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Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars? Everything You Need to Know Before You Rent.

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:32:49 GMT

Everything You Need to Know Before You Rent!

If you're standing at the rental car counter and the representative asks, "Would you like to add our coverage?" you're not alone if you're unsure what to do.

This is one of the most common questions we get from clients before a vacation or business trip.

The answer is usually yes—but not always.

Whether your personal auto insurance covers a rental car depends on the coverage you carry and a few important details that many people don't think about until they're already at the counter.

Let's break down how rental car coverage works and when it may make sense to purchase the rental company's protection.

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

In many cases, yes.

If you carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your personal vehicle, those coverages will often extend to a rental vehicle that you're using temporarily.

That means your:

Liability Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage

may apply to the rental vehicle just like they do your own vehicle.

For example, if you back into a pole and damage the rental car, your collision coverage would generally respond the same way it would if you damaged your personal vehicle.

Your deductible would still apply, just as it would on a claim involving your own car.

Because every insurance company and policy can be a little different, it's always a good idea to verify your coverage before traveling.

What Coverage Transfers To A Rental Car?

While every policy is different, the following coverages often transfer to a rental vehicle:

Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (where applicable)

One important thing to understand is that the rental car does not automatically come with better coverage simply because it is a rental.

In most cases, the coverage follows you and your policy.

Should I Buy The Rental Car Company's Insurance?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

The rental company usually offers a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW).

Technically, this isn't insurance. It's an agreement stating that the rental company won't pursue you for covered damage to the vehicle.

Many people decline this coverage because they already carry collision and comprehensive coverage on their personal auto policy.

Others choose to purchase it because it can simplify the process if damage occurs and may help them avoid filing a claim through their own insurance company.

The right choice depends on your comfort level, your existing coverage, and the specifics of your trip.

What Isn't Covered By Your Personal Auto Insurance?

This is where many rental car customers are surprised.

If a rental car is damaged while in your possession, your personal auto insurance policy will generally pay for repairs to the vehicle, provided you carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your own vehicle.

However, there are two expenses that are often not covered by a personal auto policy.

Loss Of Use.

While the rental vehicle is being repaired, the rental company cannot rent it to other customers.

As a result, they may charge you a daily rental rate for the time the vehicle is out of service.

This charge is commonly referred to as Loss of Use, and many personal auto policies do not cover it.

We've seen rental companies pursue customers for these charges even when the vehicle damage itself was covered by insurance.

Diminished Value.

Even after a rental vehicle is repaired, the rental company may argue that a vehicle with an accident history is worth less than it was before the damage occurred.

They may seek reimbursement for this reduction in value, commonly referred to as Diminished Value.

Many personal auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for this expense.

What If You Purchase The Rental Company's Coverage?

If you purchase the rental company's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), the rental company generally agrees not to hold you responsible for covered damage to the vehicle.

In addition to physical damage, these waivers often protect you from Loss of Use and Diminished Value charges that could otherwise become your responsibility.

An Important Requirement For Coverage

For coverage to apply, the driver should:

Be listed as a driver on the rental agreement
Be an insured driver under the personal auto insurance policy being relied upon for coverage

If either requirement is not met, coverage may be denied.

Does My Credit Card Cover Rental Cars?

Possibly.

Many credit cards offer some form of rental car protection when you use the card to pay for the rental.

However, coverage can vary significantly depending on the card issuer.

Some cards provide secondary coverage, meaning your personal auto insurance would still be used first.

Others provide primary coverage, which may allow a claim to be handled without involving your personal auto policy.

Before relying on credit card coverage, take a few minutes to review the card's benefits guide or contact the issuer directly.

When Might Buying The Rental Company's Coverage Make Sense?

There are situations where purchasing the rental company's protection may be worth considering.

For example:

You do not carry collision coverage on your personal vehicle
You are traveling internationally
You want to avoid filing a claim on your personal insurance
You prefer the convenience of having the rental company handle any damages directly
You are concerned about paying a deductible if an accident occurs
You want protection from Loss of Use or Diminished Value charges

Every situation is different, which is why there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

Do I Need Rental Car Insurance If I Already Have Full Coverage?

In many cases, people who already carry full coverage on their personal vehicles have protection that extends to rental cars.

