10 Best Companies for Cheap Rental Car Insurance in 2024
The best companies for cheap rental car insurance are Geico, USAA, and Progressive, with Geico's rates starting from as low as $50/mo. However, you could get the best rental car insurance from a personal policy with State Farm, Geico, or third-party companies. Compare rental car insurance rates below.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...
Insurance Operations Specialist
UPDATED: Aug 26, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 26, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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13,128 reviewsGeico, USAA, and Progressive are the best companies for cheap rental car insurance. Geico is out top pick because of its competitive rates.
We’ll go over how to find the best car insurance companies for rental cars, the various rental car insurance coverage types, and the providers with the cheapest car rental insurance.
Our Top 10 Picks: Best Companies for Cheap Rental Car Insurance
Company Rank Multi-Vehicle Discount A.M. Best Best For Jump to Pros/Cons
#1 25% A++ Competitive Rates Geico
#2 10% A++ Comprehensive Coverage USAA
#3 12% A+ Customer Satisfaction Progressive
#4 10% A+ Broad Coverage Erie
#5 20% A+ Military Support Nationwide
#6 20% A High Ratings Farmers
#7 8% A++ Reliable Coverage Travelers
#8 25% A Personalized Service Liberty Mutual
#9 25% A+ Strong Reputation Allstate
#10 20% B Flexible Policies State Farm
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- Geico offers the best car rental insurance coverage
- Consider purchasing your own rental car policy, if you’re a frequent auto renter
- You can get car insurance for rental cars from USAA if you have a personal policy
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#1 – Geico: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Affordable Rates: Geico offers competitive rates often below the national average, even for drivers with a history of speeding tickets or accidents. Learn more about Geico’s rates in our Geico auto insurance company review.
- Excellent Customer Service: Many policyholders report positive experiences with Geico’s customer service.
- Advanced Digital Tools: Geico provides user-friendly digital tools for managing your policy, including a robust website and a mobile app.
Cons
- Claims Handling Issues: Despite positive feedback, many customers report challenges with Geico’s claims process.
- No Gap Insurance: Geico does not provide gap insurance.
#2 – USAA: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Pros
- Affordable Rates: USAA offers some of the lowest premiums in the industry, especially for military families. Find out why USAA ranks among the cheapest providers in our USAA auto insurance review.
- Top Customer Satisfaction: Consistently ranks first in customer service, claims handling, and loyalty.
- Excellent Mobile App: USAA’s mobile app is highly rated and provides convenient access to policy management, claims, and other services.
Cons
- Limited Membership Eligibility: USAA is restricted to military personnel, veterans, and their families.
- Must Join Before Quote: To get a quote, you must become a member.
#3 – Progressive: Best for Customer Satisfaction
Pros
- Variety of Coverage Options: Progressive provides a wide range of coverage options, including specialized and non-standard policies. Learn more about coverage options and monthly rates in our Progressive auto insurance company review.
- Vanishing Deductible Feature: They offer a program that reduces your deductible for each policy period you remain accident-free.
- Usage-Based Discounts: Progressive offers discounts through its Snapshot program.
Cons
- Mixed Customer Service Ratings: Progressive has received average customer service ratings.
- Snapshot Program Can Increase Rates: The usage-based Snapshot program may lead to higher premiums for some drivers if their driving behavior is risky.
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#4 – Erie: Best for Broad Coverage
Pros
- Comprehensive Coverage Perks: Erie offers additional benefits like glass repair with no deductible, locksmith service, and personal items coverage. Dive into our in-depth Erie auto insurance review to find the best policy for your needs.
- High J.D. Power Ranking: Erie consistently ranks highly in J.D. Power’s auto insurance shopping and claims satisfaction surveys.
- Numerous Discounts Available: Erie provides a wide range of discounts.
Cons
- Average Complaint Volume: Erie receives a typical number of complaints to state regulators for a company of its size.
- Limited Discount Options: Erie offers fewer discounts than other car insurance providers.
