Does Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars in Upland, CA?

January 16, 2026

Whether you’re renting a car near Foothill Boulevard, traveling through San Bernardino County, or using a rental while your car is being repaired in Upland, one question often comes up at the rental counter:

“Do I need rental car insurance if I already have auto insurance?”

Yes, in most cases, auto insurance in Upland, CA does cover rental cars, as long as your personal policy includes liability coverage. If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, it usually extends to rental vehicles under the same limits and deductible.

Does Personal Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars in Upland, CA?

Yes, if you live in Upland, CA and have a standard personal auto insurance policy, your coverage usually extends to rental cars used for personal driving. The same coverage limits, deductibles, and policy rules apply as if you were driving your own vehicle.

For most Upland drivers, this means you’re covered when renting a car for personal reasons, such as commuting, family trips, errands, or using a rental while your vehicle is being repaired.

Coverage That Typically Transfers to Rental Cars

If these coverages are part of your policy, they usually apply to rental vehicles:

Liability Coverage – Covers injuries or property damage you cause to others
Collision Coverage – Covers damage to the rental car after an accident
Comprehensive Coverage – Covers theft, vandalism, fire, or weather-related damage

Important to know: Your deductible and coverage limits stay the same, even when driving a rental car.

When Your Coverage May NOT Apply

This is where many Upland drivers get caught off guard. Your auto insurance does not always cover rental cars in every situation.

Here are the most common exceptions:

1. Business or Commercial Use

If you rent a car for:

Rideshare driving (Uber, Lyft)
Delivery services
Business use not listed on your policy

Your personal auto insurance may not apply, and you could be financially responsible for damages unless you have commercial or business-use coverage.

2. Renting Outside California

In most cases, your Upland auto insurance will still apply when renting a car in another U.S. state, but:

Coverage limits may adjust to meet local laws
International rentals are usually not covered

Always check your policy before renting outside California.

3. Loss-of-Use and Administrative Fees

Even if your policy covers physical damage to the rental car, it may not cover:

Loss-of-use fees charged by the rental company
Administrative or diminished value charges

These fees can add up quickly after an accident.

What Happens If a Rental Car Is Damaged?

If your rental car is damaged in Upland or elsewhere in California, you file a claim through your auto insurance just like you would with your own vehicle.

Here’s how the process usually works:

Report the incident to the rental company
File a claim with your insurance provider
Pay your deductible if applicable
Insurance covers the remaining eligible costs

This is why understanding your deductible and coverage limits before renting is so important.

Is Rental Car Insurance Required in Upland, California?

No, rental car insurance is not required in Upland or anywhere in California if you already have valid auto insurance. However, rental companies must ensure that minimum liability coverage exists.

California Minimum Liability (Still Applies in Upland)

$15,000 bodily injury per person
$30,000 bodily injury per accident
$5,000 property damage

These limits are often too low for real-world accidents, especially in high-traffic Inland Empire areas.

Rental Car Insurance Options Explained (Upland Perspective)

Rental car companies in and around Upland offer optional insurance products, but many drivers already have enough coverage through their personal policy. The global rental car insurance market is projected to grow from $9.88 billion in 2024 to $13.77 billion by 2029, driven by increased travel and higher repair costs. This trend reflects more frequent rentals and rising demand for comprehensive protection.

Common Options You’ll See

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW / LDW)
Waives responsibility for damage or theft of the rental car. Often unnecessary if your policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
Increases liability limits beyond California’s minimums.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Covers medical expenses for you and passengers.
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
Covers stolen personal items from the rental vehicle.

Does Credit Card Rental Insurance Work in Upland, CA?

Yes, many credit cards offer rental car insurance in Upland, but it is usually secondary coverage and comes with strict conditions.

Important Things Upland Drivers Should Know

Coverage may exclude SUVs or trucks
Long-term rentals may not qualify
You must decline the rental company’s CDW
Claims paperwork can be time-consuming

Always verify your card’s benefits before relying on it.

What If You Don’t Have Auto Insurance in Upland?

If you don’t have personal auto insurance, the rental company must provide minimum liability coverage under California law, but you’ll still be financially responsible for damage to the rental car unless you purchase their protection.

In this case, buying rental car insurance is strongly recommended.

When Should Upland Drivers Buy Rental Car Insurance?

You should consider rental insurance if:

You don’t carry collision or comprehensive coverage
You’re renting a higher-value vehicle
You want to avoid deductibles or claims
You’re unsure about credit card coverage details

This is especially relevant for business professionals and families in Upland who want peace of mind.

Common Rental Car Insurance Mistakes in Upland, CA

Assuming liability insurance covers rental car damage
Not realizing deductibles still apply
Overlooking coverage exclusions for business use
Paying for duplicate coverage unnecessarily

FAQs

Does auto insurance cover rental cars in Upland, CA?

Yes. Most personal auto insurance policies in Upland extend to rental cars for personal use, including liability coverage. Collision and comprehensive coverage apply if included in your policy.

Do I need rental car insurance if I live in Upland?

Not always. If your policy includes full coverage, you may not need extra insurance. Review your policy before renting.

Does liability insurance cover rental cars in Upland?

Yes, but it only covers damage or injuries to others—not damage to the rental car itself.

Will my deductible apply to a rental car claim in California?

Yes. The same deductible listed in your policy applies to rental car claims.

Is rental insurance mandatory in Upland, CA?

No. It’s optional if you have valid auto insurance, but minimum liability coverage must exist.

Conclusion

If you live in Upland, CA, your auto insurance likely already covers rental cars, but only to the extent of your existing coverage. Before paying extra at the rental counter, review your policy, understand your deductible, and confirm any credit card benefits.

Before renting, it’s wise to review your policy, confirm coverage limits, and check any credit card benefits. If you’re unsure about your coverage or want a tailored quote for Upland drivers, Thrifty Insurance can help you find the most affordable auto insurance in Upland while ensuring you’re fully protected.