That doesn't automatically mean you should decline the rental company's coverage, but it does mean you should understand what you're already paying for before purchasing additional protection.

The most common thing we see is people paying for extra coverage simply because they aren't sure what their own policy already provides.

A quick review before your trip can help you make an informed decision and potentially save some money.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rental Car Insurance.

Does Insurance Follow The Car Or The Driver?

In most situations, your insurance follows you as the driver, not the specific vehicle you're driving.

That's why many personal auto policies extend coverage to a rental vehicle you're using temporarily.

However, every policy is different, so it's always smart to verify coverage before your trip.

Does Farm Bureau Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Many Farm Bureau auto policies extend liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to rental vehicles used for personal purposes.

As with any policy, coverage depends on the specific policy language and circumstances of the claim.

If you're unsure, contact your agent before renting the vehicle.

Does Progressive Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Many Progressive auto policies provide rental car coverage similar to the coverage carried on your personal vehicle.

If you carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your own car, those coverages may extend to a rental vehicle.

Always verify coverage with your carrier before relying on it.

What Is Loss Of Use On A Rental Car?

Loss of Use is a charge rental car companies may assess when a damaged vehicle is being repaired and unavailable to rent to other customers.

Even if your insurance pays for the repairs, Loss of Use charges may still become your responsibility

What Is Diminished Value On A Rental Car?

Diminished Value refers to the reduction in a vehicle's market value after it has been involved in an accident.

Some rental companies may seek reimbursement for this loss, even after repairs have been completed.

Many personal auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for Diminished Value claims.

Does Every Driver In The Rental Car Have Coverage?

Not necessarily.

To avoid coverage issues, anyone who may drive the rental vehicle should be listed on the rental agreement and should qualify as an insured driver under the applicable auto insurance policy.

This is one of the most common mistakes we see involving rental vehicles.

Should I Buy The Rental Company's Coverage If I Already Have Full Coverage?

Maybe.

If you already carry collision and comprehensive coverage, you may already have protection for physical damage to the rental vehicle.

However, the rental company's coverage may still provide value by protecting you from Loss of Use charges, Diminished Value claims, and the hassle of filing a claim through your own insurance company.

Not Sure What Applies To You? Give Us A Call.

After handling plenty of rental car claims over the years, we've found that most people either assume they're fully covered or assume they have no coverage at all.

The truth is usually somewhere in the middle.

Some people have coverage through their personal auto policy. Some have protection through a credit card. Others have gaps they don't realize exist until they're standing at the rental counter trying to decide what to do.

That's why we encourage people to call before they travel instead of guessing.

At RecLending Insurance Services, we're happy to review your current policy, explain what coverage would transfer to a rental vehicle, and help you understand whether purchasing the rental company's coverage makes sense for your specific situation.

A quick conversation before your trip can help you avoid paying for coverage you don't need—or finding out after an accident that something wasn't covered the way you expected.

Insurance isn't one-size-fits-all, and neither is rental car coverage. If you have questions, give us a call. That's what we're here for.

Final Thoughts!

Before your next trip, take a few minutes to review your auto insurance policy or speak with your insurance agent.

Knowing what coverage you already have can save you money and help you make a confident decision at the rental counter.

Rental car coverage doesn't have to be confusing. Most of the time, a quick conversation beforehand can answer your questions and help you avoid surprises later.

If you'd like a second opinion or want help understanding how your current policy would respond to a rental car claim, we'd be happy to help.

Why Did My Insurance Go Up This Year?

Tue, 26 May 2026 20:15:26 GMT

Why Did My Insurance Go Up This Year?

If you’ve opened your renewal lately and thought, “Why did this go up so much?” — you’re not alone.

This is one of the most common questions we’ve been hearing recently. In most cases, nothing about your situation has changed. No accidents. No claims. No tickets. Yet your premium still increased.

So what’s going on?

It's Not Just You

First, this isn’t something specific to your policy or even your insurance company.

Rates have been increasing across the board — home, auto, and even boat insurance. This is happening nationwide, and there are several larger economic factors driving these changes.

The Cost to Repair and Replace Has Increased

This is the biggest reason premiums are rising.

