If only it was possible to give a definitive answer to this question.

But, as with most matters regarding insurance, there are too many variables involved to provide a single response that works for everyone.

Car Insurance Generalizations

In most cases, your car insurance will cover you when driving a rental car.

But, you'd be foolish to just assume that it does. Why? Because many auto insurance policies don't extend to rent-a-car situations. Or, they may offer protection in some rental car instances, but not in others (such as when driving abroad or for business rentals).

Unfortunately, to get an answer that pertains to your circumstances, you'll need to do one of the following:

• Consult your auto insurance policy and look for exceptions regarding car rentals
• Contact your insurance agent for details about your policy
• Call the customer service division of your insurance company for details about policy

Rental Car Insurance Options

What if you find out your insurance doesn't include rental cars? Or, what if it does but you're worried about placing another claim on your insurance policy?

Well, you've got a couple of choices when you rent a car.

Many major credit card companies offer rental car insurance when you use their cards to book your rental. That's especially true with "premium" or preferred customer cards.

Be aware, though, what's covered and for how much varies widely with these cards. Contact your credit card company for information about what you get - if anything - with your card. It's good to ask the customer service rep to send you a written copy that explains your coverage.

Of course, you can always go with the insurance offered by the rental car provider. While this insurance can be relatively expensive, it can save you from a financial disaster if you don't have any other sort of protection (or your policy lacks comprehensive or collision coverage).

And, rental car insurance can be especially beneficial when traveling overseas, and spare you some aggravation when dealing with the laws of foreign countries.