#5 – Nationwide: Best for Military Support
Pros
- Low Complaint Rate: Fewer than expected complaints to state regulators for auto insurance.
- Comprehensive Coverage Options: Offers a wide variety of options.
- Competitive Rates: Excellent rates for drivers with speeding tickets and those with poor credit. Find out if Nationwide might have the lowest rates for you in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
Cons
- High DUI Rates: Fourth-highest sample costs for drivers with a DUI on their record.
- Below-Average Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction for auto insurance is lower than average, according to recent J.D. Power studies.
#6 – Farmers: Best for High Ratings
Pros
- Many Discounts Available: Farmers offers various discounts. Take a look at our Farmers insurance company review to learn more.
- Diverse Coverage Options: This company provides a broad selection of coverage options and add-ons.
- Low Complaint Rate: Fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
- High Premiums in Some States: Farmers’ auto insurance rates can be significantly higher than average in certain regions.
- Slow Roadside Assistance: Some customers have reported delays and inefficiencies with Farmers’ roadside assistance services.
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#7 – Travelers: Best for Reliable Coverage
Pros
- Extensive Coverage Options: Travelers provides a wide range of auto insurance coverages.
- Accident Forgiveness: This feature prevents premium increases after the first accident.
- New Car Replacement: Travelers offers new car replacement insurance. For more information, read our Travelers company review.
Cons
- Low Customer Satisfaction: Travelers’ customer satisfaction ratings are below average.
- Limited Discounts by Location: The availability and value of discounts may vary significantly based on your location.
#8 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Personalized Service
Pros
- Variety of Coverage Options: Liberty Mutual offers a wide range of auto policies and add-on coverage. You can learn more about Liberty Mutual’s insurance options in our complete guide: Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Review.
- Numerous Discounts Available: Especially beneficial for young drivers, Liberty Mutual provides many discount opportunities.
- Valet Claims Service: Policyholders with rental reimbursement coverage can enjoy the convenience of Liberty Mutual’s valet claims service.
Cons
- Higher-than-Average Premiums: Liberty Mutual’s auto insurance premiums can be more expensive than those of other providers, especially for high-risk drivers.
- Below-Average Customer Satisfaction: In customer surveys and reviews, Liberty Mutual often receives lower ratings for trustworthiness, customer support, and overall value.
#9 – Allstate: Best for Strong Reputation
Pros
- Extensive Coverage Options: Allstate offers a variety of coverage options, including a safe-driving bonus every six months, accident forgiveness, and new car replacement.
- User-Friendly Technology: The plug-in device for their telematics program is simple to use and install.
- Easy Policy Setup: Allstate receives high marks for the ease of opening a new policy.
Cons
- Below-Average Customer Ratings: Allstate’s customer ratings for auto insurance shopping satisfaction are lower than many competitors.
- High Costs for High Mileage: Allstate can be expensive for high-mileage drivers. ind more information about Allstate’s rates in our review of Allstate insurance.
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#10 – State Farm: Best for Flexible Policies
Pros
- Extensive Coverage Options: State Farm offers a wide range of coverage choices, including rental car expenses and travel-related coverage options.
- High Customer Satisfaction: When it comes to customer satisfaction with auto insurance, State Farm routinely scores highly. Wondering about their level of customer service? Find out in our State Farm Company.
- Attractive Discounts: State Farm provides appealing discount opportunities, particularly for students and teenage drivers.
Cons
- Higher Premiums: State Farm’s sample premiums for adult drivers are higher than the industry average.
- No Gap Insurance: State Farm does not offer gap insurance.