Today’s vehicles are significantly more advanced. Even a minor accident can involve sensors, cameras, radar systems, and computer calibrations. What used to be a simple repair is now far more complex and expensive.

Higher Labor and Parts Costs.

Labor rates have increased across the country. Auto body shops and contractors are paying more for skilled workers, and parts are more expensive than they were just a few years ago.

Insurance companies must pay these higher repair bills when claims occur.

Rising Construction Costs.

Building materials for homes — lumber, roofing materials, siding, electrical components — have all increased in cost. If a home is damaged, it costs significantly more to rebuild today than it did previously.

More Claims — and Larger Losses

Insurance spreads risk across a large group of people. Even if you haven’t filed a claim, others have.

Severe Weather Events.

Storms, hail, wind, and other weather-related losses have increased in frequency and severity. When insurers pay out more in catastrophic claims, it impacts pricing across the market.

Higher Claim Severity.

When accidents do happen, the cost per claim is higher than it used to be. Advanced vehicles and increased repair expenses mean insurers are paying more per incident.

Used Car Values Remain Elevated

This surprises many people.

If your vehicle is totaled, your insurance company must pay what it is worth today — not what you originally paid. Used car values have remained higher than historical norms, meaning total loss payouts are larger.

That cost is built into overall premium calculations.

Coverage Adjustments You May Not Notice.

Sometimes increases are not strictly market-driven. Small automatic adjustments may occur within your policy.

Replacement Cost Updates.

Many home policies automatically adjust replacement cost values to keep up with inflation and building cost increases.

Coverage Limit Changes.

State-required updates or internal underwriting changes can slightly modify limits or endorsements.

inflation guard endorsements

These are designed to protect you by increasing coverage gradually over time — but they can also raise your premium.

where we come in

At RecLending Insurance Services, our role isn’t just to provide quotes. We help clients understand why things are changing and whether any adjustments make sense.

It’s Not Just About Finding a Lower Price

Sometimes the right move is adjusting a deductible. Other times, it’s confirming your coverage is structured correctly. And if shopping makes sense, we help ensure you’re comparing equivalent coverage — not unknowingly giving something up.

What Can You Actually Do?

You can’t control the overall insurance market — but you’re not stuck either.

1. Review Your Deductibles

A higher deductible may lower your premium if it fits your financial comfort level.

2. Confirm Coverage Still Fits

Make sure you’re not overinsured or underinsured. Life changes, and coverage should reflect that.

3. Ask About Discounts

Bundling policies, safe driving, security systems, and home features may qualify you for savings.

4. Shop the Right Way

If you compare quotes, ensure coverage levels and endorsements are truly comparable — not just cheaper.

Final Thoughts

Rate increases are frustrating — especially when you feel like you’ve done everything right.

Most of these changes are driven by larger industry and economic trends, not something specific to you. Still, a renewal notice is a good opportunity to review your policy and make sure everything aligns with your needs.

If you’d like a second opinion or want help reviewing your options, we’re always happy to walk through it with you.

Does Boat Insurance Cover Tournament Fishing?

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:44:26 GMT

Does Boat Insurance Cover Tournament Fishing?

If you spend any amount of time around bass or walleye anglers, tournament fishing eventually becomes part of the conversation. Whether it’s a local weekend event with a $20 buy in or a more competitive trail, a lot of boat owners either already participate—or are thinking about it.

One question that doesn’t get asked enough, though, is this:

Does my boat insurance actually cover me while I’m fishing in a tournament?

Does my boat insurance actually cover me while I’m fishing in a tournament?

The answer is… sometimes. And that’s where things can get a little tricky.

Not All Policies Treat Tournaments the Same.

A standard boat insurance policy is typically designed around personal, recreational use. The assumption is that you’re using your boat for leisure—fishing, cruising, spending time on the water.

Tournament fishing can blur that line.

Some insurance companies are perfectly fine with occasional tournament participation and include it automatically. Others may have restrictions, exclusions, or require it to be disclosed upfront.

The problem is, if it’s not clearly addressed in your policy, you may not find out until you actually need to file a claim.

Liability Matters More Than You Think!

When you’re in a tournament, the environment is different than a normal day on the water.

