Personal Insurance

First, please alert the appropriate authorities. After, please contact our office so that we can assist you with opening the claim. If it is after office hours, please locate your insurance carrier here and contact them directly. Please call back during office hours at your earliest convenience, so that we can assist with expediting your claim and addressing any questions or concerns you may have.

Full coverage is common terminology used to describe insuring the vehicle against damage. There are two relevant coverages, collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for damage done to your vehicle while it is moving and involved in an accident. The complimenting coverage, comprehensive, pays for damage done to your vehicle while it is parked. Events such as theft, vandalism to the vehicle, natural causes, etc. would be examples of a comprehensive claim.

Each line of business typically has a number of industry-wide standard exclusions. For example, homeowner’s insurance always excludes flood and earth movement. Policy exclusions will always be listed in the policy you receive from your carrier. It is important to review your policy in its entirety. If you have any questions concerning exclusions, please consult with an Old Harbor insurance professional.

This is a common question, and unfortunately, there is not a definitive yes or no answer. Here are a couple key points to consider in making your decision:

1. Liability protection that you carry for personal injury and property damage will provide some protection driving the rental car. Damage to the rental car would typically be covered under Collision and Comprehensive Coverage, that is if your policy has it. Injuries caused in the accident would be covered under your Bodily Injury Coverage. And lastly, damage to other vehicles would usually be covered under the Property Damage portion of your insurance policy.
2. The rental car company may try to hold you liable for damage for lost income while the rental car is out of service. Your auto policy may or may not protect you against this claim; the best way to know is to look at your policy or ask us to review it for you. Credit card companies often provide protection against these kinds of rental car claims so you should check there to see what the provisions and restrictions might be.
3. You can purchase a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) from the rental car company. This isn’t actually insurance but a release from financial liability you might otherwise be charged with as a result of damaging the rental car. This coverage can be expensive and range from $5 to $20 per day depending on where and what you are renting. If you do not have protection through your auto policy or credit card, paying the CDW would be encouraged.