Yes, Geico auto insurance covers rental cars* with the same coverage limits as your personal vehicle policy. This includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage (if you have them on your main policy). However, coverage varies based on your specific policy details, rental purpose, and location.
Key Coverage Facts:
- ✅ Same limits as your personal auto policy
- ✅ Covers liability, collision, and comprehensive
- ✅ Available for business and personal rentals
- ❌ No coverage for commercial use (Uber, delivery)
- ❌ Limited to US and territories only
Here, we have this article to help you understand the important details about Geico’s auto insurance policy so you can know exactly how and when Geico covers your rental cars.
How Much Does GEICO Rental Car Insurance Cost?
GEICO rental car insurance doesn’t have a fixed price. Costs depend on your location, the car type, how you drive, your age, and coverage choices.
To know your exact rate, contact GEICO. You can get a quote online, chat with an agent, or call (800) 861-8380 anytime. Also, check for discounts.
GEICO offers savings for safe driving, car safety features, and memberships. Remember, renters insurance isn’t rental car coverage.
GEICO Auto Insurance Rental Coverage
When you rent a car, your GEICO auto insurance can sometimes cover it too. This is called personal auto insurance rental coverage.
It may even take the place of the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW).
But remember, your policy has rules, limits, and deductibles. Things like liability, collision, or comprehensive usually carry over to the rental.
Extras, like rental reimbursement, are add-ons you must choose. Always check your policy first so you know what’s really covered before you drive away.
However, coverage varies based on:
- Your policy details
- The purpose of rental (personal vs. commercial use)
- The location where you rent the car
Types of Geico Rental Car Insurance Coverage
Geico’s auto insurance covers rental cars in the same way it covers your personal vehicle. This means that your policy’s liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage will also apply to the rental car.
So, if you have an accident in a rental car, Geico will help pay the costs, just like it does if you are driving your own car.
Liability Coverage for Rental Cars:
Liability is the part of insurance that pays when you damage someone else’s property or hurt someone in an accident.
With GEICO, this protection usually carries over to rentals, too. So, if you cause an accident in a rental car, your liability coverage steps in up to the limits of your policy.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage:
If your GEICO policy already has collision and comprehensive coverage, those coverages usually extend to rentals as well.
This essentially works like a Geico collision damage waiver, because you don’t need to buy the rental company’s CDW if your existing policy already covers accidents and damage.
What does it cover?
- Medical Coverages: This helps after accidents. Medical Payments cover hospital bills, while Personal Injury Protection may pay treatment, wages, or other costs no matter who’s at fault.
- Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverages: It protects you if another driver lacks proper insurance. They can help pay for injuries or property damage when coverage falls short.
- Vehicle Coverage: This coverage includes collision for crashes and comprehensive for theft, fire, or floods. Extras like rental reimbursement, roadside service, and breakdown protection add more safety.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage for Rentals:
Collision and comprehensive coverage also provide coverage to rental cars if you already have collision and comprehensive coverage in your Geico car insurance.
Collision coverage pays for damage to the rental car if you are in an accident, while comprehensive coverage takes care of non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or damage from natural disasters.
What Each Covers:
| Coverage Type | What It Covers for Rental Cars |
| Collision Coverage | Pays for damage to the rental car in an accident |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Covers non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, natural disasters |
Important to Note:
- If your personal vehicle does not have collision or comprehensive, your rental car will not have it either.
- Coverage applies within the U.S. but not for international rentals.
Limits and Exclusions in Geico’s Rental Car Coverage
It is important to note that while Geico covers rental cars, some rules and limits apply. For example, the coverage you get for a rental will be the same as what you have on your personal vehicle.
If your own car does not have collision or comprehensive coverage, your rental car will also not get coverage for these incidents.
Apart from this, Geico’s coverage works within the U.S. and certain territories, but not internationally. If you are traveling abroad, you need to purchase additional insurance to cover your rental car.
- If your car insurance does not cover damage, your rental car will not have this coverage either.
- Geico’s coverage is limited to the U.S. and certain territories (not for international rentals).
- Commercial rentals do not get coverage (e.g., using the rental for Uber, deliveries, or transporting goods).
Do You Need Additional Insurance When Renting a Car?
