Yes to the first part, no to the second. While your personal auto policy usually extends coverage to a vehicle you rent, it only extends the coverage you have on your vehicle. If you only have liability, you have no physical damage coverage to your rental car. Even if you have comprehensive and collision (sometimes referred to as ‘full coverage’), there are costs associated with damage to a rental car that are usually not covered by your personal auto policy--primarily the right of the rental car company to charge you for loss-of-use of their vehicle while it is being repaired. In addition, you will pay your regular deductible. If you buy the physical damage waiver from the rental car company all costs associated with a damaged rental car are usually their problem. It is worth the extra cost.

2. I rent so do I need a homeowner’s policy?
A homeowner’s policy provides two important coverages: property and personal liability. Renters qualify for an HO4 or Renters policy. This homeowner’s policy provides coverage for your belongings in the apartment or home. Also provided is personal liability for the unfortunate but ever increasing lawsuit. Even if the lawsuit is frivolous, your attorney still needs to be paid.. In most cases, a renter’s policy will give you additional discounts on your auto insurance if placed with the same carrier.

3. I won’t ever need rental reimbursement coverage on my vehicles, will I?
No one ever plans to have an accident which requires their vehicle to need repairs; however, it happens quite often. When it does, without rental reimbursement, the insurance company does not have the obligation to pay for a rental car while yours is being fixed and most repair shops don’t have loaners. Don’t take a chance; rental reimbursement is a relatively inexpensive coverage.

4. I have 30 days to report my newly purchased vehicle to my agent, right?
Not always. Each company handles things a bit differently based on their policy language. The best rule of thumb is to report all vehicle changes to your agent as soon as possible. But, just to be safe, report it within four days of purchase.

5. If my house burns down I won’t rebuild it exactly as it is. So, I won’t need to
purchase the full replacement cost coverage will I?
Total home losses are rare. The majority of homeowners’ claims are for roof damage or partial losses due to wind or fire. If you do not carry replacement cost coverage on your home, even small claims may not be paid in a way to complete the needed repairs.

6. Why use an independent agent instead of the internet to purchase insurance?
Independent agents are trained to be the expert for you. A web site makes you
become the expert and decide what coverage is best. I don’t know about you, but
if I need brain surgery I want a doctor to perform it rather than trying it myself
with a do-it-yourself website. While insurance is not brain surgery, it is designed
to protect you and your family and can sometimes be complicated. Don’t let a
slick website confuse you with promises of lower prices by getting rid of the
middleman. Let your independent agent do the work of finding you the right
coverage for the best price. You might be surprised to find that your local agent
often has lower prices than those found on websites. Contact your local Burns
Insurance Agent for a free quote today.

***Note: Your insurance contract determines your exact coverage. Read your
contract carefully or contact your Burns Insurance professional for help.***