More boats in tighter areas
Higher speeds getting to spots
Added pressure and time constraints

All of that increases the chance of an accident. This is why our office standard is a $300,000 liability limit on all boat insurance policies.

If you were to collide with another boat or cause injury to someone else, liability coverage is what protects you. Making sure your limits are strong—and that tournament use doesn’t impact that coverage—is a big deal.

This is one area where cutting corners to save a few dollars can come back to bite you.

What About Travel to Tournaments?

A lot of anglers don’t just fish locally—they travel.

That opens up a few additional considerations:

Are you covered in other states?
Does your policy include your trailer while in transit?
What happens if something occurs at a hotel or gas station along the way?

Most policies do extend coverage, but not all are created equal. If you’re regularly crossing state lines or traveling long distances, it’s worth confirming exactly how your policy responds.

Gear, Electronics, and Added Value!

Tournament anglers tend to have more invested in their setup—especially when it comes to:

Graphs and electronics
Trolling motors
Power poles
Rods, reels, and tackle

In many cases, the equipment on the boat is worth as much—or more—than the boat itself.

Some policies limit coverage on these items unless they’re specifically listed or the limits are increased. If you’re fishing tournaments, there’s a good chance you’ve upgraded your setup, and that should be reflected in your coverage.

Sponsorships and Logos: Where Things Get Gray

This is one area that surprises people.

If you have sponsor decals on your boat or receive any kind of compensation—even if it’s just discounted gear—it can raise questions about whether your boat is being used for “business purposes.”

Now, not every sponsorship creates an issue. But depending on the insurance company, it could.

The key is transparency. It’s always better to bring this up ahead of time than assume it doesn’t matter.

Working With an Agency That Understands Tournament Use!

This is where having the right insurance team makes a difference.

At RecLending Insurance Services, we work with companies that offer options specifically for anglers who fish tournaments. Just as important, our team is trained to ask the right questions about how your boat is actually being used.

That includes things like:

Whether you fish tournaments regularly or occasionally
How far you travel
What equipment and upgrades are on the boat
Whether there are any sponsorships or special use considerations

Those conversations aren’t meant to complicate things or drive up cost—they’re there to make sure your coverage lines up with reality.

Because at the end of the day, the goal is simple: if something happens, your policy should respond the way you expect it to.

So, Are You Covered or Not?

The honest answer is: it depends on your policy.

Some anglers are fully covered and don’t realize it. Others assume they’re covered—and aren’t.

That’s why we take the time to ask these questions upfront. Not to complicate things, but to make sure there are no surprises if something happens.

Final Thoughts!

Tournament fishing adds a different layer of risk compared to casual use. It doesn’t mean you need drastically different insurance—but it does mean your policy should match how you actually use your boat.

If you’re fishing tournaments, traveling regularly, or have a lot invested in your setup, it’s worth taking a second look at your coverage.

If you’re not sure where you stand, we’re happy to review it with you and walk through the details. The goal is simple: make sure everything lines up before you ever need to use it.

Boat Insurance For Fishing Boats: What Every Owner Should Know

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:52:02 GMT

Boat Insurance For Fishing Boats: What Every Owner Should Know

Owning a boat is something many people work hard to enjoy. Whether it’s early mornings chasing walleye, weekend bass tournaments, or relaxing time on the water with family, a boat represents freedom, fun, and a serious financial investment. While a boat may be considered a luxury compared to a home or vehicle, protecting it properly with the right boat insurance is just as important.

At RecLending Insurance Services, we specialize in helping boat owners protect not only their boat, but everything that comes with it. We understand that fishing boats—especially bass and walleye boats—often carry thousands of dollars in equipment, gear, and accessories that are easy to overlook when purchasing insurance.

Why Proper Boat Insurance Matters

Many boat owners are surprised to learn that standard boat insurance policies may not automatically provide enough coverage for upgraded equipment, fishing gear, or additional operators. In the event of a loss, underinsuring your boat or equipment can turn an already stressful situation into a frustrating one.
That’s why our team takes a detailed, educational approach when quoting boat insurance. We ask the right questions upfront to help ensure there are no surprises later.

