Renting a car for vacation or when your vehicle is in the shop? It’s common to wonder if your Erie auto insurance policy will cover a rental car.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Erie Insurance and rental car coverage.
Key Topics:
- Rental car insurance offered at rental counters
- Using your Erie auto policy on a rental
- Adding rental reimbursement to your Erie policy
- Coverage for rentals after an accident
- Renting on Turo – is it covered?
- FAQs about Erie and rental cars
Follow these tips to understand if and when Erie Insurance will cover you when driving a rental car.
Does Erie Cover Rental Cars?
Erie auto insurance policies can provide coverage for rental cars in many situations. Your personal Erie policy extends liability and physical damage protections to a rental car for incidental use under 45 days within the U.S. and Canada.
However coverage can vary based on your specific Erie policy rental circumstances and state regulations. That’s why it’s important to discuss upcoming rentals with your Erie agent beforehand.
Here are some common scenarios and whether Erie would cover a rental car:
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Vacation rental – Yes, Erie auto insurance will cover liability and physical damage based on your policy limits and deductibles
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Business trip – Maybe. Personal Erie policies may exclude business use. Verify with your employer’s commercial auto policy.
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Multiple drivers – Only drivers listed on your Erie policy are covered, not friends or extended family
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Personal possessions stolen – Unlikely. Erie auto coverage doesn’t extend to personal property loss. Check homeowners or rental policies.
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Luxury or specialty rental – Yes, Erie covers all rental classes but your out-of-pocket costs may be higher for upgrades.
Connecting with your Erie agent provides personalized guidance on using your auto insurance when renting various vehicles for different situations.
Rental Car Insurance at the Counter
When renting a car, you’ll be asked if you want to purchase the rental company’s insurance. Should you accept?
Purchasing counter insurance provides an extra layer of coverage directly through the rental company. It may be a smart choice if:
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You’re unfamiliar with the rental location
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Your Erie policy limits seem insufficient
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You want a lower deductible than your Erie policy
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You need coverage for multiple drivers
Before deciding, have your Erie agent explain your existing coverage and any gaps the rental policy would fill. Also review the rental company’s liability limits, deductibles, and administrative fees to understand your potential out-of-pocket costs.
In many cases, relying on your Erie auto policy alone may provide suitable coverage for rental cars, but connecting with an Erie agent is the best way to decide.
Adding Rental Car Coverage to Your Erie Policy
To enhance protection for rentals, Erie customers can add Rental Reimbursement Coverage by purchasing the Transportation Expenses endorsement. Here’s how it works:
Automatic Coverage
If you have Erie Comprehensive Coverage, basic rental reimbursement is included for up to 30 days if your car is inoperable due to a covered comprehensive claim.
Upgrading Coverage
Adding Transportation Expenses allows broader rental reimbursement after any covered loss under your Collision or Comprehensive Coverage. You select a daily limit up to $50 and number of coverage days.
Covered Rental Classes
Erie offers reimbursement for 6 rental classes, from compact sedans up to premium SUVs and specialty vehicles. This allows you to rent an appropriately-sized vehicle.
Talk to your local Erie agent about adding this valuable endorsement for worry-free rental coverage.
Insurance When Renting After an Accident
If your personal car is in the repair shop after an accident, will Erie cover a rental replacement vehicle?
In most states, Erie’s automatic comprehensive coverage includes rental reimbursement if your car is disabled by a covered event like fire, theft or vandalism.
However, for repairs after a collision, adding Transportation Expenses gives rental coverage while your car is fixed. This provides insurance for short-term rentals when you need it most.
Does Erie Cover Turo or Other Car Sharing Platforms?
Turo and other peer-to-peer rental companies let individuals rent out their personal cars. If you borrow a Turo vehicle as a customer, your Erie auto policy will provide liability and physical damage coverage just as with a traditional rental car company.
However, Erie auto insurance does not cover Turo vehicle owners who are renting out their cars. Specific commercial coverage would be required. Always disclose any car sharing or rental activities to your Erie agent.
Frequently Asked Questions about Erie and Rental Cars
Does Erie insurance cover rental trucks?
Yes, Erie extends auto insurance protections to rental trucks under 45 days used for personal purposes. Verify details with your agent.
What if I rent a car for 60+ days?
Long term rentals exceeding 45 days may not be covered in full by Erie insurance. Supplemental rental company insurance may be recommended.
Am I covered if I lend my rental car to a friend?
No, Erie policies only cover authorized drivers listed on your policy, not other individuals you allow to drive the rental.
Does Erie cover rental car damage from hitting a curb?
Yes, a collision with a curb or other object would be covered based on your Erie policy’s collision deductible and limits.
What if my rental car is stolen and contents are taken?
Your Erie auto policy likely won’t cover personal items stolen from the rental. A homeowners or rental insurance policy may provide coverage for personal possessions.
Can I get rental coverage with just liability insurance through Erie?
No, Erie’s rental reimbursement requires you to purchase comprehensive or collision coverage to extend to rental cars.
Get Erie Insurance for Your Rental Car Needs
Renting a car? For coverage details and guidance specific to your situation, connect with a local Erie agent. Erie provides flexible insurance protection for drivers when renting vehicles for personal use. Contact us today to discuss rental car coverage.
How insurance can help cover rental car costs
We know it’s inconvenient to not have a car after an accident, but it’s good to know that your auto insurance will pay for a rental car.
With Erie Insurance, it’s easy to add rental car expense coverage to your auto insurance policy. 2 In fact, you can buy the coverage for less than the price of a one-day rental car.
Adding coverage to your auto insurance policy
With ERIE, basic rental car coverage is automatically included in most states if you’ve purchased comprehensive coverage. In other words, if your car breaks down because of a fire, theft, broken glass, or another claim that we may cover, you can rent a compact sedan. If you need a bigger rental vehicle (see options below), you could buy additional coverage.
By adding this coverage to your policy, you can get rental car damage coverage if you hit something, like another car or a fence, building, or pole.