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When you rent a car from Hertz Car Rental β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether or not to purchase insurance coverage β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. While some renters might assume their personal auto insurance or credit card benefits will cover the rental, others may prefer the peace of mind that comes with Hertz’s insurance options β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of insurance offered by Hertz Car Rental, how they work, and what you should consider when deciding whether or not to purchase them β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Understanding Hertz Car Rental Insurance
Hertz offers a variety of insurance options designed to protect you and the vehicle during your rental β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. The coverage types differ in terms of what’s covered, how much they cost, and the level of protection they offer β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Here’s a breakdown of the most common insurance options available through Hertz Car Rental:
1. Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
The Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is one of the most popular insurance options when renting a car β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. It’s technically not insurance, but rather a waiver that limits your financial responsibility in case the vehicle is damaged or stolen during the rental period β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
What It Covers: LDW covers damage to the rental car, including vandalism, accidents, and theft β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. If the car is damaged or stolen, the waiver reduces or eliminates your financial responsibility for the repair costs or the car’s value β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
What It Doesn’t Cover: LDW generally doesn’t cover damage to the interior of the vehicle, or damage caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. It also doesn’t typically cover damage to tires, wheels, or the undercarriage β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Cost: The cost of LDW varies depending on the car type and rental location, but expect to pay between $15 to $30 per day β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
2. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
The Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is another important option, though it’s often bundled with LDW in some regions β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. CDW is designed to protect you in the event of a collision while driving the rental car β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
What It Covers: CDW covers the costs of repairs if you’re involved in a collision β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. This is often essential coverage if you're renting a car for a longer trip or in unfamiliar areas where the risk of accidents may be higher β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
What It Doesn’t Cover: Similar to LDW, CDW doesn’t cover damage to the interior of the vehicle or tires, and it doesn’t cover accidents that occur when you’re driving recklessly or violating Hertz’s terms and conditions β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Cost: CDW is usually slightly more expensive than LDW, and pricing can range from $10 to $25 per day β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
3. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) provides coverage for medical expenses if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident during the rental period β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. This is especially useful for those who don't have health insurance or are concerned about medical costs during their travels β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
What It Covers: PAI typically covers emergency medical expenses, ambulance fees, and hospital stays for injuries sustained by you and your passengers while in the rental car β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Some policies may also provide accidental death and dismemberment coverage β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
What It Doesn’t Cover: PAI does not cover pre-existing medical conditions or injuries sustained outside of the rental car β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. It also doesn’t cover injuries sustained in accidents due to reckless driving β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Cost: The cost for PAI is generally between β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β $5 to $10 per day, depending on the rental location β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
4. Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) is designed to protect your personal belongings inside the rental car β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. If you’re traveling with valuable items, such as laptops, cameras, or smartphones, PEC can help cover the costs if these items are lost, stolen, or damaged while inside the vehicle β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
What It Covers: PEC provides reimbursement for personal belongings that are damaged, lost, or stolen during the rental period β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. This includes items left in the car or taken by force during a break-in β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
What It Doesn’t Cover: PEC does not cover personal items that are damaged due to natural disasters, and it typically won’t cover electronics that are damaged due to misuse or neglect β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Cost: PEC generally costs around $3 to $5 per day β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Does Your Existing Insurance Cover You for Rental Cars?
Before you decide to purchase Hertz’s rental insurance, it’s important to check if you’re already covered through your personal auto insurance or credit card benefits β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Many car insurance policies offer rental car coverage, which can often be extended to a rental vehicle β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Here’s how to check:
Personal Auto Insurance: If you have car insurance, it’s likely that your policy will cover damage to a rental vehicle in the event of an accident β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. However, it’s important to confirm with your insurance provider whether they cover rental cars in other countries or states β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Credit Card Benefits: Many credit cards (especially premium cards like Visa Signature, Mastercard World, or American Express Platinum) offer rental car insurance as a benefit β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. This coverage can include damage, theft, and sometimes even loss of use β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Again, you’ll need to confirm with your credit card company the exact details of the coverage, including exclusions and coverage limits β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
If you're covered by either your personal insurance or credit card, you may not need to purchase additional insurance from Hertz β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. However, it’s important to read the fine print and ensure you fully understand what’s covered β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Is Hertz Insurance Worth It?
Whether or not you should purchase Hertz’s insurance depends on several factors, including your current coverage, the type of rental, and your comfort level with risk β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
If You Have Personal Auto Insurance: If your personal insurance covers rental cars, you may not need to purchase additional coverage β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. However, check with your insurer to confirm what’s included and whether it applies to rentals abroad β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
If You Have Credit Card Coverage: If your credit card provides rental car insurance, review the terms carefully β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Some cards only cover certain types of vehicles or rental locations β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. It may also come with limitations such as a required deductible β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
If You Don’t Have Coverage: If you don’t have any personal auto insurance or credit card coverage for rental cars, purchasing Hertz insurance can provide peace of mind and protect you from financial risk in the event of an accident or damage β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
If You’re Renting a High-Value or Specialty Vehicle: If you’re renting a luxury car, SUV, or exotic vehicle, you may want to opt for Hertz’s insurance options, as the cost of repairs for such vehicles can be significant β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
How to File an Insurance Claim with Hertz
If you’re involved in an accident, or the rental car is damaged or stolen, it’s important to act quickly and follow the proper procedures for filing a claim β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Here’s what to do:
Notify Hertz Immediately: Call Hertz customer service at β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β to report the incident β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. If you’re involved in an accident, contact local authorities to file a police report and get an accident report number β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Document the Incident: Take photos of any damage to the car, the scene of the accident, and any relevant details β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. This will help with the claims process β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Fill Out a Damage Report: Hertz may require you to fill out a damage report, detailing the circumstances of the incident β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Submit Your Claim: If you have purchased Hertz insurance, they will guide you through the process of filing a claim and submitting documentation β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
Conclusion
While renting a car from Hertz Car Rental, understanding your insurance options is crucial for protecting yourself, the vehicle, and your belongings β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Whether you choose to purchase Hertz insurance or rely on your existing coverage, make sure you fully understand what’s included and what’s not β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. Always check with your personal auto insurance or credit card company to avoid unnecessary costs β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
For any questions or issues related to insurance or your rental, don’t hesitate to contact Hertz customer service at β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β. By being well-informed, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free car rental experience with Hertz β+π β³ 877] β³ [684β³ [4354β.