Although your Geico policy may cover your rental car, rental companies often offer their own insurance options. These can include collision damage waivers (CDW), liability insurance, and personal accident insurance.
Your Geico policy usually covers you, but extra insurance from the rental company can help more. It especially helps if your personal coverage has lower limits or does not cover things like loss of use fees.
Common Rental Car Insurance Options:
| Insurance Type | What Does It Covers? | Do You Need It? |
| Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) | Protects you from paying for damage to the rental car. | ✅ Good to have if your insurance doesn’t cover car |
| Liability Insurance | Extra coverage for injuries or property damage | ❌ Usually not needed (Geico covers liability) |
| Personal Accident Insurance | Covers medical expenses after an accident | ❌ Not necessary if you have health insurance |
| Loss of Use Fees | Pays the rental company for the time the car is being repaired | ✅ May be useful if Geico does not cover it |
Note: Check your Geico policy before renting to decide if additional coverage is necessary.
Geico Rental Car Coverage for Business Use
Geico covers you if you rent a car for business but use it in a way that does not involve commercial activities. For example, if you are renting a car to go to meetings or visit clients (non-commercial business reasons), it will cover you.
However, if you are using the rental for commercial activities, such as driving for a rideshare company, transporting goods, or making deliveries (commercial reasons) Geico policy will not cover you. In these cases, you might need commercial auto insurance.
Geico covers business rentals only for non-commercial purposes, such as:
- Business meetings
- Work trips
- Client visits
Geico does NOT cover rentals for:
- Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
- Delivery or transporting goods
- Commercial activities
Note: If you are using a rental car for business purposes, you may need commercial auto insurance.
Can You Rent a Car After an Accident?
If your personal vehicle is in the shop after an accident, Geico offers a special service called rental reimbursement. This feature helps cover the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired.
However, this coverage is not automatically included in every Geico policy, so you need to choose it as extra coverage.
It is a great option to consider if you depend on your vehicle daily and want to avoid paying from your pocket for a rental during repairs.
Will GEICO Reimburse Me for a Rental Car? – How It Works:
GEICO can reimburse you for a rental car if your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage. This optional add-on applies when your car is being repaired.
This coverage has limits, like $30 per day for up to 30 days. If the rental costs more, you cover the extra.
To check, read your policy, use the GEICO app, or call an agent. Without this coverage, you’ll need to pay for rentals yourself.
💡 Note: If you depend on your car daily, adding rental reimbursement coverage can save you hundreds of dollars.
How do you add rental reimbursement to your policy?
Adding rental reimbursement to your Geico auto insurance policy is easy and affordable. You can do this through Geico’s website or with an agent.
Why to Add Rental Reimbursement Option:
- Easy to Add: Available via Geico’s website or customer service.
- Affordable: The cost is low compared to rental expenses.
- Convenient: It makes sure you have a rental car ready when needed.
💡Note: Highly recommended if you depend on your car for daily commuting!
Does Geico Offer Roadside Assistance for Rental Cars?
If your car breaks down, Geico is ready to help you get back on the road. GEICO offers Emergency Road Service that covers towing to a repair shop, jump-starting your battery, changing a tire if you have a spare, unlocking your car if keys are inside, pulling out stuck vehicles, and delivering fuel.
You do not have to pay for these services. If you have roadside assistance through Geico, this benefit covers rental cars as well. Just use the GEICO app, go online, or call us anytime for help.
Yes! Geico’s Roadside Assistance covers rental cars and includes:
- Towing to a repair shop
- Jump-starting your battery
- Flat tire change (if you have a spare)
- Lockout services (if you lock keys inside)
- Fuel delivery (if you run out of gas)
📲 Easily access Roadside Assistance via:
- Geico Mobile App
- Website
- Phone support
Where Does GEICO Offer Rental Car Coverage in the U.S.?
GEICO rental car coverage usually applies across the United States and its territories, including Puerto Rico, as long as the rental vehicle is similar in value to your personal car.
Your existing coverage, like liability or physical damage, typically extends to the rental, but it’s not unlimited. If you’re driving a high-value rental, extra insurance from the rental company may be smart.
Coverage can also extend into Canada, depending on your policy, but Mexico requires a separate local policy. To avoid surprises, always check your GEICO policy documents or call directly before renting a car for your trip.
