How does an insured's personal auto policy apply when renting a vehicle on vacation?

When an insured rents a vehicle on vacation, their personal auto policy (PAP) can provide coverage, but understanding the nuances is key. The insured's PAP typically extends to rental vehicles, providing liability coverage. However, it often functions as excess coverage. This means that if the rental vehicle is involved in an accident, the rental company's insurance would typically serve as primary coverage, and the insured’s PAP would only kick in to cover additional losses after the primary coverage limits are exhausted.

Choosing the option that states the insured's PAP provides excess liability coverage accurately reflects this dynamic. It highlights that while the insured does have coverage, it operates in a secondary role relative to the rental agency's primary insurance. This understanding helps clarify the insured’s responsibilities and the interplay of insurance policies in rental situations.