Those who are a Named Insured on a New York Personal Auto New Insurance policy, enjoy a unique benefit. 

Coverage for a rental car is included whether or not you have comprehensive or collision coverage!

Where does this perk come from? Coverage is afforded by a New York State required, "Rental Vehicle Coverage Endorsement". This endorsement is in response to Section 3440 of the Insurance Law.

The Rental Vehicle Endorsement (see your policy for details) associated will outline:

• Coverage is provided for the insured's obligations in the event of actual damage to, or loss of, any "rental vehicle”.
• including loss of use, rented by the "insured"
• anywhere in the United States, its territories or possessions, and Canada
• under a rental agreement with a term no longer than thirty continuous days”

The language in this endorsement provides broad coverage and includes nearly all types of physical damage to a rental car, except for fraudulent acts.

Per the New York Department of Financial Services opinion, coverage is expected to include additional costs that rental car companies sometimes attach to a loss, such as diminution of value, loss of use, rental fees, and administrative fees. Coverage is also provided without regard to the policy limits of liability to which the endorsement is attached!

ANY REASON TO CONSIDER OTHER RENTAL CAR COVERAGE?:

Unlike auto insurance coverage from other states, there are reasons why New York Auto Insurance Policyholders may want to consider the purchase of a rental car company’s damage waiver - or - have alternative rental car coverage in place. But, here are a couple:

• Renting a Car Outside of your policy’s “Operating Territory”:
  All coverage is excluded while renting a car outside of the United States, its territories and possessions, Puerto Rico and Canada. Purchasing Damage Waiver, Liability and Personal Accident Insurance options would certainly be prudent while renting a vehicle outside the places mentioned above.
• 30 Day Limitation
  The endorsement limits coverage to a rental of no more than 30 days.
• Loss of Discounts and Addition of Surcharges:
  Claim payment under the Rental Vehicle Coverage Endorsement is considered a loss under the Auto Policy's Liability coverage part. Rental vehicle losses can negatively affect safe driver and claims free discounts. Some at-fault losses can also result in a surcharge. See below for some potential solutions:

BONUS: For those who would like to prevent rental car mishaps from affecting their claims record there are alternatives:

• Credit Card with PRIMARY Rental Car Coverage:

Some credit cards (usually fee based cards) offer the opportunity for PRIMARY rental car coverage.

• American Express offers Premium Car Rental Protection:
  For a flat fee per rental (starts at $19.95), Amex's "Premium Car Rental Protection"[4] provides primary rental car coverage for most types of damage including loss of use. The agreement also provides some accident coverage.
• VISA cards are also available that have PRIMARY coverage.
  Finding credit cards that offer primary coverage[5][6][7]is a little more work. Be sure to read the fine print!
• Important Note #1: MANY credit cards provide EXCESS rental car coverage. Meaning, coverage is collectible only as excess over other insurance. Your auto insurance would be primary, thus excess coverage would require a claim be presented to your NY auto policy.
• Important Note #2: Diminution of value, administrative fees do not appear to be part of the plan and may have to be paid by the cardholder.
• Sources for finding Cards with Primary Coverage
• https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cards-rental-car-coverage/
• https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/credit-card-rental-car-coverage

Bottom Line, the Rental Vehicle Coverage Endorsement is a significant "perk" of being a New York Auto Insurance policyholder, however be sure to know the limitations and alternatives.