New Year's Resolution for Savvy Consumers: Make Sure Auto Insurance Policy Includes Rental Reimbursement

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Dec 16, 2014, 10:00 ET

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're making resolutions for 2015, here's one to add to your list: Make sure your auto insurance policy still fits your needs, including rental reimbursement coverage in the event of an accident.

"Drivers without rental reimbursement coverage may be in for a surprise after an accident," said Mary Mahoney, vice president for Enterprise Rent-A-Car's Replacement Division. "Considering that their car could be in a repair center for a week or longer, consumers often find themselves paying for an unexpected rental car bill, facing the headache of juggling family cars or even asking friends and neighbors for a ride."

Rental reimbursement typically is an inexpensive, but often overlooked option that pays for the cost of a rental when a policyholder's car is damaged. A year's premium can cost less than a one-day car rental – while going without it can generate hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket rental charges since the average length of repair time is 13 days.

"We work with customers every day who don't know whether they're covered for the cost of a replacement rental," Mahoney added. "So the start of a new year is a great time for consumers to double-check with their insurance companies and make sure that they have the necessary coverage."

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has detailed the importance of selecting the right auto insurance policy and related options in a consumer alert:

"Understanding what your policy covers is essential to ensuring you will have the necessary insurance protection when a loss occurs … there are several other types of coverage which you may purchase. These include: Rental reimbursement coverage or transportation expenses to pay for a rental car if your vehicle is damaged by a covered loss. This coverage is usually purchased with a daily and total maximum. For example, $20 per day up to a total of $600."

As Edmunds.com insurance expert Richard Arca summed it up in U.S. News & World Report, "Every customer who didn't have rental coverage wished they had it." Consequently, Enterprise continues to remind consumers about rental reimbursement, all in an effort to increase understanding and awareness of coverage options. For example, in a humorous marketing initiative called "My 13 Days," Enterprise developed a video and microsite featuring a driver who initially thought he didn't need rental reimbursement coverage.

Some auto insurance companies likewise remind consumers about the rental reimbursement option. In fact, Enterprise has been partnering with insurance companies and collision repair centers for more than 50 years to help customers whose cars have been damaged or stolen. Today, the Enterprise Rent-A-Car network – with more than 5,500 airport and neighborhood offices located within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population – is ideally positioned to provide replacement rentals to consumers throughout the country.

To learn more about rental reimbursement, visit www.my13days.com. To learn more about Enterprise Rent-A-Car, visit www.enterprise.com.

About Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Founded in 1957, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is an internationally recognized brand known for an extensive network of locations, affordable rates and outstanding customer service. When severe weather and natural disasters strike, the Enterprise neighborhood network plays an integral role in mobilizing the local recovery efforts of insurance providers, emergency response organizations and repair shops. Enterprise Rent-A-Car's local branches and its insurance and collision partners also can leverage the company's evolving technology platforms, such as ARMS and the Priority Pass program.

This press release and car rental industry news are available in the Enterprise Holdings Press Room.

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SOURCE Enterprise Rent-A-Car