I rented a car from Avis on Saturday, expecting to have corporate insurance coverage. However, there was a miscommunication with HR— they informed me that I didn’t need rental car insurance if I was using their corporate code for a preferred rate, but I later discovered that I actually needed to book through the company portal, which utilizes a company credit card and deducts the amount from my paycheck. Unfortunately, my credit card doesn’t provide insurance for rentals.
I have the vehicle, a Toyota Tacoma, for a month and I’m now trying to figure out my insurance options. The issue is that most third-party insurance providers don’t allow you to retroactively select a start date. Since there haven’t been any incidents yet, is this something I should be concerned about?
Will Avis allow me to add insurance now, even though the rental contract has already begun?
Should I consider returning the car instead?
It’s great that you’re looking into your insurance options for the rental car. Here are some steps you can take:
Contact Avis: Reach out to Avis directly. Explain your situation and ask if they can still add rental car insurance now that the rental has already begun. They may have options for you, even after the rental agreement has started.
Short-Term Insurance: Look into short-term car rental insurance options from companies that provide coverage for rentals. Some insurers offer policies that can be purchased even after the rental period has started, especially if nothing has happened while you’ve had the car.
Check with Your Personal Insurance: If you have personal auto insurance, contact your provider to see if it automatically extends coverage to rental cars. Many policies do offer this, even if you didn’t purchase additional coverage through the rental company.
Consider Returning the Car: If you find that you can’t get adequate coverage, returning the car might be the safest option. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to liability and financial exposure.
Document Everything: Keep all communication documented, especially if you decide to go with an insurance option or if you return the car.
Taking action soon is advisable to ensure you are protected during your rental period. Good luck!