Amica Auto Insurance: Moving Truck Rentals Covered?

If you have an Amica auto insurance policy and are planning to rent a moving truck, it's important to understand whether your policy covers this type of rental. Here's an introduction to help you get started:

When it comes to renting a moving truck, it's natural to wonder if your Amica auto insurance policy provides the necessary coverage. The good news is that, in most cases, your Amica auto insurance policy will extend to a rental vehicle, including a moving truck. This means that the coverage you have for your personal car will typically apply to a rental moving truck within the United States, Canada, or US territories. However, it's always a good idea to check with Amica beforehand to confirm the specifics of your policy.

While your liability coverage will likely extend to the rental moving truck, it's important to note that comprehensive and collision coverage may not be included. As a result, you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance from the rental company to ensure you're fully protected. This additional insurance can provide coverage for damage to the rental truck, as well as injuries to you and your passengers, and damage to your belongings during the move.

Remember, each policy is unique, so it's essential to review your specific Amica auto insurance plan and contact their representatives for a detailed understanding of your coverage options and limitations.

Liability insurance

If you're renting a moving truck, it's important to understand the liability insurance coverage provided by your Amica auto insurance policy. Liability insurance protects you in the event that you cause damage to other vehicles, property, or people while driving the rental truck. Here's what you need to know:

Amica Auto Insurance and Liability Coverage for Moving Truck Rentals

Amica auto insurance policies typically extend the same coverage to rental vehicles as they do to your personal car. This means that if you have liability coverage under your Amica auto insurance policy, it will also apply when you rent a moving truck. This coverage is crucial, as it provides financial protection in case of an accident or incident involving the rental truck.

Understanding Liability Insurance

Coverage Limits and Extensions

While your Amica auto insurance policy may cover liability for moving truck rentals, it's important to understand the limits of your specific policy. Coverage limits vary, and you may need to purchase additional coverage for extended protection. Additionally, coverage for rental vehicles typically applies for a limited period, often up to 30 days. Therefore, it's crucial to review your policy details and contact Amica if you have any questions or concerns about your coverage.

Rental Company's Insurance

When renting a moving truck, the rental company may offer their own liability insurance as an add-on. This additional coverage can provide peace of mind, especially if your Amica policy has lower limits or doesn't fully cover certain aspects. However, purchasing the rental company's insurance may result in out-of-pocket expenses, so carefully consider your options and consult with Amica representatives to ensure you have adequate protection.

International and Business Use

It's important to note that Amica's liability coverage for rental vehicles typically applies only within the United States, Canada, or U.S. territories. If you plan to use a rental moving truck internationally, you may need to purchase separate specialty rental car or travel insurance to meet the insurance requirements of the country you're visiting. Additionally, many personal insurance policies, including Amica's, do not cover vehicles rented for business purposes. Therefore, if you're renting a moving truck for business use, you may need to explore alternative insurance options.

Collision and comprehensive policies

Collision and comprehensive insurance are two types of car insurance that are important to understand. Although they are not legally required by any state, they can be very useful in a variety of situations. Collision and comprehensive insurance are often sold as a package, and they cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car, but not injuries or damage to anyone else's property.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for damage to your car if you hit an object or another vehicle. This includes situations where you accidentally damage your car, such as backing into a pole, as well as cases where someone else crashes into you. Collision coverage also covers damage caused by potholes. The average cost of collision coverage is about $290 per year, but this can vary depending on your location and the value of your car.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for non-crash damage, such as weather and fire damage, as well as theft of the vehicle or its parts. It also covers damage from contact with animals and natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Comprehensive coverage is significantly cheaper than collision coverage, with an average cost of around $134 per year.

If you lease your vehicle or have taken out a loan to buy it, your lender or leasing company will likely require you to have both collision and comprehensive insurance. Once your car loan is paid off, these coverages become optional. However, it's important to consider whether you could afford to repair or replace your car if it were damaged or stolen. If not, collision and comprehensive insurance can provide valuable protection. On the other hand, if your car is older and not worth a lot, these coverages may become less valuable compared to the cost.

Purchasing insurance from the rental company

The insurance offered by rental companies is not actually an insurance policy but an add-on that covers you in case of an accident with one of their vehicles. This usually includes liability, collision, personal effects, and personal accident coverage.

The cost of purchasing insurance from a rental company can be high, with basic insurance or a "damage waiver" averaging $19 per day, not including upsells. In some cases, you could be looking at almost double the cost of your rental.

Before purchasing insurance from a rental company, it is recommended that you review your auto policy and check with your credit card company, as you may already have coverage for rental cars.

Credit card rental coverage

Understanding Your Coverage

First, contact your credit card company to understand the extent of your rental coverage. Coverage can vary depending on the card issuer and the specific card you hold. Ask your credit card company the following questions:

• Is the rental car coverage primary or secondary? Primary coverage is preferable as it pays out first, allowing you to avoid filing a claim with your personal auto insurance.
• What vehicles are excluded from coverage? Credit card coverage often excludes certain vehicles like trucks, vans, or exotic cars. For example, Visa's rental benefits exclude all trucks and vans that seat more than eight people.
• What is the duration of the rental coverage? Credit card coverage usually has a limit on the number of consecutive days of rental coverage, which may differ for domestic and international rentals.
• What are the procedures for filing a claim? Understand the documentation required by your credit card company in case you need to file a claim, such as accident reports, rental agreements, repair estimates, and photographs.

When Credit Card Coverage Applies

What Is Covered

Credit card coverage generally includes a collision damage waiver or loss damage waiver, which covers damage to the rental car. It may also include towing expenses, administrative fees, and loss of use, compensating the rental company for the time the car is out of service. However, liability concerns, damage to property other than the rental car, and personal injuries are typically not covered by credit card policies. These aspects may be covered by your personal auto insurance or other sources.

When Your Credit Card Coverage May Not Be Enough

• Excluded Vehicles: As mentioned earlier, credit card coverage often excludes trucks, vans, and certain other vehicle types. If you're renting a moving truck, check with your credit card company to confirm if it's covered.
• International Rentals: Some countries may be excluded from your credit card's rental coverage. For example, Visa and Mastercard typically exclude rentals in Israel, Jamaica, and Ireland.
• Duration of Rental: Credit card coverage usually has time limits, such as 15 or 31 consecutive days. If you need a rental for an extended period, you may need to explore other coverage options.
• Personal Belongings: Credit card coverage typically doesn't include loss or theft of personal belongings inside the rental car. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may provide protection for these items.

In summary, while credit card rental coverage can be beneficial, it's crucial to understand its limitations. When renting a moving truck or trailer, carefully review your credit card coverage details and consider purchasing additional coverage if needed. Contact your credit card company and rental company to make informed decisions and ensure you have the protection you need.

Rental reimbursement

If you're in an accident and your car is not considered drivable or is in the shop for accident-related repairs, you may be covered for the cost of a rental under Amica's rental reimbursement coverage. This coverage is also known as rental car coverage.

In most cases, the coverage you have for your own car also extends to a rental car, SUV, motor home, or moving truck. However, it is recommended that you check beforehand to find out if you're covered. You can do this by giving Amica a call to review your policy. You should also research the rental company's policy and any other sources of coverage.

Your Amica auto policy extends the same coverage limits to a rental car, but in some cases, you may need more coverage. There may be certain benefits to purchasing additional insurance, but this may result in out-of-pocket expenses.

If you need to extend your rental period beyond the specific limits for rental reimbursement coverage in your policy, you may be responsible for additional costs. If you are not at fault, you may be able to recover the additional expense from the at-fault party.

Frequently asked questions