South Dakota Rental Car Insurance

Some Types of Coverages Agencies Offered by Car Insurance Companies: -

1. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)-This coverage relieves you of financial responsibility if your rental car is damaged or stolen. The CDW may be void, if you cause an accident by speeding, driving on unpaved roads or driving while intoxicated. 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 if you drive in a negligent manner out of the state 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. 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 buy car rental insurance: -

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.

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.