{"id":8104,"date":"2025-02-18T05:01:18","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T05:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youset.ca\/?p=8104"},"modified":"2026-03-16T12:11:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T12:11:53","slug":"does-insurance-cover-rental-cars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youset.ca\/en\/blog\/does-insurance-cover-rental-cars\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Insurance Cover Rental Cars?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether your car\u2019s out of commission after a crash, you need a vehicle for a short-term trip, or you’re looking to avoid the costs of car ownership, rental cars can get you where you need to go without the long-term commitment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when you get behind the wheel of a rental car, you\u2019re just as susceptible to the same risks as you would be if it were your own car. Anything can happen on the road, which is why rental car insurance exists<\/a>. But what exactly is it? Do you need it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explore these questions and more, helping you make an informed decision on whether or not rental car coverage is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Key takeaways<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Auto insurance can cover rental cars, but this protection usually isn\u2019t included by default \u2013 you\u2019ll need to add it to your policy. It\u2019s optional, but it can protect you if you damage the rental vehicle, injure yourself or others, or cause damage to someone else\u2019s property while driving it<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Does insurance cover rental cars in Canada?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, <\/span>insurance can cover rental cars<\/span><\/a>, though rental car coverage is not typically included by default. To be eligible for compensation, you usually need to add rental car coverage to your personal car insurance policy. While this coverage is optional and <\/span>not mandatory in Canada<\/span><\/a>, adding it ensures you\u2019re protected if you damage the rental car, injure yourself or others, or damage other people\u2019s property while driving the rented vehicle.<\/span>\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much is insurance with car rental coverage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Given the protection offered by optional coverages like rental car coverage, it\u2019s natural to assume they come with a high cost. However, before making a decision based on that assumption, it’s worth checking the numbers for yourself. You might be surprised by the price difference. For instance, when we got our quotes from YouSet, the difference in the cost of car insurance with car rental coverage and without it was just $4 a month or $48 a year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since everything from your location to your driving record and claims history can <\/span>impact the cost of car insurance<\/span><\/a>, you should check the price difference for yourself! It\u2019s easy and only takes about five minutes with YouSet. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All you have to do is answer the questions that appear onscreen and then adjust your coverage, change your coverage limits, and select your deductible. Once you\u2019re done, make a note of your monthly quote. Then, keeping everything else the same, check the box for rental car coverage and observe the price change. Subtract the original price from the new one, and you’ll know the cost of adding rental car coverage!\u00a0<\/span> \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Get the best price on car insurance year-after-year<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet a quote<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How to get rental car coverage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you get behind the wheel of a rental car, it\u2019s always a smart idea to make sure you\u2019re protected. After all, the last thing you want is to be left without coverage in case of an accident or damage. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, in Canada, you have a few different options when it comes to buying rental car coverage. But which one is best? Should you rely on your personal car insurance provider<\/a>, your credit card, or the rental car company itself? Below, we\u2019ll discuss each so that you\u2019re in a better position to make a decision.\u00a0<\/span> \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From your car insurance provider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many insurers in Canada offer rental car coverage as an optional add-on to your existing car insurance policy<\/a> in the form of an endorsement<\/a>. This ensures that your rental car is covered under the same or similar conditions as your own vehicle. Without explicitly adding it to your policy, you may find yourself without the protection you need or expect if something goes wrong while you\u2019re behind the wheel of a rental car. Also, always verify whether this coverage applies to rental cars for personal use, as some policies may only extend coverage if your vehicle is being repaired or has been totalled due to a covered accident.<\/span>\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From your credit card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some credit cards offer complimentary rental car insurance, but there are important caveats to consider if you choose to rely on it. First, you typically need to pay the full rental cost with that credit card to qualify for coverage. On top of that, the coverage is usually limited to collision and comprehensive damages, which can help in the event of accidents, theft, or vandalism, but not in the case of third-party liability or accident benefits.<\/span>\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the rental car company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you make a reservation and\/or go to pick up a rental car, you will often be offered a variety of additional protection options by the rental car company itself. While <\/span>third-party liability coverage<\/span><\/a> is typically included in the rental package, this coverage won\u2019t protect you if the rental car gets damaged while in your possession. Collision and loss damage waivers, personal accident coverage, or personal effects protection can fill these gaps, which is why rental car companies offer them for an additional fee.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n