A Closer Look at Car Rental Insurance: What It Covers and Why You Need It

Whether you’re cruising through Laughlin for the weekend, heading to the Grand Canyon, or planning a scenic drive through Lake Havasu or Oatman, car rental insurance is one of those things you don’t want to skip. It protects your wallet, your trip, and the car you’re driving — especially when renting through platforms like Turo or local services like CJB RENTALS.

Here’s a clear look at what rental car insurance really covers, and why it’s more important than most travelers think.

1. What Does Rental Car Insurance Cover?

Rental car insurance typically includes a few key protections:

Liability Coverage: Covers injuries or damage you cause to others in an accident.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW): Covers damage to the rental vehicle itself, often required when renting.
Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision damage like theft, fire, vandalism, or hitting an animal.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Covers you if the other driver doesn’t have enough (or any) insurance.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Helps cover medical bills for you and your passengers.

When using Turo, hosts often provide protection plans, but they may not cover everything. That’s why renters should still consider outside insurance or verify personal coverage.

2. Do You Need Insurance If You Already Have a Personal Policy?

Maybe — but not always.

Some personal auto insurance policies do cover rental vehicles, even through peer-to-peer platforms like Turo. But here’s the catch:

Some insurers exclude coverage for rentals through platforms like Turo.
Many policies have deductibles that are still your responsibility if something goes wrong.
Your coverage may not apply if you’re using the rental for business or gig economy use.

Always check with your insurance provider and get details in writing. If in doubt, add coverage when booking or ask CJB RENTALS about options.

3. Why CJB RENTALS Recommends Proper Coverage

At CJB RENTALS, we’ve seen it all — from tiny scratches to major roadside breakdowns. And the #1 regret renters have after an incident? Not having the right coverage.

When you rent from us, we’ll walk you through your options, whether you’re booking through Turo or direct. We’re here to make sure your trip stays smooth, stress-free, and affordable — not filled with surprise repair costs.

4. Don’t Rely on Credit Card Coverage Alone

Many credit cards claim to offer rental car coverage — but read the fine print:

Most exclude peer-to-peer rentals like Turo.
Coverage is often secondary, meaning you must use your personal insurance first.
You must use the card to pay for the rental in full — and decline the rental company’s insurance.

TL;DR: It’s a nice backup, but it shouldn’t be your only plan.

5. Road Trips Can Be Risky — Be Prepared

When you're driving from Las Vegas to Oatman, down into the Mojave desert, or through windy canyon roads near Kingman, conditions can change fast. Accidents happen, and rental vehicles can be expensive to repair — especially if you don’t own the car.

Even small fender benders or chipped windshields in Bullhead City’s rocky areas can cost hundreds. Insurance gives you peace of mind for the journey ahead.

Bottom Line: Protect Yourself, Your Wallet, and Your Trip

Whether you’re renting with CJB RENTALS, using Turo, or exploring the Southwest in one of our rides, make sure you're covered before you hit the road. We’re happy to guide you through the process, explain what’s included, and help you find additional insurance if needed.

📍 Proudly serving Laughlin, Bullhead City, Las Vegas, Kingman, Needles, Lake Havasu, Oatman & Grand Canyon
🌐 www.cjbrentals.com
📞 Call/Text: 928-542-9117

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