I’ve always wondered, though, does anyone actually add rental coverage? I drive a lot for work, so being without a car would be a nightmare, but the extra cost adds up.
I've actually had to use rental coverage after a rear-end collision last winter. The other driver’s insurance was dragging their feet and my car was in the shop for almost two weeks. Honestly, I was glad I had it, even if it felt like an unnecessary expense at the time. The daily rental limit wasn’t super high, but it covered a basic sedan—nothing fancy, but it got me to work and back. If I’d paid out of pocket, it would’ve been at least $400, probably more.
I know the extra few bucks a month can be annoying, especially if you never use it. But after that experience, I’ve kept rental coverage on my policy. It’s one of those things you hope you never need but really appreciate if you do. In Illinois with how long some repairs can take (especially if you need parts), I’d say it’s worth considering if you rely on your car every day.
Rental coverage always felt like a “nice to have” until my buddy’s car got sideswiped last year. He was stuck without wheels for almost three weeks, and the out-of-pocket rental cost was brutal. I get being skeptical about paying extra every month, but if you’re driving daily in Illinois—especially with how slow some shops are—it’s probably worth it. Still, I wish insurance companies didn’t nickel-and-dime us for every little add-on...
Honestly, I’ve never bothered with rental coverage and haven’t missed it yet. Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but I figure the odds of needing a rental for weeks are pretty low, especially if you’re not driving in Chicago traffic every day. The extra monthly cost adds up over years, and I’d rather stash that cash aside myself. Insurance companies always find ways to tack on fees... sometimes I wonder if we’re just paying for peace of mind more than anything else.
Insurance companies always find ways to tack on fees... sometimes I wonder if we’re just paying for peace of mind more than anything else.
I get where you’re coming from. The extra charges do add up, and most of the time you don’t need half the stuff they try to sell you. Still, I’ve always kept rental coverage on my policy. Maybe it’s just my luck, but a few years back my car got rear-ended and was in the shop for almost three weeks. That rental coverage saved me a ton of hassle and money—otherwise I’d have been scrambling.
I don’t drive in Chicago much, but even in the suburbs, accidents happen. For me, it’s not about expecting the worst, just not wanting to deal with a big bill if something does go sideways. I guess it’s one of those things where you don’t miss it until you really need it. But yeah, if you’ve got a backup plan or another car handy, maybe it’s not as big a deal. Just depends how much risk you’re comfortable with, I guess.
Rental coverage is one of those things people debate all the time. I’ve seen folks regret skipping it—one client had their car in the shop after a fender bender, and the repair took way longer than anyone expected. They ended up paying out of pocket for a rental, which wasn’t cheap. But yeah, if you’ve got another car or don’t rely on driving daily, maybe it’s not worth the extra cost. It really comes down to your own situation and how much risk you’re cool with.
