The popularity of car share programs has really jumped in recent years, and the benefits they offer urban dwellers explain why. Car shares are designed for people who live in cities who want access to a car occasionally, but do not want to pay for all the expenses that go along with owning a car outright. One of these expenses is insurance, and the popularity of these programs has left many participants wondering whether or not they need their own insurance when using a car share. The answer to this question is more complex than you think, and depends on a few different variables.
The first problem is that insurance laws vary from throughout the country. Some car share programs are locally run, and only operate in one state. Others are owned by large corporations such as Hertz, Enterprise and Daimler. Regardless of ownership, the key thing to know here is that the insurance policy that the program uses most likely changes from state to state.
When considering a car share program, you should definitely call first and ask about their insurance policies. Zipcar, for instance, states on their website that insurance is included with all rentals, but they also explain that the amounts vary by jurisdiction. Hertz On Demand says that insurance is included in the membership fee, but it also states that you will be liable for anything in excess of the insured amount. To get the facts straight, you will most likely need to call the car share’s customer service number and get the details for the state you live in.
If you already have Fredericksburg car insurance for another vehicle, that policy may cover you when you are using a car share, but this is not always the case. Zipcar, for instance, recommends that you get in touch with your insurance agent and have them contact Zipcar directly, since getting the details straight can be confusing.
One question many would-be participants ask is whether they can get car insurance without actually owning a car. The answer is that there you can get what is called a non-owners insurance policy. This policy is meant to cover individuals who need to drive periodically, but do not actually own a car themselves. Anyone who frequently rents a car or participates in a car share program would fall under this category. As with a normal car insurance policy, you can choose the coverage that you need. In some states, having a non-owners insurance policy when driving in a car share program may be your best option, and the good thing about them is that they often cost a lot less than normal policies.
Give Tabitha E Walker Insurance Agency a call at 540-657-5633 for more information about car insurance policies in your area.