Sign: "All credit cards good here"
Even though most credit cars offer some rental insurance they might not be the first choice for this purpose.

Often people will automatically decline anything extra on the rental coverage because they may have heard other’s say to just decline it because it doesn’t matter. After all, doesn’t your regular personal auto insurance cover a rental? And is the neat insurance add-on on your credit card not the best fit for these situations anyways?

There are always exceptions and exclusions for having your personal auto insurance policy cover a rental. You will want to find out from your agent or insurance company what is covered for you and if there are exclusions of which you should be aware. And also credit card insurance add-ons should be worth a close look before signing the rental contract:

What a Personal Auto Policy Typically Will Cover on a Rental:

What Won’t be Covered:

What Does the Credit Card Cover?

Most major credit companies will offer some type of rental car coverage; however, you will definitely need to read the fine print and ensure complete understanding of your rights and obligations. You also need to do the entire transaction for the rental car with the one credit card you want to have for insurance coverage, otherwise the credit card will not provide insurance.

It will often require you to decline the collision damage waiver and it will only be secondary insurance to what you have on the rental agreement and on your personal auto policy. Just like with the personal insurance, it will not cover depreciation or loss of income.

Image: Flickr.