Ensure You Have Adequate Coverage Before an Accident

Many drivers on the open road neglect to check their accident insurance coverage until after an accident has occurred. Sadly, this can put you in a bind if you find yourself without adequate accident coverage.



It's important to take proactive steps to ensure you have the right coverage that includes your rental vehicle. Through careful planning and easy fact-checking, you can stay protected and ensure that your rental vehicle has the right coverage well before an accident happens.

Read on to learn helpful and simple steps to follow in order to determine that you have adequate accident coverage.

Rental Coverage

When you set up your policy and request full coverage, the rental will not be included in this request. You need to specifically request rental coverage. Inflation has also affected the cost of rentals.

That $30.00 a day policy may not be enough to cover a rental, you may have to increase your rental. But ensuring your rental coverage is personalized to meet the needs of your vehicle will give you added confidence and peace of mind as you hit the open road in your rental vehicle.

Deductibles

A deductible is the portion of the repair you will be responsible for if you file a claim on your insurance to repair your vehicle.

If you are at fault and the other party files on your insurance, you will not be responsible for a deductible for their repair. Deductibles only apply when you are repairing your vehicle.

Another item to consider is if you could afford to pay your deductible if you had to pay it tomorrow. You may be the best driver on the planet, but what if you are a victim of a hit-and-run? You would be stuck with the repair bill. Think twice about that $1000.00 deductible.

Coverage

Do you have adequate coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists? If you are hit by an uninsured motorist and can prove it, you may still owe a deductible. Typically an uninsured motorist claim will carry a lower deductible.

Underinsured motorist coverage will apply if the person who hit you ran out of coverage. For example, you were in a 3-car accident and you are the 3rd person to file. The person who is responsible has minimum coverage.

By the time your claim is processed, there are not enough funds left to cover your claim. In this situation, you would have to put the claim through your insurance.

Parts

If it is important to you to have OEM, (original parts) then you may want to consider an OEM Rider on your policy. Otherwise, most insurance companies will replace the parts with aftermarket parts or you may incur out-of-pocket expenses for OEM parts.

When you work with a reputable auto body shop, you can ask questions regarding OEM parts and find the repair services that you may need after an unfortunate accident.

Solicitation For Repairs

Someone comes up to you in a parking lot and offers to repair your vehicle for a ridiculously low price. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Always chose a reputable shop that offers a warranty.

Ideally, you should review your policy yearly. You may want to adjust your coverage or qualify for a discount. Your insurance company should be working for you!

The friendly team at Coats Auto Body & Paint is here to be your trusted friend in the car world. Let our team help ensure your peace of mind as you determine your rental coverage when you reach out to us today through our helpful contact page.

We look forward to connecting with rental car drivers and helping with their auto needs.