Cost of Auto Insurance for Rental Cars
Currently, rental car companies are charging around $230 to $575 for a weekly rental of an economy-size car. Supplemental insurance costs can easily add extra fees ranging from $6 to $60 per day. Check out the table below to see the average cost for coverage from the best car rental insurance companies:
Rental Auto Insurance Daily Rates by Rental Company
| Rental Company | Collision Damage Waiver | Liability Coverage | Personal Accident/Effects | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | $25 | $13 | $6 | $44 |
| Avis | $28 | $16 | $10 | $54 |
| Budget | $9 | $15 | $7 | $31 |
| Dollar | $23 | $15 | $8 | $46 |
| Enterprise | $30 | $17 | $13 | $60 |
| Fox | $20 | $15 | $7 | $42 |
| Hertz | $27 | $19 | $7 | $53 |
| National | $26 | $18 | $9 | $53 |
| Payless | $22 | $12 | $6 | $40 |
| Sixt | $30 | $20 | $10 | $60 |
| Thrifty | $24 | $14 | $8 | $46 |
Of course, if you have a personal auto insurance policy from the best rental car insurance companies, your coverage extends to rental vehicles. See a list of the best car rental insurance companies and the coverages offered:
Rental Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level & Provider
Insurance Company Minimum Coverage Full Coverage
Allstate $65 $125
Erie $57 $115
Farmers $60 $120
Geico $50 $100
Liberty Mutual $63 $130
Nationwide $58 $115
Progressive $55 $110
State Farm $70 $120
Travelers $62 $125
USAA $52 $105
Always compare rates and coverage options to find cheap auto insurance for rental cars.
Types of Car Rental Insurance Coverage
Although auto rental insurance policies vary among insurance providers and according to individual auto insurance state laws, certain types of coverage are required by the majority of states. These mandatory areas of coverage include:
Collision Damage Waiver
Collision damage waivers (CDW), or loss damage waiver, will protect you by covering the costs of any damage to your auto in a collision. It will also cover any harm caused to your car in case of theft or vandalism.
Read more: Does auto insurance cover theft?
A CDW is actually relatively inexpensive, costing approximately $9 to $30 per day.
This type of protection also covers any vehicle downtime — that is, the actual time a damaged vehicle cannot be rented out while it’s in the repair shop.
So, a CDW transfers liability for collision damages from the vehicle renter to the auto rental company itself.
Supplemental Liability Auto Insurance
Supplemental liability auto insurance (SLI), offering coverage for as much as $1 million, can cost from $13 to $19 per day for a rental car if the renter does not have a car owner policy to cover rental car liability. In essence, a supplemental liability auto insurance is an umbrella policy.
Another option is to obtain non-owner rental car insurance through an agent or broker. This non-owner auto insurance coverage comes at a very reasonable rate — often as little as $200 to $525 per year.
Personal Accident Protection
This will cover ambulance and medical costs for both the rental car driver and passengers when they are involved in a road accident. The charge for this feature is around $6 to $13 a day.
However, your health insurance and the personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance under your car owner’s insurance policy already covers this area.
Personal Effects Insurance
Personal Effects Insurance reimburses for theft of items from your rental car, such as laptop computers, cellular phones, or sports equipment. This type of coverage will cost approximately $6 to $13 per day.
You may find it more economical to choose a floating policy under the homeowner's or renter's insurance. With this added coverage, personal items have protection both at home and when you travel.Daniel Walker Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Together, liability and personal injury insurance will cover any damage or injury you may cause to another driver, car, or to property while you are behind the wheel of your moving vehicle.
Read more: Does auto insurance cover private property?
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Best Companies for Rental Car Auto Insurance
You can get various types of auto insurance for your rental car, whether it’s from the rental car company, a third party, or your insurance company. We’ll overview the best car rental insurance in the USA from the best auto insurance companies for rental vehicles.
Car Rental Company Auto Insurance
Generally, you can always buy rental car insurance from the same company you get your rental vehicle with. Some of the best car rental companies with auto insurance include:
- Avis
- Hertz
- Enterprise
- Alamo
- Budget
All of these top car rental companies offer rental auto insurance coverages such as a collision damage waiver, liability insurance, personal effects coverage, and personal accident insurance.
