Hitting the Roads in Texas: Do You Need Rental Car Insurance?

As you plan your family travels, thoughts of relaxation and faraway destinations are probably foremost on your mind. To avoid the hassle and expense of airport travel, renting a car and driving to a nearby vacation spot is an attractive alternative. However, there are certain responsibilities to take into account when traversing the open road. As we all know, driving can be dangerous, so you may want to consider the need to purchase car insurance for rental cars. It may not always be necessary to buy extra coverage when you already have an auto insurance policy that is all-inclusive, but it does warrant some investigation. When departing for your vacation from the North Dallas, Plano, and Frisco areas, Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. is a leading source of information on all aspects of auto insurance. Rental car insurance packages vary from state to state, but the professionals  at Tri- Star are here to help you choose, no matter where you go.

According to car rental companies such as Alamo Rent -A -Car, drivers need to be sure that they have comprehensive coverage with their existing policies to avoid purchasing unnecessary insurance when renting a car. There are countless options to choose from, and depending on the place, some of the packages may be combined. If your current auto insurance policy lacks full coverage, here are some of the common packages available to ensure that you are adequately covered on your next road trip:

• CDW (collision damage waiver) and LDW (loss damage waiver): Covers the cost of loss or damage to a vehicle up to a certain amount to be determined by the rental company.
• SLI (supplemental liability insurance): Provides liability coverage up to $1 million.
• PAI (personal accident insurance): Covers the driver and all passengers' medical expenses in the event of an accident up to a specified amount.
• PEC (personal effects coverage): Provides reimbursement for theft or damage of personal items inside the rental vehicle.

For those who do not own a car or rent often, another option may be a non-owner liability policy, which covers any damage inflicted upon another motorist while driving an un-owned vehicle.

Another thought to consider is whether or not your credit card company offers any collision protection. When renting a car, paying with a credit card may come with the added benefit of doubling as a form of rental car insurance. However, the coverage offered may not be much, or may be considered secondary, which risks the possibility of out of pocket expenses. Also, the amount of coverage depends on the bank or credit company that issued the card. There are also advantages to traveling for work purposes. Drivers are usually guaranteed full coverage when on company business, but must verify with their workplace in advance.

To learn more about general auto insurance policies so that you can experience a truly worry-free vacation, contact Tri-Star Insurance Professionals, Inc. today at 214-387-0600 or toll-free at 1-800-990-4600.