If you are renting a car for just a day or two, full coverage policies or extended rental protections might feel excessive. That’s where 24-hour car insurance for rental cars comes in. This short-term coverage offers temporary protection and could save you money but is it worth it?

In this guide, we’ll explain what 24-hour rental car insurance is, what it covers, when you need it, and how it compares to other insurance options available for rentals. By the end, you’ll know if this type of coverage is a smart investment for your next road trip or business trip.

What Is 24-Hour Car Insurance for Rental Cars?

24 hour car insurance is a short-term auto insurance policy that provides coverage for a single day. It’s designed for people who need temporary coverage—often when renting a car, borrowing a vehicle, or driving in a different state or country.

When used for rental cars, 24-hour policies are ideal for:

  • Business travelers renting for a meeting

  • Tourists going on a day trip

  • People borrowing a car for an event or short move

These policies can be purchased online and are often more flexible than traditional rental coverage.

What Does 24-Hour Rental Car Insurance Cover?

Coverage can vary depending on the provider, but most 24 hour car insurance policies include:

  • Liability Coverage – Covers damage or injury you cause to others

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) – Pays for damage to the rental car

  • Comprehensive Coverage – Covers theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters

  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection – Covers you if the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance

  • Medical Payments – Pays for medical costs if you or passengers are injured

Tip: Always read the policy details. Some plans exclude luxury cars, off-road driving, or international rentals.

Do You Really Need 24-Hour Insurance for a Rental Car?

That depends. You may already have coverage from one or more of the following sources:

1. Your Personal Auto Insurance

Many personal car insurance policies extend to rental vehicles for a short period. If you already have:

  • Liability

  • Collision

  • Comprehensive

…then you may not need additional coverage.

Check with your insurer before you rent. Coverage may not apply out-of-state or internationally.

2. Credit Card Rental Insurance

Many credit cards offer secondary rental car insurance when you use the card to pay for the rental. This often includes:

  • Collision Damage Waiver

  • Theft protection

Limitations:

  • Doesn’t include liability coverage

  • May exclude certain countries or vehicle types

3. Rental Car Company Insurance

Most rental agencies offer their own coverage packages:

  • CDW or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

  • Supplemental Liability Protection

  • Personal Accident Insurance

These can be expensive—often 20 to 30 USD per day or more—but they are convenient.

4. Travel Insurance Policies

If you bought travel insurance for a trip, it might include car rental coverage. Always verify the scope and limits.

When 24-Hour Rental Insurance Is Worth It

Short-term insurance makes sense in the following situations:

  • You don’t own a car or have personal insurance

  • You’re renting for less than 48 hours

  • You want full coverage without using your own policy

  • You’re borrowing a friend’s car and want protection

  • You’re traveling to a state or country where your policy doesn’t apply

It’s also useful if you want to avoid filing a claim on your main policy, which could affect your premium.

How Much Does 24-Hour Rental Car Insurance Cost?

Prices vary based on coverage, vehicle type, and provider, but on average:

Coverage Type Average Cost (1 Day)
Liability only 8 to 15 USD
Liability + Collision 15 to 25 USD
Full coverage 25 to 35 USD

Compared to the 30 to 60 USD daily cost of rental company plans, 24-hour insurance can be more affordable.

Where to Buy 24-Hour Rental Car Insurance

Several providers offer short-term car insurance, including:

  • Bonzah

  • Allianz Travel Insurance

  • InsureMyRentalCar

  • RentalCover.com

  • Geico, Progressive, and State Farm (may offer coverage depending on location)

Make sure the provider is licensed in your state and approved by the rental agency.

Pros and Cons of 24-Hour Rental Car Insurance

Pros:

  • Affordable for short-term use

  • Easy to purchase online

  • Avoids using your main auto policy

  • Flexible coverage options

Cons:

  • May duplicate existing coverage

  • Not accepted by all rental companies

  • Limited to certain vehicles and regions

Real-Life Scenarios

Scenario 1: One-Day Business Trip

You’re flying into a city for a meeting and need a car for 24 hours. Your personal insurance doesn’t cover rentals. A 24-hour policy gives you full protection without breaking the bank.

Scenario 2: Borrowing a Car

You’re borrowing a friend’s car for the day. You don’t have your own insurance. A 24-hour policy covers you for any liability or damage.

Scenario 3: Weekend Getaway Rental

Your credit card offers collision coverage, but not liability. You buy a 24-hour policy to cover gaps for a weekend trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is 24-hour car insurance valid in every state?

Not all providers operate in every state. Always check availability before purchasing.

Can I get 24-hour insurance at the rental counter?

Rarely. Most rental companies do not offer this option. You must purchase online or through a third party.

What documents do I need to buy short-term insurance?

Typically just your driver’s license and rental details. Some providers also ask for payment info upfront.

Can I extend 24-hour coverage?

Yes, many providers offer options for up to 7 or 30 days if your plans change.

Does 24-hour insurance count as primary or secondary coverage?

It depends. Some policies act as primary, while others are secondary to your personal or credit card coverage.

Final Thoughts

So, is 24-hour car insurance for rental cars worth it? Yes, in many cases—especially if you do not already have coverage or want to avoid using your personal policy. It is often more affordable and flexible than rental company insurance, and it gives peace of mind during short-term trips.

Before buying, always compare your existing coverage, credit card benefits, and travel insurance to avoid overlap. If you need temporary, reliable protection for a rental car, 24-hour car insurance is a smart, cost-effective solution.

Looking for fast and affordable coverage? Visit Alias Insurance to compare quotes and find 24-hour rental car insurance that fits your needs.