Find out if you really need to buy insurance from the rental car company.

When you go to rent a car, you will likely be asked if you would like to purchase insurance for your rental car. While having this protection might seem like a smart idea, it's possible that your personal auto policy already offers some of these same coverages. Here's what you need to know to decide if you need rental car insurance. What Rental Car Insurance Covers Rental car companies typically offer four different coverage options. They are:

• Collision Damage Waiver - This type of insurance will ensure that the rental company will not hold you financially responsible if the car you have rented is damaged or stolen.
• Supplemental Liability Protection - If you get into an accident, purchasing this type of insurance will ensure that you are covered for the damages and injuries you may have caused to another party.
• Personal Accident Coverage - This type of coverage will cover your injuries or death, or the injuries or death of the passengers in your rental car.
• Personal Effects Coverage - This type of coverage will reimburse you for any personal items that are stolen out of your rental car.

What Your Personal Policy Covers It's likely that your personal auto policy already covers many of the things that rental car insurance covers. For instance, most standard auto policies offer liability insurance that covers them even if they are operating a rental vehicle. Additionally, some policies may even extend collision, comprehensive, and medical payments coverage to rentals as well. However, it's important to remember that coverage differs from policy to policy. This is why you need to contact your auto insurance provider to find out what your policy covers. If you find that your policy does not offer you all the coverages that you need, consider buying insurance through the rental car company. Ultimately, whether or not you need rental car insurance depends on what your personal auto policy already covers.  Do you have more questions regarding your auto insurance?  Then contact the experts at Weeks & Associates Insurance Services in Thousand Oaks, California.  Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your coverage needs.