Renting a car can be complicated especially when it comes to deciding which insurance options to get. Most major rental companies like Enterprise offer various add-on insurance products that provide protection beyond the basic liability insurance included in the base rental rate. However in the rush of the rental counter, you may neglect to get the right supplemental coverage for your needs. The good news is that Enterprise allows customers to add additional insurance coverage even after starting their rental.
Why Add Insurance Later?
There are a few common reasons why a renter may want to include extra insurance after the initial rental
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Forgot to add it when picking up the car. In a hurry at the counter, some key protections may slip your mind.
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Changed trip plans. If your itinerary changes to include riskier activities, you may want more coverage.
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Peer advice. Speaking with colleagues who recommend added insurance based on their own rental experiences.
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Gaining peace of mind. Renting an unfamiliar car in a new area may spur you to lock in more protection.
Though Enterprise agents will encourage certain coverages, ultimately it’s your rental, so you can modify insurance later to fit your comfort level and trip needs.
Enterprise Insurance Options
These are the main supplemental insurance products Enterprise offers:
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Damage Waiver (DW) – Waives your financial liability for vehicle damage. Does not cover theft or loss. Cost is around $13 per day.
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Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) – Protects items stolen from the car. Reimburses up to $1,000. Approx. $7 per day.
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Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) – Adds liability coverage above state minimums up to $300,000. Cost is $13-$17 per day.
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Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP) – Covers roadside help for lock outs, fuel deliveries, jump starts, and towing. Cost varies by location.
Evaluating these options after you’ve started driving can help give you the right protection.
Adding Insurance Mid-Rental
The process for amending your Enterprise rental agreement to include additional insurance is straightforward:
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Contact Your Renting Location – Call the Enterprise branch where you initiated your rental. Explain which coverages you now want to add.
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Bring in Your Car – You will need to return to the rental location so they can inspect the vehicle before adding new insurance to the contract.
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Sign Updated Contract – The agent will have you sign a revised rental agreement reflecting the extra protection supplements and fees.
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Provide Payment – If insurance is added mid-rental, you’ll need to provide payment for the supplemental coverage days and fees.
Once the updated contract is signed, you can hit the road again knowing you have expanded insurance protection.
Timing Your Insurance Changes
Keep in mind when you add supplemental insurance affects your coverage:
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Insurance starts when added. It does not retroactively cover prior rental days.
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There are no refunds for removing insurance after purchase. Dropped coverage stops at cancellation.
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Updating near rental end may not be worth added cost. Weigh value if only 1-2 days remain.
Aim to make any corrections early in your rental period to maximize coverage benefits.
Other Important Tips
Here are some other useful tips regarding Enterprise insurance:
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Review your own personal auto policy and credit card coverage first to understand your existing protection and gaps.
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Consider total trip plans and risks to select insurance types and limits that fit your needs.
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Ask agents to explain key coverages and exclusions in plain language so you know what you are getting.
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Consider starting with lower limits or fewer products, knowing you can amend later if wanted.
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Buying all supplements offered does not necessarily provide the best value – tailor to your specific situation.
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Your own car insurance may cover rental vehicles; check with your provider before purchasing add-ons.
Provide Peace of Mind
Renting a car tends to make people uneasy about potential risks and liability. Knowing you can modify your Enterprise agreement and add insurance later is a smart way to give yourself peace of mind during your rental. Being able to tailor supplemental coverages to your exact trip needs, even after driving away, allows you to craft the right protection plan. With the ability to update your contract and lock in additional insurance anytime with Enterprise, you can confidently enjoy the freedom of renting a car.
Should I Buy Additional Insurance From a Rental Car Company?
FAQ
What happens if you damage a car from Enterprise?
How much is enterprise deductible?
What is CDW coverage enterprise?
What is a supplemental liability protection enterprise?
Do I need car rental insurance if I rent from Enterprise?
You are not required to purchase car rental insurance when you rent from Enterprise. If you are interested in purchasing rental car insurance and additional protection products, we have several options to choose from to best fit your needs. How much is car rental insurance?
What is Enterprise rental car insurance?
Enterprise Rental Car Insurance contains a number of different protections that you can choose to purchase. These include: Each protection will protect you from liability or loss in a different way so you’ll want to be familiar with the differences in protection before choosing to rent your vehicle.
Does rental car insurance cover you?
Rental car insurance covers you when you rent a vehicle directly from a rental car company, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car. When you’re renting a car at the airport or at another rental car location, you will be asked whether you want to add insurance to your rental or if you want to waive the insurance.
How do I get insurance for a rental car?
The first step is to check your auto insurance policy, or contact us to see what type of coverage for rental cars may already be included.The coverages you already carry on your personal vehicle, such as physical damage and liability coverages, typically extend to your rental car within the U.S.