Renting a car comes with its own set of considerations. The type of car, the insurance coverage, the rental period, and the location all play into what one can expect from their experience. At simplerentcar.com, we want to help you understand these aspects fully, particularly what constitutes full coverage on a rental car. In this post, we will focus on Arizona, exploring the intricate details of rental car insurance in this state.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
What is Considered Full Coverage on a Rental Car in Arizona
Full coverage on a rental car in Arizona typically includes the following insurance components:
Liability Insurance:
- Pays for the damage you are responsible for causing in an accident.
- The minimum limits required in Arizona are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons.
- $15,000 for property damage to others.
- Also includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with the same minimum limits.
Collision Coverage:
- Covers the costs of damage to your rental car after an accident, regardless of fault.
- This will handle expenses if you collide with another object or vehicle, such as hitting a tree or being hit by another driver.
Comprehensive Coverage:
- Pays for damage to your rental car in non-accident scenarios, such as vandalism, hail damage, or falling objects like a tree.
- Does not provide coverage for injuries, but helps with vehicle repair or replacement costs.
Additional Coverage Options (optional, but can be added for more comprehensive protection):
Gap Insurance:
- Pays off the rest of your loan or lease on the rental car if it is totaled and you owe more than its actual cash value, or if the car is stolen.
Rental Car Extension:
- If you have full coverage on your regular insurance policy, you may be able to extend that coverage to your rental car, subject to the terms and conditions of your insurer.
Towing and Roadside Assistance:
- Covers the cost of towing your rental car and provides roadside assistance services, which can replace the need for a separate AAA membership.
OEM Endorsement:
- A rider that allows you to request original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts coverage when getting repairs for the rental car.
Glass Coverage:
- Provides coverage for glass damage, helping with high deductibles for windshield and window repairs.
Please note that each insurance company may offer its own version of these policies and may include additional coverage options beyond this standard definition of full coverage. It is essential to review and understand your specific insurance policy to know the exact coverage provided for rental cars in Arizona.
Considering the Law
In Arizona, as in all states, you’re required by law to have a certain amount of liability insurance. This covers any damage you may cause to other cars, property, or people. Arizona requires $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability total per accident, and $15,000 property damage liability total per accident. This is often abbreviated as 25/50/15.
While this is the bare minimum required by law, it’s generally recommended to get more than the minimum coverage to protect yourself in case of a serious accident. And remember, this liability insurance doesn’t cover any damage to the rental car itself – that’s where collision and comprehensive coverage come in.
Exploring Insurance Coverage Options
Full coverage for a rental car typically includes liability insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW), personal accident insurance (PAI), and personal effects coverage (PEC). The purpose of these is to cover bodily injury, property damage, and the theft of personal belongings.
Many car insurance providers offer policies that extend to rental cars. Let’s take a look at some popular options:
These companies offer rental car coverage, but it’s always best to confirm the specifics directly with them. Some policies may offer what they term as “full coverage,” but the scope might vary from company to company. Also, it’s important to know whether your insurance covers rental cars in the first place.
The Role of Credit Card Companies in Rental Car Coverage
A fact that often goes unnoticed is that many credit card companies provide insurance for rental cars as a perk to their cardholders. This coverage can be especially useful if your personal car insurance falls short in any way. However, it’s important to check the specific terms of this coverage, as they can vary significantly between credit card companies.
Additional Insurance Options
If you are not satisfied with the insurance coverage offered by your car insurance provider or credit card company, you can always consider purchasing insurance directly from the rental car company. While this option may be more costly, it offers an added layer of protection and peace of mind. The rental car company can walk you through their different coverage options and help you decide which one is best for you.
It’s also worth considering supplemental insurance such as Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC). PAI covers medical costs for you and your passengers if you get into an accident, while PEC covers personal items that may be stolen from your rental car. These are both worth considering, depending on the specifics of your trip and what your current insurance policy covers.
Understanding Rental Car Sizes and Types
Generally, there are several types of rental cars, from economy and compact cars to mid-size, standard, and full-size cars. While it might seem unrelated to insurance, the car’s size can impact the cost of coverage.
If you’re looking for a larger vehicle, you might consider a full-size rental car. These are ideal for families or groups traveling together as they offer ample legroom and luggage space. On our website, you can find a list of full-size rental car examples to help you get a clearer idea of what to expect.
Remember, a standard car can either be manual or automatic. This is a crucial point to consider as it could influence your driving experience.
Conclusion
Rental car insurance can be a tricky subject, full of potential pitfalls and hidden opportunities. It’s essential to make sure you’re adequately covered, but also that you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need.
Be sure to research and compare different car rental companies, insurance providers, and credit card companies to make the best decision for you. Consider the type of car you’ll be renting, the duration of your rental, and any other factors that may affect the cost and type of coverage you need.
Remember, a good rule of thumb is that “full coverage” usually includes at least liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. However, depending on your circumstances, you may need to consider additional options like personal accident insurance or personal effects coverage.
Rental car insurance may not be the most exciting part of planning your trip, but it’s certainly one of the most important. With a little bit of research and preparation, you can hit the road with confidence, knowing that you’re well-protected no matter what comes your way.
Feel free to explore more resources on our website, simplerentcar.com, for helpful tips and insights on car rentals and more. Safe travels!
