Liability Insurance for your car rental

Is Liability Insurance already included in your rate?

Most rental companies, in most places, provide basic public liability and property damage coverage for its vehicles and their renters and authorized drivers as required by applicable law. (California and Texas are common exceptions; check with your local rental car provider). In most instances, this will include coverage for the renter or authorized additional driver up to the financial responsibility limits of the applicable jurisdiction at no additional charge. If this is not included in your rate, the rental agent will request proof of insurance. If you do not have insurance you will be required to purchase it from the car rental company.
Car rental companies offer a package called SLI (supplemental liability) or ALI (additional liability).

This provides excess protection for bodily injury, death or property damage and increases the limits up to $1 million for the renters and authorized additional drivers of a rental car. It usually costs between $7 and $9 per day.

Excess coverage is that which above the limit required by law. In some areas, the SLI or ALI, if purchased, is excess to any other applicable coverage. This means the renter's personal coverage is used first and the individual car rental agencies' protection will not apply until the renter's or driver's insurance, if any, has been exhausted.

For more information on personal coverages, click here.

SLI and ALI May not be available in all areas. Check your rental agency regarding exceptions at specific locations.

When SLI or ALI is purchased the rental company will provide the Financial Responsibility Limits on a primary basis. This means that any claims would not go through your own insurance and would not increase your premiums.

The bottom line is check into everything!!

If you don't need to purchase the optional coverages you will certainly save money, but only if you are truly covered.

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