Does Travelers Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Renting a car can be convenient for vacations, business trips, and when your own vehicle is in the shop. But before driving off the rental lot, you’ll likely be asked if you want to purchase additional insurance. So does your existing Travelers auto policy provide rental car coverage, or should you buy the rental company’s policy?

This guide will explain:

• What rental car insurance covers
• Travelers rental car coverage details
• When to consider extra rental insurance
• Cost of rental car insurance
• How to file a rental car claim
• Tips for renting cars with Travelers insurance

Read on to understand if and when Travelers auto insurance covers rental vehicles.

What Does Rental Car Insurance Cover?

Rental car insurance provides protection in case you get in an accident or the rental vehicle is damaged or stolen. It typically includes:

• Collision coverage – For damage to the rental car if you collide with an object

• Comprehensive coverage – For theft or damage from vandalism, storms, fire and more

• Liability coverage – For injuries or property damage you cause others

Some rental companies may also offer additional policies like:

• Personal accident insurance – Covers medical expenses from an accident

• Personal effects coverage – For loss of luggage and personal items

• Roadside assistance – For help with lockouts, flat tires, jumpstarts, etc.

Understanding what rental car insurance covers helps assess if you need extra protection. Next let’s look at what Travelers auto policies include.

Does Travelers Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

The auto insurance you have through Travelers will generally extend to rental cars and provide coverage while you operate a rental vehicle. According to Travelers experts:

• Your liability coverage will apply to rental cars to cover damage or injuries you cause others.

• If you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your own car, it extends to rental vehicles as well.

So in many cases, your Travelers policy provides sufficient rental car protection. However, there are still reasons you may want supplemental rental car insurance.

When to Consider Extra Rental Car Insurance

In certain situations, purchasing additional insurance directly from the rental company makes sense:

No personal auto policy – If you don’t have your own car and insurance, rental car insurance is a must.

Limited liability limits – If your Travelers policy has low liability limits, consider higher rental coverage limits.

Foreign travel – Rental car insurance may be required when renting abroad.

Business rentals – Rental coverage can fill gaps if your business policy limits don’t apply.

Lower deductible – Rental car insurance often has lower or no deductibles.

While your Travelers agent can advise if added coverage is recommended, the final decision depends on your risk tolerance and coverage needs for that particular rental situation.

What Does Rental Car Insurance Cost?

Rental car insurance rates vary by company and vehicle, but typical costs are:

• Liability coverage: $9-$18 per day

• Collision/comprehensive: $10-$20 per day

• Personal accident: $1-$5 per day

• Roadside assistance: $5-$8 per day

You can decline redundant coverages to save money, or determine if a policy package discount makes more sense. Buying by the week or month typically lowers rates also.

How to File a Travelers Rental Car Claim

If you need to file a rental car insurance claim, follow these steps:

1. Report accident to rental company and Travelers within 24 hours.

2. Take photos of damage and get police report for major accidents.

3. Determine which insurance will apply – rental car company’s or your Travelers policy.

4. Call Travelers claims hotline or use online claims portal to start your claim if applicable.

5. Submit any rental agreement, inspection reports, receipts and other claim documents.

6. Pay your Travelers deductible if required based on circumstances of loss.

7. Travelers will communicate throughout the claims process until settlement.

For liability claims, the rental company’s insurer may handle claims against you from other parties. Checking with your Travelers agent on state laws and policy coverage is recommended.

Tips for Renting Cars with Travelers Insurance

Follow these best practices when renting vehicles to ensure proper insurance protection:

• Review Travelers policy coverages and limits before renting.

• Understand your credit card’s rental car coverage benefits, if applicable.

• Only purchase rental company’s coverage if your Travelers policy lacks key protections.

• Document pre-existing damages through photos and car rental agreement.

• Use a credit card that provides primary rental coverage if you decline extra insurance.

• Ask Travelers agent about a rental car liability policy if personal limits seem inadequate.

By understanding what Travelers auto insurance does and doesn’t cover for rental cars, you can make smart decisions on supplemental rental car insurance. Contact your Travelers agent for guidance specific to your insurance needs and trip details.