience of bringing your rental back to the agency and beginning a new rental agreement.
• Peace of mind.
Some Types of Coverages Agencies Offer

There are 4 main coverages that will be offered while you're at the counter. Many of these may be covered with your personal or corporate car` and health insurance coverages.
1. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)-Sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), this coverage relieves you of financial responsibility if your rental car is damaged or stolen. The CDW may be void; however, if you cause an accident by speeding, driving on unpaved roads or driving while intoxicated. This coverage generally costs between $9 and $19 a day. If you have comprehensive and collision on your own car, you may not need to purchase this coverage. Some CDW's can even become void in certain circumstances. This may happen if you drive in a negligent manner or out of the state in which you rented the car if geographical restrictions apply in your rental contract.

2. Liability Insurance-This provides excess liability coverage of up to $1 million for the time you rent a car. Rental companies are required by law to provide the minimum level of liability insurance required by your state. Generally, this does not offer enough protection in a serious accident. If you have adequate liability coverage on your car or an umbrella policy on your home/auto, you may consider forgoing this additional insurance. It generally costs about $7 to $9 a day. If you don't own a car, and rent cars often, consider purchasing a non-owner liability policy. This costs approximately $200 - $300 per year. Frequent car renters sometimes find this more cost-effective than constantly paying for the extra liability coverage.

3. PAI (Personal Accident Insurance or Coverage)-This provides a one-time payment for you or a passenger in case of death or maiming from a car accident. This is generally covered under your auto or health policies.

4. PEC (Personal Effects Coverage) or Personal Property Insurance- This pays if you have something lost or stolen from your car. Opting for this coverage is obviously something you have to decide for yourself since your existing coverage probably doesn't include this coverage.

Before you rent a car:
1. Contact your insurance company-Find out how much coverage you have on your own car. In most cases, the coverage and deductibles you have on your personal auto policy would apply to a rental car, providing it's used for pleasure and not business. If you don't have comprehensive and collision coverage on your own car, you will not be covered if your rental car is stolen or if it is damaged in an accident.
2. Call your credit card company- Besides your personal car insurance, some credit cards will cover damage or theft to your rental car. While this may replace the need for CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver) offered at the car rental counter, check with your credit card company to see what kind of vehicles are covered and if it's primary or secondary. For some credit card companies, it becomes primary only in the absence of any personal collision insurance of your own. Credit card companies do not provide coverages for more expensive rentals, so it is necessary to call your credit card company to see which rental vehicles they cover. Usually they provide coverage for cars and exclude more expensive rentals such as sport utility vehicles (SUV's), luxury cars, exotic cars and vans.

Unlike other car insurance, car rental insurance is relatively inexpensive. Ask your insurance agent about the amount of rental car insurance coverage that you need, and purchase an amount that will provide a rental car similar in size and style to the car that you are currently driving. Also, make sure that your personal car insurance does not already have the existing coverages as stated above.