Does My Erie Insurance Policy Cover Rental Cars?

Renting a car can be confusing when it comes to insurance coverage. You want to make sure you have the protection you need on vacation or if your own car is in the shop But do you need to purchase the rental company’s coverage too? This article will explain everything you need to know about Erie insurance and rental car coverage

What Erie Covers for Rental Cars

When you rent a car for a short trip your existing Erie auto insurance policy will provide some coverage. Here’s what standard Erie policies include

• Liability coverage – This protects you if you cause injury or property damage to others in an accident with the rental car. Your Erie liability limits should apply.

• Comprehensive coverage – If you have Erie comprehensive coverage, this will pay for damage to the rental from theft, vandalism, glass breaks, fire, and more.

• Emergency transportation – Erie policies automatically include rental coverage if your own car is disabled due to a covered comprehensive claim. You get a compact rental.

So Erie gives you basic liability and some rental coverage automatically. But there are still gaps you may want to fill.

When to Consider the Rental Company’s Insurance

Although Erie covers the basics, the rental company’s added insurance can provide extra protection. Here are some reasons you may want to purchase it:

• Higher rental class – Erie’s emergency rental coverage only pays for a compact sedan. If you need more space, the rental company’s insurance can let you upgrade.

• Collision damage – Your Erie policy won’t cover damage to the rental in an at-fault accident unless you have collision coverage. The rental company’s insurance would pay for this.

• Loss of use – If the rental is out of service after an accident, their policy may pay loss of use costs that Erie won’t cover.

• Personal items – The rental company’s insurance may pay for stolen personal items that your Erie policy won’t cover.

• Peace of mind – For unfamiliar destinations, added rental car coverage can provide comfort and assurance.

Ask the rental agent what specific risks their policies would cover vs. your Erie insurance to see if it’s worth it for you. Also consider your credit card’s rental car benefits.

Adding Rental Coverage to Your Erie Policy

Instead of relying solely on the rental company’s insurance, you can expand your Erie auto policy’s rental coverage too. Here are some options:

• Transportation expenses – This add-on pays your rental costs if your car is in the shop due to any covered loss, including collision. You can choose reimbursement for a compact to luxury class rental.

• Emergency road service – Roadside assistance like towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and more applies to rentals as well as your own car.

• Rental bundle – For a single premium, get transportation expenses, emergency road service, and loss of use for rentals.

Talk to your Erie agent about adding rental car options to your policy for better protection. They can explain costs and benefits to find the optimal setup for you.

Answering Common Erie Insurance and Rental Car Questions

Many drivers have questions about precisely how their Erie auto insurance works with rental cars. Here are some of the most common queries:

Does Erie cover me internationally?

Yes, your Erie liability and physical damage coverage extends to rentals in the US and Canada. Policies won’t cover elsewhere without endorsements.

What if I let someone else drive the rental?

Erie will only cover authorized drivers listed on your policy, like a spouse or child. For others, purchase the rental company’s policy.

Am I covered if combining business and personal use?

Your personal Erie policy may not apply – ask your employer about their business insurance coverage for rentals.

Do Erie limits match my own policy?

Yes, your chosen liability, collision, and comprehensive limits carry over to rental cars to provide the same protection.

Does Erie cover peer-to-peer rentals like Turo?

Yes, standard Erie auto policies will cover liability and damage claims for Turo and other P2P rentals.

Are specialized vehicles like 15-passenger vans covered?

Standard policies cover standard passenger vehicles. Ask your agent about endorsements for exotic, specialty, or extra-large rentals.

If you still have questions, connect with your local Erie agent. They can review your unique policy and explain your options.

Steps to Get Erie Rental Car Coverage

Want to make sure you have solid rental car protection from Erie? Here are some tips:

• Review your current policy – Know exactly what’s covered and where there may be gaps.

• Consider add-ons – Transportation expenses, rental bundles, roadside assistance, etc. can expand your coverage.

• Check credit card benefits – See if your card offers complimentary rental car insurance.

• Ask about exclusions – Know if Erie restricts coverage for exotic or expensive rentals.

• Document damages – Note all pre-existing dents, scratches, etc. in writing and photos.

• Purchase wisely – Only get the rental company’s coverage if Erie and cards don’t meet your needs.

• Save receipts – Keep rental and insurance paperwork to verify any claims you may need to file.

Following these tips will ensure you rent worry-free knowing you have solid Erie rental car insurance coverage.

Erie Makes Rental Car Insurance Simple

Renting a car doesn’t have to be confusing when it comes to insurance. Erie provides basic liability and rental coverage automatically. From there, you can expand your protection with add-ons like transportation expenses and roadside assistance. Or consider supplemental coverage directly from rental companies or credit cards.

The most important thing is to review your Erie auto policy ahead of time to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. An Erie agent can explain anything you’re uncertain about and help customize your insurance to fit your rental needs perfectly.

With the right Erie insurance coverage for rentals, you can drive off the rental lot with confidence. Have a great and well-protected trip!