Meta Title: Does Erie Cover Rental Cars insurance? Find Out Now
Meta Description: Does Erie cover rental cars insurance? Discover 7 surprising facts about Erie’s rental car insurance coverage, policy types, and claims process.
Comprehensive Outline
| Section | Heading | |
| 1 | Shocking Truth: 7 Things to Know About Erie Rental Car Insurance Coverage | |
| 2 | Introduction to Erie Insurance | |
| 3 | What Is Rental Car Insurance? | |
| 4 | Does Erie Cover Rental Cars? | |
| 5 | Types of Erie Coverage That Include Rentals | |
| 6 | Erie Auto Plus & Extended Coverage | |
| 7 | Rental Reimbursement Coverage Explained | |
| 8 | When Does Erie Not Cover Rental Cars? | |
| 9 | Erie’s Rental Car Coverage vs. Competitors | |
| 10 | State Farm vs. Erie | |
| 11 | GEICO vs. Erie | |
| 12 | How to File a Rental Car Insurance Claim with Erie | |
| 13 | Costs and Premiums for Rental Coverage | |
| 14 | Common Misconceptions About Erie’s Rental Insurance | |
| 15 | FAQs | |
| 16 | Conclusion |
Introduction to Erie Insurance
Erie Insurance is a well-established provider known for offering reliable and customer-friendly insurance solutions. Founded in 1925, Erie has built a reputation for integrity, superior service, and comprehensive policy options. Whether you’re seeking auto, home, or life insurance, Erie is often in the conversation for best value—especially when it comes to auto insurance that includes rental car coverage.
As you might imagine, many customers ask: Does Erie cover rental cars insurance? The short answer is—yes, but with important conditions and nuances you need to understand to avoid surprises during a claim.
What Is Rental Car Insurance?
Rental car insurance is a type of coverage that protects you when driving a vehicle you don’t own—typically rented for a short time from an agency like Enterprise, Hertz, or Alamo. There are several types of protection typically available:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) helps cover repair costs if the rental car gets damaged.
- Liability Coverage: Pays for injuries or damage you cause to others.
- Personal Accident Insurance: Covers your medical expenses.
- Personal Effects Coverage: Protects belongings stolen from the car.
When you rent a car, the agency will often try to sell you all of these options—but if your personal auto insurance covers rentals, you may not need to pay extra. That’s where Erie comes into play.
Does Erie Cover Rental Cars?
Yes, Erie Insurance does cover rental cars, but it depends on the type of auto policy you carry.
If you already have an active Erie auto policy, your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage typically extends to rental cars used for personal purposes. This means:
- You’re protected if you damage the rental car.
- You’re protected if someone else sues you.
- You’re protected if the car is stolen or vandalized.
But—and it’s a big but—this extension doesn’t include rental reimbursement coverage unless you’ve added it as a separate endorsement.
Types of Erie Coverage That Include Rentals
Erie provides several coverage options that may apply to rental vehicles, including:
1. Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury or property damage you cause while driving a rental car.
2. Collision and Comprehensive
These apply to damage from accidents, theft, fire, weather, or vandalism involving a rental.
3. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Applies if the at-fault driver in an accident with your rental has inadequate coverage.
4. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
It covers your medical bills no matter who caused the accident.
However, none of the above covers the cost of renting a car while yours is being repaired, unless you have:
Erie Auto Plus & Extended Coverage
Erie offers a policy upgrade called Auto Plus, which includes a range of extras:
- Increased coverage limits
- Diminishing deductible
- Death benefit
- Transportation expense reimbursement
Most importantly, Auto Plus includes rental car reimbursement for a covered loss. This means if your car is in the shop after an accident, Erie will pay for a rental—up to your policy limits.
Extended coverage may also be available for business rentals, international use, or additional drivers. Be sure to review your declarations page or talk to an Erie agent to confirm your options.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage Explained
Many customers assume Erie will pay for a rental car when their vehicle is undrivable. · However, this benefit is only available if rental reimbursement is part of your insurance plan.
Here’s how it works:
| Coverage Type | Description | Limit |
| Basic Reimbursement | Pays a daily amount for a rental when your car is being repaired | $20-$40/day |
| Customizable Limits | You can opt for higher limits to cover SUVs or premium vehicles | Up to $75/day |
| Applies Only to Covered Claims | Must be related to an accident, theft, or covered incident | Yes |
You can’t add it after an accident—so it’s best to opt in when you first buy or renew your policy.
When Does Erie Not Cover Rental Cars?
While Erie provides extensive coverage, there are some key exceptions where your rental car won’t be covered under your standard auto policy:
- Commercial Use: If you’re using the rental car for business or delivery services (like DoorDash), standard personal coverage likely won’t apply unless you’ve purchased a commercial policy.
· International Rentals: Erie typically limits rental car coverage to vehicles used within the United States.and Canada. Renting a car in Europe or Mexico? You’ll likely need to purchase extra coverage.