Third-Party Rental Car Insurance
You can also get a policy from the best third-party car rental insurance companies to cover medical expenses and property damage for others. Some of the best third-party car rental insurance companies include:
- Sure
- Allianz
- Bonzah
- Rental Cover
Always compare costs and coverages from various companies to find the best third-party rental car insurance for you. Read more: How to Find Auto Insurance Quotes Fast
Auto Insurance Company Rental Car Insurance
So, does auto insurance cover rental cars? Many reputable auto insurance companies offer both personal car insurance and rental car insurance. Some of the best rental car insurance companies for drivers who need to add rental coverage to their policies are are Geico, Allstate, Travelers, Progressive, Esurance, and AARP.
American Express credit card services also offers rental car insurance, along with many Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by banks and financial services.
Rental car insurance may not be necessary to buy if you already have it in your current plan from your current company. In addition, check with the credit card company that you used to rent the vehicle. Many credit card users either forget or are not aware that they’re insured to some extent under their credit card agreements whenever they use their cards to obtain rental cars.
Know Your Current Coverage Before Getting Rental Car Insurance
Before deciding on the type and amount of rental car insurance you’ll purchase for your next trip, consider the coverage you currently have if you’re covered by a car owner’s policy.
Then, you’ll know whether to supplement your policy with additional coverage from the best car rental insurance companies.
Learn More: Best Rental Car Insurance That Covers Additional Drivers
Also, find out the extent of insurance provided by the credit card you’re using to rent a car and look at the coverage options offered by the rental car company.
How to Buy the Cheapest Car Rental Insurance Policy Online
Finally, consider the option of purchasing your own rental car policy, if you’re a frequent auto renter. Whether you get a policy from the best third-party car rental insurance company or already have coverage through your personal insurance, it’s important to cover your rental vehicle.
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You need the best possible rental car auto insurance coverage at an affordable cost. So, it’s important to know to get multiple auto insurance quotes to find the cheapest car rental insurance before your road trip. Enter your ZIP code into our free auto insurance comparison tool to find the best rental car insurance choices for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is auto insurance offered by car rental companies?
Auto insurance offered by car rental companies is a form of coverage that protects you financially in case of damage or theft of a rental vehicle. It typically includes collision damage waiver, personal accident protection, personal effects insurance, and liability coverage. Read about the best property damage liability (PDL) auto insurance companies in our guide.
What are the top three rental car companies?
Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz are the top three car rental insurance companies, based on customer satisfaction and cost.
What is the best car rental company for customer satisfaction?
J.D. Power ranked Enterprise as the highest in customer satisfaction for the second year in a row in 2022.
Which rental car company has the lowest insurance rates?
Budget is the car rental company that has the best auto insurance rates, averaging $31/day. However, always compare rental car insurance cost before buying the first policy you find. See our guide on where to compare auto insurance rates for more information.
What are the pros of purchasing auto insurance from a car rental company?
Purchasing auto insurance from a car rental company can have its advantages, including:
- Convenience: Car rental companies provide a one-stop-shop for both renting a vehicle and obtaining insurance coverage.
- Peace of Mind: Having auto insurance from a car rental company ensures you are protected against potential financial losses due to accidents or theft.
- Streamlined Claims Process: If an incident occurs, you can directly contact the rental company, making it easier to navigate the claims process.
- Additional Coverage Options: Car rental companies often offer supplemental coverage options, such as personal accident insurance or roadside assistance.
If you are seeking convenience and immediate, hassle-free coverage, these benefits can make buying rental car insurance from a car rental company a viable option.
What are the cons of purchasing auto insurance from a car rental company?
Here are some potential drawbacks to consider when purchasing auto insurance from a car rental company:
- Cost: Auto insurance from car rental companies can be relatively expensive compared to other insurance options.
- Limited Coverage: Car rental company insurance may come with limitations and exclusions, so it’s important to review the policy details carefully.
