The question at the rental counter is usually some version of "Do you want our damage waiver?" Tennessee law puts a notice in front of you before you answer. Under Tennessee Code § 56-7-1110, any rental car company offering insurance coverage or collision damage waivers for sale must state clearly on the front page of the rental contract that the buyer may be covered for such claims on the buyer's personal motor vehicle insurance policy.
The key word is "may." Whether your own policy reaches a rental car, and how far, depends on your policy. The statute makes sure you are told to check.
| Topic | What § 56-7-1110 says |
|---|---|
| Who it applies to | Any rental car company offering insurance coverage or collision damage waivers for sale |
| Required notice | Front page of the rental contract: you may be covered for such claims on your personal auto policy |
| If your coverage is confirmed | You may require the rental company to submit claims to your personal carrier as your agent |
| What the company may not say | That it will not present claims or negotiate with your insurance carrier (written or oral) |
| What counts as confirmation | Includes telephone confirmation from an insurance company representative |
Source: Tennessee Code § 56-7-1110.
What the front-page notice tells you
The required statement is short, but it changes the conversation. It tells you that what the counter is selling may overlap with coverage you already pay for. It does not tell you that your policy covers the rental. That answer lives in your own policy and declarations page: TDCI glossary: what your insurance declarations page shows.
When you can send the claim to your own insurer
If coverage exists under your personal policy and the coverage is confirmed, the statute says you may require the rental company to submit any claims to your personal insurance carrier as your agent. The rental company also may not make written or oral representations that it will not present claims or negotiate with your insurance carrier.
Confirmation does not have to be a stack of paperwork. The statute says confirmation of coverage includes telephone confirmation from an insurance company representative.
Questions to ask before you travel
- Do my collision and comprehensive coverages extend to a rental car, and does my deductible apply? Background: TDCI’s glossary separates collision coverage from comprehensive coverage.
- Do my liability limits follow me into a rental? Tennessee minimums: Tennessee’s auto liability minimum is 25/50/25 — here is what TDCI’s Auto Insurance 101 page says.
- How would my policy handle charges such as the rental company's lost rental days or a drop in the car's value? Related: TDCI glossary defines diminished value after a vehicle accident.
- Is rental reimbursement on my policy for when my own car is in the shop? That is a different coverage: TDCI’s glossary explains rental reimbursement coverage after a covered auto repair.
- Does uninsured motorist coverage apply while I drive a rental? TDCI’s glossary defines uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Some drivers decide the waiver is worth it for peace of mind or a high deductible, and some do not. The statute does not choose for you. It makes sure you know to check your own policy first.
This article is informational only. It summarizes Tennessee Code § 56-7-1110 and does not promise coverage or eligibility. Your auto policy and rental agreement control.
Related reading from All Seasons
- TDCI’s glossary separates collision coverage from comprehensive coverage.
- TDCI’s glossary explains rental reimbursement coverage after a covered auto repair.
- Tennessee’s auto liability minimum is 25/50/25 — here is what TDCI’s Auto Insurance 101 page says.
- TDCI’s glossary defines uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
- TDCI glossary defines diminished value after a vehicle accident.
- TDCI glossary: what your insurance declarations page shows.
- TDCI’s glossary defines the Tennessee Auto Insurance Plan residual market.
Free policy review
All Seasons Insurance Group offers a free personal policy review. Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/. This article is informational only and does not promise coverage or eligibility; your policy forms control. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
Does a Tennessee rental contract have to mention my own auto insurance?
Yes. A rental company that sells coverage or collision damage waivers must state on the front page of the contract that you may be covered on your personal auto policy.
Does that notice mean my policy covers the rental car?
No. The notice says you may be covered. Whether you are depends on your own policy.
Can I make the rental company send the claim to my insurer?
If your personal coverage exists and is confirmed, Tennessee Code 56-7-1110 says you may require the rental company to submit claims to your carrier as your agent.
Can the rental company refuse to deal with my insurance company?
The statute says the company shall not make written or oral representations that it will not present claims or negotiate with the renter's insurance carrier.
How do I confirm my coverage?
The statute says confirmation of coverage includes telephone confirmation from an insurance company representative.
Is a collision damage waiver the same as rental reimbursement?
No. A waiver is sold by the rental company at the counter. Rental reimbursement is a coverage on your own policy for a rental while your car is being repaired.
What should I check before renting a car?
Check whether your collision, comprehensive, and liability coverages extend to rentals, your deductible, and how your policy treats rental company fees.
How can All Seasons help after reading this?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review. Informational only; no coverage promises. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