- Unlisted Drivers: If someone not listed on your policy drives the rental, your coverage may be voided.
- Lack of Physical Damage Coverage: If you only carry liability insurance on your Erie policy, damage to the rental vehicle won’t be covered unless you add comprehensive and collision coverage.
Understanding these exclusions is critical so you’re not caught off guard in a foreign country or during a business trip.
Erie’s Rental Car Coverage vs. Competitors
How does Erie stack up against the big players in the insurance game? Let’s compare it to two major providers:
State Farm vs. Erie
| Feature | Erie | State Farm |
| Rental Reimbursement Included? | No, optional add-on | No, optional add-on |
| Liability Coverage Extended? | Yes | Yes |
| Out-of-Country Coverage | U.S. & Canada | U.S. & Canada |
| Rental for Total Loss Included? | Yes (if you added the endorsement) | Yes (if you added the endorsement) |
Verdict: Both are similar, but Erie Auto Plus offers more perks for slightly less premium in many states.
GEICO vs. Erie
| Feature | Erie | GEICO |
| Standard Coverage for Rentals | Yes | Yes |
| Reimbursement Option | Yes, with endorsement | Yes, with endorsement |
| Claim Satisfaction Score | High | Moderate |
| Custom Limits Available | Yes | Yes |
Verdict: GEICO may offer slightly cheaper premiums, but Erie consistently receives higher marks for customer service and satisfaction, especially in the Midwest and Eastern U.S. regions.
How to File a Rental Car Insurance Claim with Erie
If you need to file a claim involving a rental car, follow these steps for a smooth process:
1. Call Erie Immediately
Dial 1-800-367-3743 or contact your local agent. Reporting as soon as possible ensures proper documentation.
2. Provide Key Information
Be ready with:
- Rental agreement details
- Police report (if applicable)
- Description of the incident
- Photos of the damage (if available)
3. Coordinate with Rental Agency
Let the rental agency know you’re filing a claim through Erie. Some agencies may require you to pay upfront and get reimbursed.
4. Track Your Claim Online
Erie provides a secure portal where you can check claim status, upload documents, and communicate with your adjuster.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a credit card that includes rental car insurance, file a claim with them as well—it may cover deductibles or gaps.
Costs and Premiums for Rental Coverage
Rental car reimbursement is one of the most affordable add-ons Erie offers. Here’s a breakdown:
| Coverage Option | Monthly Cost | Daily Limit | Max Duration |
| Basic Plan | $2–$5 | $20/day | 30 days |
| Mid-Tier Plan | $5–$8 | $40/day | 30 days |
| Premium Plan | $8–$12 | $60–$75/day | 45 days |
The actual price depends on your state, vehicle type, and driving record.
Common Misconceptions About Erie’s Rental Insurance
Let’s bust a few myths that confuse many drivers:
- Myth #1: “All rental car coverage is included in my policy.”
Reality: Only liability, collision, and comprehensive transfer—reimbursement requires an add-on. - Myth #2: “Credit cards offer better protection.”
Reality: Most credit card coverage is secondary, meaning your Erie policy pays first. - Myth #3: “I don’t need rental reimbursement unless I travel a lot.”
Reality: Reimbursement is more about your car breaking down than travel. Accidents happen locally too.
FAQs About Erie Rental Car Insurance
1. Does Erie Insurance cover rental cars in another state?
Yes. If you rent a car in another U.S. state or in Canada, Erie’s coverage typically extends to that rental.
2. Does Erie cover luxury or SUV rentals?
Only if your policy includes adequate reimbursement limits. You may need to upgrade your coverage to get reimbursed for higher-cost rentals.
3. What if I rent a car for business purposes?
You’ll need a commercial auto policy. Personal Erie policies do not cover business-use rentals.
4. Does Erie offer insurance for international rentals?
- No, Erie’s insurance does not provide coverage for rental cars used outside of the U.S. and Canada. You’ll need to purchase insurance from the rental agency abroad.
5. Can I use Erie’s rental coverage with a ride-sharing service like Turo or Zipcar?
Usually not. Rentals from peer-to-peer platforms are often excluded, but this depends on local laws and Erie’s underwriting policies.
6. Is rental reimbursement worth it with Erie?
Absolutely. For just a few extra dollars per month, you’ll save hundreds in rental fees if your car is ever in the shop after an accident.
Conclusion
So, does Erie cover rental car insurance? The answer is yes—but with a few strings attached. Erie provides comprehensive and reliable rental car coverage through both standard policies and optional add-ons like rental reimbursement and Auto Plus. With affordable premiums and a reputation for customer satisfaction, Erie remains a top choice—especially for drivers who want peace of mind whether they’re at home or on the road.
Make sure to review your policy, speak with your agent, and add any endorsements you need before you find yourself in a situation where a rental is necessary.