How to Get Auto Insurance that Covers Rental Cars or Roadside Assistance

When you’re stuck on the side of the road or facing a breakdown while traveling, the last thing you want to hear from your insurance provider is, “That’s not covered.” Whether you frequently rent cars or want peace of mind on long drives, having the right insurance coverage for these situations is essential.

But not all policies include rental car reimbursement or roadside assistance by default—so it’s important to know what to ask for and how to build a policy that works for your lifestyle.

What Do Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance Cover?

Rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance are two valuable auto insurance add-ons that offer convenience and peace of mind when the unexpected happens. Rental car reimbursement helps pay for a temporary vehicle when your insured car is being repaired due to a covered claim—such as an accident, vandalism, or severe weather damage. Policies typically specify a daily rental cost limit, how many days the benefit lasts (often up to 30), and which rental providers are approved. It’s important to note that this coverage is not intended for vacation or business travel—it only applies when your personal vehicle is out of service following a claim.

On the other hand, roadside assistance is designed to support drivers when mechanical problems or emergencies occur on the road. This is especially crucial in Arizona, where long desert drives and extreme weather can turn a minor issue into a major inconvenience. A standard roadside assistance package usually includes towing to the nearest repair facility, jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, providing emergency fuel delivery, and unlocking a vehicle if you’ve been locked out. Some plans even include trip interruption coverage, which reimburses you for food and lodging if your car breaks down far from home. Together, rental reimbursement and roadside assistance offer a well-rounded safety net—ensuring you’re never stranded and can stay mobile, even when your car can’t.

Do You Have Rental or Roadside Coverage—And When Should You Add It?

If you’re unsure whether your auto insurance policy includes rental reimbursement or roadside assistance, the best place to start is your declarations page. This section of your policy outlines all active coverages and endorsements, including optional add-ons. You can also confirm your coverage by logging into your insurance carrier’s customer portal or calling your insurance agent directly. Look for specific terms such as “rental reimbursement,” “emergency roadside,” or “towing and labor.” At Premier Choice Insurance, reviewing this information is a standard part of our onboarding process because far too many policyholders assume they have this coverage—only to discover they don’t when it’s too late.

As for when to add rental and roadside protection, several factors can indicate the right time. If you drive long distances frequently or live in a region with harsh conditions—like Arizona’s extreme summer heat, which puts added strain on batteries and engines—these coverages become even more valuable. Drivers with older vehicles that are more susceptible to breakdowns, or those who rely heavily on their car for commuting, errands, or business travel, should also consider adding both coverages. Simply put, if you can’t afford to be without reliable transportation while your car is in the shop, or if you’re often on the road between cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff, rental reimbursement and roadside assistance can save you from major disruptions.

Does This Apply to Business Vehicles?

Yes—but the coverage might look different.

If you drive a vehicle for work purposes, you may need commercial auto insurance rather than a personal policy. Business use requires specific terms and may offer broader rental reimbursement if you rely on your vehicle for daily operations.

This is where commercial and personal car insurance differ most: while personal coverage might deny a claim involving business use, commercial policies are designed to cover both driving risks and business downtime from vehicle damage. It’s important to match the policy type to your usage.

What If You Rent Cars Frequently?

If you frequently rent cars—either for business trips or travel—it may be worth asking about a policy that includes auto insurance for car rentals and roadside assistance in everyday scenarios.

Some insurers offer endorsements or extended plans that protect you in rented vehicles, beyond standard credit card rental protections. This type of plan can save you from buying high-cost insurance at the rental counter and ensures you’re covered for liabilities, damage, and roadside help during the rental period.

What Should You Ask Your Insurance Agent?

To get the most out of your coverage, ask questions like:

• Is rental car reimbursement included or optional
• What’s the per-day and total limit for rentals?
• How far will towing go under the roadside assistance plan?
• Are there any exclusions for travel, location, or rental providers?

A good agent will help you balance cost with peace of mind and can package this coverage with your existing policy to save money without sacrificing protection.

Can You Bundle Rental and Roadside with Other Services?

Yes! Bundling is one of the easiest ways to cut costs and streamline your insurance. You might consider combining rental and roadside assistance with:

1. Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

These two coverages protect your vehicle itself—regardless of who’s at fault. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car resulting from accidents (like hitting another vehicle or a stationary object), while comprehensive coverage covers non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, hail, fire, or falling objects. When bundled with rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance, you ensure you’re not only protected when your car breaks down but also when it’s damaged or stolen. This means you’ll have the funds to fix your vehicle and access a rental car while repairs are underway.

2. Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical payments (MedPay) and PIP cover medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident—regardless of fault. These coverages are especially useful if you don’t have health insurance or if you want immediate help covering emergency room visits, ambulance fees, or rehabilitation. Bundling this with roadside assistance ensures that not only your vehicle is covered in emergencies, but your personal well-being is, too.

3. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage protects you if you’re in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or lacks enough coverage to pay for damages. It can cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, and even lost wages. Pairing this with rental reimbursement ensures that if your vehicle is damaged by an uninsured driver, you won’t be left without transportation while it’s being fixed.

Bundling all these options with your auto insurance policy typically comes with a multi-policy discount. More importantly, it consolidates your coverages under a single deductible and provider, making claims easier to manage and reducing the chance of coverage gaps when something unexpected happens.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Stranded or Stuck 

Reach out to Premier Choice Insurance to review your current policy, explore rental and roadside options, and customize protection that fits how and where you drive. 

Whether you’re navigating Arizona highways or just want coverage that covers the what-ifs, the right plan is only a conversation away.