Do I Need to Purchase Rental Car Insurance?

Car Insurance Options in Hattiesburg, MSWhen you are on vacation renting a car, you will most likely be asked if you want to purchase insurance for the car. Sometimes purchasing that insurance policy is needed, but other times you may already be covered with your own auto insurance policy. Some individuals even have insurance benefits through their credit cards.

Auto Insurance

Do you need to buy their rental car insurance coverage? Before going on vacation, reach out to your licensed agent with questions regarding your auto policy. An auto insurance policy can be unique to the driver. Many times, if you have collision, comprehensive and liability coverage on your auto policy, this would cover your rental car too as a temporary replacement vehicle. If you find you’re only covered for a specific amount, contact your credit card company to see if they can fill the gap.

Rental car insurance options can include: liability, personal accident, collision damage, personal effects coverage. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Liability: Insurance coverage if you damage another car, property and medical bills for the other party if you’re found liable for the accident.

Personal Accident: Coverage for accidental death, medical expenses and ambulatory costs of you and your household members in the vehicle.

Collision Damage: Coverage to repair the rental car in the event you are involved in an accident.

Personal Effects: Insurance that covers personal items lost or damaged such as cell phones, purses and computers.

Roadside Assistance: Coverage for roadside incidents such as lost keys, lockouts, fuel outages and flat tires.

Always check with your licensed agent to review your policy BEFORE going on your vacation to ensure you know what coverage options you may or may not need. Furthermore, be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the insurance policy you’re purchasing if you decide to buy coverage from the rental agency.

Knowing the details of your insurance policy can help you fully understand your coverage, give you peace of mind, as well as save you money.

Since 1977 Baylis Insurance Agency has provided comprehensive business and personal insurance. As an independent insurance agency, Baylis Insurance Agency represents your interests, not the interests of any one insurance company. We’re able to offer you customization, choice and superior service. We’ll research your options and design a personalized, competitively priced insurance protection program for you.

Going on a Road Trip This Summer? Consider Packing These 15 Items.

Road Trip Tips from Baylis Insurance AgencySummer time is a great time to go on a road trip! Whether you are exploring a National Park, traveling through a state or going across the country, being on the road is memorable. Road trips are fun, but you want to be sure you are prepared for any unfortunate bumps in the road that can occur. It can be as simple as storing a few essentials in your trunk to get you out of jam.

Here are some things to keep in your car at all times:

1.) First Aid Kit

Even if you aren’t going on a road trip, this is nice to have in your trunk at all times. It might come in handy for you or someone else in need.

2.) Flashlight

This is another thing to always keep in your car, especially if you find yourself driving at night time often.

3.) License, Registration, a Copy of Your Car Insurance and Car Manual

Again, this should always be in your car stored in your glove box.

4.) Jumper Cables

Nobody wants to wake up to a dead car battery. Jumper cables can fall into the “always have in my car” category. It’s much easier than trying to hunt one down when you are in a pinch.

5.) Snacks

This can’t be stressed enough! Even if you plan to be on the road for long hours, consider packing meals in a cooler. You can always stop at a rest stop to picnic if you want to stretch your legs. If you aren’t packing a cooler, pack snacks that don’t require refrigeration like dried fruit, nuts, jerky, fruit, bars, etc.

6.) Water Bottle

Having extra water in your vehicle during summer can literally save your life if you become stranded on a hot day in a remote location.

7.) Phone Charger

If your car only has one outlet for a phone charger, consider getting a USB plug that can charge multiple devices at once. If you have a few outlets, pack a few cords! Portable chargers can come in handy too.

8.) Polarized Sunglasses

Driving in the sun is always best with polarized sunglasses.

9.) Wet Wipes & Napkins

Wet wipes and napkins are always nice for keeping your hands & face clean or cleaning up a spill in your car.

10.) Trash Bag

Keep your car clean from your snacks and other garbage with a simple trash bag. You could place things in a small can or just have a bag.

11.) Paper and Pen

Great for taking notes or writing down important information on your road trip.

12.) Blanket and Pillow

This may be nice for those long hours in the car! A blanket and pillow can add comfort to your drive.

13.) Sunscreen

Even if you aren’t outside, wearing sunscreen while driving is important for those sunny days.

14.) Cash

This works nice if you find yourself needing to pay to park or buying from businesses that only accept cash for payment.

15.) Entertainment

Especially if you are traveling with kids, being in the car for long hours can be exhausting! Think of electronics, activity or coloring books, small toys, play games like I Spy, the alphabet or license plate game.

For adults, consider podcasts or audiobooks, trivia cards or an app, word search or just a really good music playlist!

Regardless of what you do pack in your car, enjoy the American Road Trip! Be sure to get plenty of rest along the way and enjoy America’s roadside attractions.

Since 1977 Baylis Insurance Agency has provided comprehensive business and personal insurance. As an independent insurance agency, Baylis Insurance Agency represents your interests, not the interests of any one insurance company. We’re able to offer you customization, choice and superior service. We’ll research your options and design a personalized, competitively priced insurance protection program for you.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover and Is My Roommate Included?

Renters Insurance Hattiesburg, WAAs a local insurance agency, we are here to help with all your insurance questions.  When it comes to renters insurance, many people assume that since they are renting an apartment, home or condo, they are fully covered by their landlord if anything unfortunate occurs.

Your landlord’s insurance policy should cover any damage to the property itself but, it will not protect against any of your personal property or liability you cause. If you were to experience water damage, for instance, if your neighbor’s pipe burst above you and damaged your personal property, you would NOT be covered.

Renters Insurance protects:

  • Personal Property: items clothing, furniture, electronics, bicycles or jewelry from theft or fire, smoke, or water damage. If you have expensive individual items you may need additional insurance coverage.
  • Liability Coverage: if someone is injured in your home helps cover legal fees and medical bills if you’re held liable.

Is my roommate covered with my policy?

If you are not related to your roommate (parent, sibling or spouse), most likely your roommate is NOT covered. However, each insurance company is different so please ask one of our licensed agents to confirm.

Luckily, renters insurance is an inexpensive way to make sure that your personal effects are covered in the event that damage occurs in your rental unit. Contact our agency and speak to one of our licensed agents. You may even be able to bundle your renters insurance with another line of insurance, like your auto insurance, for a discount.

Since 1977 Baylis Insurance Agency has provided comprehensive business and personal insurance. As an independent insurance agency, Baylis Insurance Agency represents your interests, not the interests of any one insurance company. We’re able to offer you customization, choice and superior service. We’ll research your options and design a personalized, competitively priced insurance protection program for you.