3 minute readAuto
Usually. If you carry liability and physical damage on your own vehicle, that coverage generally extends to a rental car you drive for personal use in the U.S. What it does not always cover is the rental company's loss-of-use and administrative fees, which a credit card benefit or the counter waiver can address.
What you need to know
Personal vs. business use
Rentals for business travel may fall outside a personal auto policy. Confirm before you book.
Rental reimbursement is different
That coverage pays for a rental while your own car is being repaired after a covered loss.
Trips abroad
U.S. auto policies typically stop at the border. Buy local coverage for Mexico and most international rentals.
Common mistakes
- Carrying California's minimum limits, which a single injury accident can exhaust.
- Declining or under-buying uninsured motorist coverage.
- Leaving a household driver off the policy.
- Filing small physical-damage claims near the deductible.
- Never updating mileage, garaging address or commute after a change.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent before adding a teen driver, after buying a vehicle, after an accident or ticket, or any time you are not sure whether your liability limits would survive a serious at-fault crash.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.