Whether you are a California nonmigratory or visitor, there are versatile reasons you may rent a car in this country. When you rent a vehicle, you face an array of indemnity choices, and they can all seem confusing. What is required ? Do you need to purchase extra coverage ? It is crucial to understand what California law says about car rentals and indemnity before you rent a vehicle .
Rental Cars and Insurance
California ranks among the top states for annual car rentals, which makes feel considering this is a top tourist address. Drivers in this state of matter who rent a car must carry proof of liability insurance ( whether their own policy for the car rental narrow if liability coverage was purchased ). The minimal insurance requirements for vehicle drivers in California are as follows :
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $5,000 for damage to property
however, it is important to note that each submit has different requirements concerning minimum indemnity. rental car companies in California do not mechanically provide indebtedness protection as depart of their standard rental agreement.
The merely ask coverage that drivers must have when renting a car in California is third party liability ( you already have this if you have local liability coverage through your personal carrier ). This coverage includes wrong that occurs to person else ( whether personal injury or property wrong ). In an accident, potential indebtedness for a rental car driver can be very big, particularly if severe injuries occur.
Read more: The 7 Best Car Insurance Companies (2022)
Read more: The 7 Best Car Insurance Companies (2022)
To answer whether or not you need rental car indemnity, yes, you do need this specify coverage. however, sticking to the minimum required liability coverage may not be the best plan for renters in California .
While extra indemnity coverage provided by the rental company may cost more, the amount may be worth it if an incidental does occur. Some other types of coverage that a tenant may want to consider are :
- Collision damage of rental car. Coverage available includes loss damage waiver (LDW) or limited loss damage waiver (LLDW). Covers damage to the rental car.
- Theft of rental car if renter is careless. Coverage available includes loss damage waiver (LDW). This will help if a renter leaves the keys in an unlocked car or otherwise contributes to the vehicle being stolen.
- Medical bills if renter is hurt. Coverage available includes personal accident insurance (PAI). This is recommended if the renter does not have health insurance and is worried about smaller medical bills under $2,500 from accidents.
- Theft or damage of renter’s property. Coverage available includes personal effects coverage (PEC) and is designed to protect valuables that may be stolen from the vehicle.
Risks to Renters are Real
Risks to those who rent cars in California for real number and can be incredibly dearly-won. While It is absolutely full of life that renters follow the minimal indemnity requirements when they rent a fomite, they should besides seriously look obtaining extra coverage specific to their situation. Check with your credit menu ship’s company to determine what type of coverage they provide for rental cars because they often carry automatic coverage that may overlap with coverage that is available through the rental company. It is always better to be protected in the event a car accident or some other event occurs .