Questions We Ask to Protect You

When we work with fishing boat owners, our conversations often include:
Are you planning to add equipment after you purchase the boat?
How much coverage do you need for fishing rods, reels, and tackle?
Do you have high-value electronics such as graphs, GPS units, or fish finders?
Is your boat equipped with a trolling motor, power poles, lithium batteries, or other upgrades?
Will anyone else operate the boat, such as a child, spouse, or fishing partner?
These questions are not asked to increase your insurance premium. They are asked to make sure that if you ever need to file a claim, your coverage actually works the way you expect it to.

Protecting Your Gear and Equipment

Fishing equipment adds up quickly. Rods, reels, tackle, electronics, trolling motors, power poles, and batteries can easily represent tens of thousands of dollars in value. Without proper scheduling or endorsements, many policies may limit coverage for these items.
To help our clients prepare, we also provide example photos and guidance on how to create a simple inventory of their rods, tackle, and attached equipment. Having this documentation in place can make the claims process smoother and faster if a loss occurs.

Experience You Can Trust

At RecLending Insurance Services, boat insurance isn’t an afterthought—it’s a specialty. Our team is knowledgeable about boats of all kinds and understands how fishing boats are actually used on the water. We take the time to explain coverage options clearly, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Whether you’re purchasing your first fishing boat or upgrading to a fully rigged bass or walleye boat, our goal is simple: to make sure you’re properly insured, well-informed, and protected for the worst-case scenario—so you can focus on enjoying your time on the water.
If you’re looking for boat insurance, fishing boat insurance, or coverage for bass and walleye boats, we’re here to help. Contact RecLending Insurance Services today for a personalized review of your coverage options.

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Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars? Everything You Need to Know Before You Rent.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Rent!

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

What Coverage Transfers To A Rental Car?

Should I Buy The Rental Car Company's Insurance?

What Isn't Covered By Your Personal Auto Insurance?

Loss Of Use.

Diminished Value.

What If You Purchase The Rental Company's Coverage?

An Important Requirement For Coverage

Does My Credit Card Cover Rental Cars?

When Might Buying The Rental Company's Coverage Make Sense?

Do I Need Rental Car Insurance If I Already Have Full Coverage?

Frequently Asked Questions About Rental Car Insurance. ﻿

Does Insurance Follow The Car Or The Driver?

Does Farm Bureau Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Does Progressive Insurance Cover Rental Cars? ﻿

What Is Loss Of Use On A Rental Car?

What Is Diminished Value On A Rental Car?

Does Every Driver In The Rental Car Have Coverage?

Should I Buy The Rental Company's Coverage If I Already Have Full Coverage?

Not Sure What Applies To You? Give Us A Call.

Final Thoughts!

Why Did My Insurance Go Up This Year?

Why Did My Insurance Go Up This Year?

It's Not Just You

The Cost to Repair and Replace Has Increased

Higher Labor and Parts Costs. ﻿

Rising Construction Costs.

More Claims — and Larger Losses

Severe Weather Events. ﻿

Higher Claim Severity.

Used Car Values Remain Elevated

Coverage Adjustments You May Not Notice.

Replacement Cost Updates. ﻿

Coverage Limit Changes.

inflation guard endorsements

where we come in

It’s Not Just About Finding a Lower Price

What Can You Actually Do?

1. Review Your Deductibles

2. Confirm Coverage Still Fits

3. Ask About Discounts

4. Shop the Right Way

Final Thoughts

Does Boat Insurance Cover Tournament Fishing?

Does Boat Insurance Cover Tournament Fishing?

Does my boat insurance actually cover me while I’m fishing in a tournament?

Not All Policies Treat Tournaments the Same.

Liability Matters More Than You Think!

What About Travel to Tournaments?

﻿

Gear, Electronics, and Added Value!

Sponsorships and Logos: Where Things Get Gray

Working With an Agency That Understands Tournament Use!

So, Are You Covered or Not?

﻿

Final Thoughts!

Boat Insurance For Fishing Boats: What Every Owner Should Know

Boat Insurance For Fishing Boats: What Every Owner Should Know

Why Proper Boat Insurance Matters

Questions We Ask to Protect You

Protecting Your Gear and Equipment

Experience You Can Trust

Frequently Asked Questions About Rental Car Insurance.

Does Progressive Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Higher Labor and Parts Costs.

Severe Weather Events.

Replacement Cost Updates.