Vacationers Should Beware of Purchasing Duplicate Coverage

    LOS ANGELES--Aug. 29, 2001--With Labor Day weekend just around the corner, many travelers will rent cars for their getaways. But before spending additional money on rental car insurance, vacationers should become familiar with their existing insurance options.
    Most auto insurance policies provide coverage for rental cars, so long as they are not being driven for business. The collision and comprehensive coverage in a standard insurance policy protects against losses due to accidents, theft, fire, vandalism and animal collisions.
    In addition, the credit card used to rent the car may include some insurance coverage.
    "It pays to do a little research," said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California. "Always check with your insurance and credit card companies before buying rental car coverage. But if your insurance policy has limited comprehensive and collision coverage, you may want to consider purchasing additional rental insurance."
    The value of the rental car is also a consideration. Rental cars are typically new and in top-quality condition. Personal auto insurance policies may not completely cover damage to a rental if its value exceeds that of your own car. Owners of older cars should at least evaluate the optional coverage packages that rental car companies offer, in case of damages or theft.
    Rental car agencies offer optional packages such as Collision Damage Waiver, Liability Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, and Personal Effects Coverage.
    Car renters may also want to investigate loss of use coverage, which reimburses rental car companies for the time the rented vehicle is out of service due to an accident or theft. In most cases, loss of use coverage is included under the Collision Damage Waiver, though renters should confirm this with the rental car company. However, loss of use coverage is not included in most standard personal auto policies.