Do You Need Insurance While Renting A Car In Hawaii?
Insurance coverage while renting a car in Hawaii is optional. While rental agencies have a long list of various coverages available for your needs, very few of my clients utilize any of them. This is because they are expensive and most often, the traveler finds they are already covered.
The most common type of insurance I include in rentals is Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). This can range from $15.00 a day to $29.00 per day and is added to the base rate so it is taxed as well. LDW is not true insurance, rather, it is the rental agencies agreement not to hold the consumer liable for loss from all or part of any damage to the vehicle. The next most frequently used insurance is a supplemental liability policy (SLI) that protects against claims from others. This supplemental policy can range from $10.00 to $20.00 per day and again, goes with the base charges. Other policies available include Uninsured Motorist Protection (UMP) and Personal Protection Plan (PPP).
While each of these plans could be useful under the right circumstances, it is a good idea to review each plans provisions, exclusions and limitations prior to purchasing. Information on a rental agency’s website tends to be cursory so it is a good idea to request the detailed information from an agent at the rental office with enough time to review.
As I have mentioned, insurance coverage on rental cars in Hawaii is optional. One reason for this is that you may already be covered while traveling through your current auto insurance. In broad terms, when you rent a car, the liability coverage limits you have with your own auto insurance policy remain in effect with the same limits. Also, the comprehensive and collision coverage from your current auto insurance policy should be in effect while traveling with the same deductibles. Please keep in mind that I am only pointing out that you may be covered through your current insurance. It is essential that you consult with your current auto insurance carrier for details on whether or not you are covered and to what level while renting a vehicle on vacation in Hawaii.
Additionally, you may find that you have some coverage through your credit card. It is again very important that you check with your credit card company for specific details. Coverage from credit card companies frequently carries caveats such as you are only covered if you rent from a specific rental company. Some limit the number of days you are covered. Some have coverage available, but only if you enroll first.
One more note. If you incur a loss that is not covered by your auto insurance policy, check your other insurance policies. For instance, if you have personal property stolen from the trunk of your rental car, you may want to check for coverage through your homeowners policy.
Thrifty
Additional Renters Under 25
Over $20 Per Day (No charge when reserved with us)
Loss Damage Waiver
Over $25 Per Day
Waives your financial responsibility for loss or damage to the vehicle in full or in part subject to the conditions in the rental agreement and the limitations imposed by law.
Personal Protection Plan
Personal Protection Plan includes Personal Accident Insurance and Personal Effects Insurance. Where offered, they must be purchased together.
Supplemental Liability Insurance
Third-party automobile liability coverage with benefits up to a maximum protection of $1,000,000 combined single limit (CSL) per occurrence.
Uninsured Motorist Protection
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection ("UMP") provides coverage for injuries and damages caused by an owner or driver of an uninsured or underinsured third party vehicle.
The above figures represent the insurance rates for the national companies. These rates are subject to change and are not real-time. Please contact the specific companies if you require more information.
