Personal auto insurance policies from Progressive generally extend to rental vehicles. In our complete guide, we’ll explain how your policy applies when you rent a car, and whether you should consider alternative rental car insurance policies like RentalCover.
What is rental car insurance?
Rental car insurance refers to policies that offer coverage for rental vehicles. Personal auto insurers like Progressive offer rental car insurance that generally corresponds to the coverage you have for your personal vehicle.
Other options for rental car insurance include your hire car company, and third-party providers like RentalCover. Some key elements of rental vehicle insurance include:
- Collision Damage Waivers: A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) transfers legal liability for damage to a rental vehicle from the renter to the rental company. Personal auto insurers and other providers like RentalCover offer this same level of coverage through their policies. If you don’t have a CDW or similar coverage, your rental company may refuse to rent a vehicle to you.
- Liability Insurance: Throughout most states, you must have third-party liability insurance to cover costs you may incur due to injuries to other people or damage to their property. This coverage may be included in the cost of your rental vehicle, or you may be required to purchase a separate Supplemental Liability Insurance policy.
Does Progressive car insurance offer rental car insurance?
Yes, personal car insurance policies from Progressive generally apply to personal-use rental cars. Usually, the specific coverage you have for your personal vehicle carries over to your hire car, including any exclusions.
Here are some types of car insurance offered by Progressive that will apply to rental vehicles, if you have them as part of your policy:
- Progressive Auto Liability Coverage: Coverage for the costs you’re held liable for, relating to injuries or damages you cause. This coverage is sometimes already included in the price of your rental vehicle. If it isn’t, you’ll need to have your own liability coverage to rent a vehicle, or buy Supplemental Liability Insurance.
- Progressive Collision Coverage: Coverage that applies if your vehicle collides with another object or vehicle.
- Progressive Comprehensive Auto Coverage: Coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by events outside of your control, like hail strikes, fallen branches and animal collisions.
Is rental car insurance from Progressive enough on its own?
The extent of rental car coverage you get through Progressive depends on what your personal policy covers. Here’s a comparison between RentalCover, Progressive’s liability-only policy, and Progressive’s bundled comprehensive and collision coverage (including liability coverage).
If you have all 3 forms of coverage from Progressive, you have a fairly solid level of coverage for your rental vehicle. If you have just one, you should strongly consider another policy such as RentalCover’s for greater peace of mind.
Even compared to a full suite of Progressive policies, RentalCover offers superior coverage, with:
- Nothing to pay in the event of a claim
- Coverage for a wide range of incidents auto insurers and rental companies exclude
- Coverage that works in 220+ countries
- Coverage that goes beyond your personal policy’s limits
Plus, with RentalCover, you don’t need to worry about rental vehicle claims affecting premiums on your personal auto policy.
How to verify your Progressive policy details
Before picking up your rental vehicle, it’s important to find out exactly what your rental car insurance covers. Here’s how Progressive customers can verify their coverage:
- Review your Policy Contract online or via the Progressive app.
- Pay special attention to your specified policy exclusions.
- If you have any lingering questions or doubts, contact customer support on 1-800-776-4737 or on live chat.
Get comprehensive protection with RentalCover
Want a simple policy that offers the protection you need for peace of mind in a rental car? Our policies go beyond what your personal auto insurance covers. There’s nothing for you to pay in the event of a claim, and we pay out 98% of claims in 3 days.
Get an instant online RentalCover quote today and get better coverage for your next journey in a rental vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Does my credit card offer rental car insurance?
Many credit cards do cover rental car insurance. However, relying on your credit card could mean paying thousands of dollars out of your own pocket. For US residents, your credit card likely provides secondary car rental insurance that only kicks in after you make a claim through your personal auto insurance. This may lead to a rate increase.
Credit card coverage often has an additional list of exclusions, including:
- Specific damages.
- Damage caused by additional drivers.
- Lost keys.
- Roadside repair costs.
- Long-term rental.
- Any fees your rental car company may add to your repair bill.
With RentalCover, you have more comprehensive protection for less cost.
What is Progressive Rental Car Reimbursement?
Progressive’s Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage is an optional policy add-on that pays for rental car fees after a covered accident damages your vehicle, or causes it to be written off. It is separate from the extension of your personal car insurance to a rental vehicle.
What is Personal Effects Insurance (PEI)?
Personal Effects Insurance (PEI), also known as Personal Effects Coverage, offers cover for personal belongings like clothes, electronics and jewellery if they are damaged or stolen in your rental vehicle. You may be able to purchase this insurance through your car rental company, offering some additional peace of mind on your travels.
Personal Effects Insurance is not included in RentalCover policies.