Do I need theft protection for a rental car?

Asked by: Jackeline Kovacek  |  Last update: June 4, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (63 votes)

Theft Protection is usually required by most rental companies. This cover can be purchased either from the car rental company, the broker, or a credit card company. For Theft Protection cover to take effect, the renter is usually obliged to file a police report within 24 hours of theft and notify the rental company.

Do I need to bring my car insurance when I rent a car?

No, you do not need to add an insurnace policy for a rental car. Most often, there is an insurance option you can add to your fee when you rent a car. While it is not required, options like a Damage Waiver or Personal Accident Insurance (offered at Enterprise), are available.

What is theft protection when renting a car?

Theft Protection is an optional service which, if accepted, reduces your financial liability for loss of, or damage to the Hertz vehicle, its parts and accessories, due to theft, attempted theft or vandalism, provided the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.

What if you rent a car and it gets stolen?

If you purchased insurance through your car rental company, then they should handle the claim for you using the information you provided. If you used your own car insurance policy, you'll need to call your insurance provider to report the issue.

Does rental insurance cover things stolen from a car?

Personal property coverage on your renters insurance policy may cover your belongings if they're damaged or stolen, up to specified coverage limits minus your deductible. Renters insurance also typically covers items stolen from vehicles, storage units, or while traveling.

Consumer Reports: Do You Need Rental Car Insurance?

24 related questions found

Does rental car insurance cover theft of personal items?

Personal accident insurance: Personal accident coverage protects against injuries to you and your passengers while driving a rental car. Personal effects coverage: Personal effects coverage covers your personal items if stolen from a rental car.

Do rental cars get stolen often?

Each year, more than a million automobiles are stolen in the US. Rental cars are no exception to this. In fact, such cars, easily identified by window decals or special license plates, have become favourite targets for thieves in recent years.

Does Enterprise cover theft?

Theft coverage is required in a few states, including California and Illinois. But, in others, if you don't have some other form of coverage when you rent from Enterprise, you have no protection if the car is stolen until the firm amends its insurance policies.

What happens if your car gets stolen and you have full coverage?

Downey drivers whose cars are stolen in Califonia will have car theft insurance if they have comprehensive coverage. That should cover you up to the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle. If your car is damaged due to a break-in, you'll also be covered.

Is not returning a rental car theft?

The rental company might charge late fees or other penalties. Now, if that person keeps the car for a long time without any communication or intention to return it, then yeah, it could escalate to a criminal issue like theft or unauthorized use of a vehicle.

How can I avoid getting scammed on a rental car?

How to avoid common car rental rip-offs
  1. Take pics and video of your car. Before you even think about driving off, whip out your phone and start recording. ...
  2. Only buy insurance if you really need it. Don't let rental car companies upsell you on insurance you don't need. ...
  3. Avoid unnecessary fees.

What is theft protection insurance for rental cars?

It limits the driver's responsibility if the rental car is stolen. This means that the car hire company will not charge you the whole cost of the car if it gets stolen while you have it. There is almost always an excess, which means you will pay the first part of any repair or replacement costs.

What happens if your rental car gets stolen Hertz?

What happens if damage or theft occurs during my Hertz rental? By purchasing a Loss-Damage Waiver (LDW), you won't be responsible for any loss or damage that occurs to the car provided you weren't using the car in a manner prohibited by the Rental Agreement. Plus, we'll get a you a new replacement rental car ASAP.

Why do rental car companies ask for insurance?

Verifying auto insurance ensures that renters have a financial safety net in case of an accident, damage, and wear of their vehicle from those habits, reducing the risk of potential financial disputes between the renter and the rental agency.

Does car insurance cover rental cars?

Your collision and comprehensive coverage will usually cover this already, however a more expensive rental car may require you to purchase additional coverage to ensure the cash value of the vehicle is covered.

What happens when a stolen car hits your car?

If they did not give express permission to the party who was driving the vehicle, then they may not be liable in any way for the resulting accident. The thief is almost always the liable party and their insurance will become involved, or a personal injury lawsuit could result.

Can I report my car stolen if my son took it?

Of course you can. Taking something that's not yours, without permission is theft. Since he took stolen property across state lines it might also be a Federal crime.

Do rental cars have theft insurance?

Theft Protection is usually required by most rental companies. This cover can be purchased either from the car rental company, the broker, or a credit card company. For Theft Protection cover to take effect, the renter is usually obliged to file a police report within 24 hours of theft and notify the rental company.

Does Enterprise put cameras in rental cars?

Do rental cars have cameras inside enterprise? Surveillance cameras have yet to be commonly installed inside Enterprise rental cars. As for some cars specially equipped with cameras for safety or navigation, such devices are only usually installed by rental companies for some cars.

Does rental insurance cover theft?

Renters insurance is a personal property policy that helps protect your personal belongings – such as electronics, furniture, clothing – from the costs associated with damage or theft.

What are the disadvantages of car rental?

Understanding the Disadvantages of Renting a Car
  • There is no hired driver. One of the most significant disadvantages of renting a car is it doesn't come with a driver. ...
  • High prices. ...
  • Strict terms and conditions. ...
  • Unfamiliarity with the vehicle. ...
  • Responsibility for any mishaps. ...
  • Less time to relax and enjoy.

Do rental cars have trackers in them?

How Rental Car Companies Track Vehicles? GPS Tracking: Many rental cars are equipped with GPS devices that allow companies to monitor the vehicle's location in real time. This technology helps companies manage their fleet, recover stolen cars, and ensure customer safety.

How do I find a stolen rental car?

How to Find a Stolen Car: 10 Effective Ways
  1. File a “Car Stolen” Report to the Police. ...
  2. Track Stolen Car with VIN Number. ...
  3. Use GPS Device to Track Your Stolen Car. ...
  4. Check Security Camera Footage to Find Your Stolen Car. ...
  5. Contact Your Insurance Company. ...
  6. Inform Your Leasing Company If Your Rented Car Is Stolen.

Do I need extra insurance when renting a car?

Rental car insurance is typically offered by the rental car company but is not required. And depending on your personal insurance and coverage offered by your credit card company, you may not need extra coverage offered by the rental car company.

Does insurance cover rental cars when the car is in shop?

3. Your vehicle must be in the shop due to a covered loss. Rental reimbursement coverage can be used while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident or another covered loss, not for routine maintenance or leisure. So, if your car is at the body shop after an accident, a rental car is covered up to your limit.