Zipcar has revolutionized the way people rent cars by providing a convenient and affordable car-sharing service. However, one of the biggest concerns for renters is ensuring that they have adequate insurance coverage in the event of an accident or damages to the vehicle. So, how does Zipcar insurance work?
Firstly, it’s important to note that Zipcar provides all its members with insurance coverage as part of their rental fee. This means that you do not need to purchase additional insurance when you rent a Zipcar. The insurance provided by Zipcar is designed to protect both you and the company from any potential liability.
The insurance policy provided by Zipcar includes liability coverage, which covers bodily injury and property damage caused by the Zipcar driver to other people or property. This coverage has limits of up to $300,000 for bodily injury per person, $500,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
In addition to liability coverage, Zipcar also provides collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage, which covers damage to the Zipcar while it is being rented. CDW has a deductible of $1,000, which is the amount that the renter is responsible for in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle. If the damage is less than the deductible amount, Zipcar will cover the cost of repairs. However, if the damage is more than the deductible, the renter is responsible for paying the difference.
It’s worth noting that there are some limitations to the insurance coverage provided by Zipcar. For example, the policy does not cover personal belongings that are stolen or damaged while in the rented vehicle, so it’s important to keep your valuables with you at all times. Additionally, the policy may not cover accidents that occur while the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if the driver was engaged in illegal activity at the time of the accident.
In the event of an accident, Zipcar has a 24/7 accident hotline that members can call for assistance. The hotline will guide you through the process of filing a claim and arranging for repairs. If necessary, they can also arrange for a replacement vehicle while your Zipcar is being repaired.
It’s important to note that while Zipcar provides insurance coverage for its members, it’s always a good idea to review your personal auto insurance policy to understand how it may apply to car-sharing services. Some insurance policies may provide additional coverage for rented vehicles, which could help cover any gaps in the Zipcar insurance policy.
In conclusion, Zipcar provides comprehensive insurance coverage for its members as part of their rental fee. This includes liability coverage and collision damage waiver coverage, with limits up to $300,000 for bodily injury per person and $25,000 for property damage per accident. While there are some limitations to the coverage provided, such as no coverage for personal belongings, Zipcar has a 24/7 accident hotline that members can call for assistance in the event of an accident. As always, it’s important to review your personal auto insurance policy to determine how it may apply to car-sharing services like Zipcar.