Additional Coverage Areas
| Location | Coverage Available |
| District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) | Yes |
| U.S. Territories | Yes |
| Canada | Yes |
How to Check Your State for GEICO Coverage?
- Check your state coverage: Look at your GEICO policy, log into the GEICO app, or call an agent to confirm rental car coverage in your state.
- Car in the shop: If you added Rental Reimbursement, GEICO pays for a rental while your car is being repaired after a covered accident, up to policy limits.
- Travel rentals: When you rent a car in the U.S. (and sometimes Canada), your liability and collision coverage usually extend to the rental if you carry them on your policy.
- What’s not covered: GEICO doesn’t cover international rentals, rental company “loss of use” fees, or the optional damage waivers sold at the rental counter.
How Do I Talk to a GEICO Representative?
If you want to talk to a GEICO representative, the easiest way is by phone. Call their main number at (800) 207-7847 for customer service or (800) 841-3000 for claims anytime.
You can also use GEICO’s website or mobile app. On the site, visit “Contact Us” or “Make a Payment.” The app helps you pay bills, manage your policy, or even chat.
If you want face-to-face help, you can meet a local GEICO agent. Use the “Find a GEICO Insurance Agent” tool on their website to locate one near you.
Use Geico’s Mobile App for Easy Access
Geico offers a mobile app that makes managing your rental car coverage and other parts of your policy simple and convenient.
Whether you need to file a claim, check your coverage, or add rental reimbursement, the app puts everything at your fingertips.
It especially helps a lot when you are traveling and need quick access to your insurance information.
Geico’s mobile app lets you:
- Manage rental car coverage
- File a claim instantly
- Check your insurance details
- Add rental reimbursement
Note: Helpful for travelers who need quick access to policy information!
What to Do if You Are in an Accident in a Rental Car?
If you meet with an accident while driving a rental car, Geico’s claims process is clear and smooth. You should report the accident as soon as possible, either through the app, online, or by calling their customer service.
Geico will guide you through the steps to file a claim and get the repairs or reimbursements you need.
Steps to Follow in Case You Meet with An Accident:
- Report the accident to Geico immediately (via app, website, or phone).
- Inform the rental company about the incident.
- Take photos of the accident scene and damages.
- Follow Geico’s claims process for repairs/reimbursement.
Conclusion
So, does GEICO cover rental cars? Yes, but it depends on your policy. Your existing coverages, like liability, collision, or comprehensive, often extend to rentals across the U.S. and even Canada. But extras, like rental reimbursement, are optional add-ons you need to include.
GEICO won’t cover rentals abroad, so you’ll need local insurance for trips like Costa Rica or Mexico. The best way to know what’s covered is to check your policy, call GEICO, or use their app. That way, you’ll have peace of mind before grabbing the keys to your rental car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
GEICO’s rental coverage only works in the U.S. and its territories. If you rent a car abroad, you’ll need extra insurance from the rental company or another provider. Always double-check coverage, since driving rules and road conditions overseas can be very different from what you’re used to.
No, GEICO does not cover rental cars in Costa Rica. The country requires you to buy Liability Protection Insurance (PLI) from the National Insurance Institute. Your U.S. GEICO policy or even credit card coverage may help in the States, but those protections don’t apply when you rent in Costa Rica. If you plan to drive there, you’ll need to get the required insurance through the rental car company or another local provider.
Yes, if you carry Geico rental car reimbursement coverage, GEICO may cover your rental. Otherwise, the at-fault driver’s insurance usually pays for your rental costs.
Yes. GEICO sells coverage in every state, but rules and options vary by location. Always check your policy documents or get an online quote with your ZIP code.
Reimbursement is usually quick once receipts and claims are approved. Many payments take just a few days, but complicated claims can take longer. Track progress in the app.
Yes, GEICO offers it everywhere. Coverage options depend on your state. Confirm by calling (800) 861-8380, using the website, or checking your personal policy details.
Yes, in most U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Some policies also extend to Canada. Rentals outside these areas, like Mexico, need separate local insurance.
You must check if you have credit card rental insurance. Many cards offer it when you pay with the card and decline the rental company’s coverage. Always confirm with your card provider so you know exactly what’s included.