- Overlapping Coverage: If you have existing auto insurance or coverage through a credit card, you might already have some level of protection for rental cars, making the additional coverage redundant.
Considering these potential cons, it’s often better to review your existing auto insurance policy or consult your provider to understand your coverage options before buying insurance from a car rental company.
What does Allianz rental car insurance cover?
Allianz rental auto insurance coverage includes a collision damage waiver of up to $50,000, supplemental liability insurance, personal accident insurance, and personal effects coverage. You also have 24-hour emergency roadside assistance coverage.
Is Allianz travel car insurance good?
Yes, Allianz offers affordable insurance for rental cars, and its plans are suited for business travelers.
Can I use my personal auto insurance for rental cars?
In many cases, your personal auto insurance policy may extend coverage to rental cars. We recommend you contact your insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage, including any deductibles or limitations.
Additionally, some credit cards also offer rental car insurance coverage when you use the card to pay for the rental. Reviewing your existing policies can help you determine if you need additional coverage from the car rental company.
Which is better: Alamo or Enterprise?
While Alamo offers the cheapest car rental insurance of the two, averaging $44/day, Enterprise has better customer satisfaction from J.D. Power. So, the best rental car insurance company depends on your needs. Read more: Where can I find unbiased reviews of auto insurance companies?
Do I need auto insurance to rent a car?
You don’t need auto insurance to rent a car, but you need some type of coverage. You can get insurance on a rental car by purchasing it from the rental company, using a credit card that offers rental car coverage, or buying short-term car insurance.
Do I need car rental insurance if I have full coverage?
If you have full coverage, you may not need additional insurance for car rental. Your personal auto policy usually covers rental cars for liability, collision, and comprehensive. However, confirm with your insurer to understand any limitations. If unsure, you can purchase insurance for car rental from the rental company for added protection.
Do you need extra insurance when renting a car in USA?
You don’t technically need extra insurance when renting a car in the USA because rental cars already meet the state minimum auto insurance requirements. However, car rental insurance providers offer additional coverage options that can provide extra protection.
Does car rental include insurance?
If you don’t have car insurance, rental companies provide the minimum coverage required by your state. Consider getting cheap car rental insurance for additional protection, especially when traveling abroad or for business. This can offer more comprehensive coverage beyond the basic requirements.
Does full coverage car insurance cover rentals?
Yes, your full coverage car insurance typically extends to rental cars, providing the same coverage limits and deductibles. If your policy includes comprehensive and collision coverage, it will protect against damage to the rental vehicle. Review the rental car insurance cost to avoid unexpected expenses and consider additional coverage if needed.
Does personal car insurance cover rental?
Yes, your personal car insurance typically covers rental cars, providing the same coverage limits and deductibles. When you rent a car, insurance from your personal policy generally applies, ensuring similar protection as your own vehicle.
How to get cheap rental car insurance?
To get cheap insurance for rental cars, compare quotes from different rental car companies and your insurance provider. Use a credit card that offers rental car coverage, and check if your existing auto policy includes rental coverage. Consider rental insurance aggregators for competitive rates. Learn how to compare auto insurance quotes in our detailed guide.
Does State Farm cover rental cars after accident?
Yes, State Farm rental reimbursement can cover the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is undrivable or under repair after an accident. This affordable rental car insurance helps you stay mobile while your car is being fixed.
How much does rental car insurance cost?
Rental car insurance typically costs between $10 and $30 per day. For example, a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) can range from $9 to $19 per day, while Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) is about $8 to $17 per day. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) can cost around $3 to $7 per day.
Can car rental companies force you to buy insurance?
Car rental companies cannot force you to buy insurance, but they will look to your own insurance if there’s an accident. Having additional coverage can provide extra protection. To learn how to get insurance on a rental car, consult with your rental company or your personal insurer. Learn more about the recommended auto insurance coverage levels in our article. Uncover affordable auto insurance rates from the top providers by entering your ZIP code below.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...
Insurance Operations Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
