Zipcars on campus?

[LBowie]

Do your kids' colleges and universities have a ZipCar program for student use? If so, what do you do about insurance? I have a call in to our agent to see if our son would be covered if he used the ZipCar. He sent me a form to sign saying I understand the ZipCar is only covered to the minimum state mandate. (I am a little nervous until I am sure that he would be covered at higher levels.) Is there a way to supplement the campus ZipCar insurance through ZipCar itself?

[college_query]

Both of my kids are on college campuses which have ZipCar programs. My S is just a freshman and hasn't used the program; my D is a senior and has used it.

There are insurance differences for drivers under 21 and drivers 21 and over.

The website says regarding insurance:

If you have any questions or concerns about the insurance coverage Zipcar provides and whether it works for your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a licensed agent and put them in touch with us if needed. Insurance can be tricky and we want you to be informed. You can reach us at insurance@zipcar.com .

Sounds like that might be the best option to get your specific questions answered.

[sunnydayfun]

My son’s school has the ZipCar program. Our auto insurance agent says the state- mandated level provided by Zipcar will be the primary coverage and our auto rental policy will be the secondary.

[LBowie]

Thank you. I wrote to the zipcar insurance email address and have heard nothing so far. I also asked our auto insurance agent if he would be covered, and I guess they are still looking into it. The state mandates are so low, should anything bad happen, so I'd like to be sure that there would be ample coverage.

[LBowie]

Posting for posterity: response from Zipcar:

"Thank you for your email.

We understand that Zipcar’s liability coverage may not meet everyone’s needs; however Zipcar does not currently offer additional liability insurance coverage. For members interested in increasing their liability coverage we recommend looking into what is called a “Non-Owned” auto policy. These are typically available from most major insurance companies, though our members have had the best success with both StateFarm and Nationwide. Travelers may also offer this option if you wish to keep your son on your personal policy, but you will have to inquire with your insurance representative what your options are there."

[SteveMA]

Most insurance policies cover rental cars, usually up to a dollar limit, our's is $35,000. Since you are renting a Zip Car, that should be covered under your policy. I would suggest calling the 800 number for your carrier and ask them. They will probably transfer you to a claims person that will have the answer.

[LBowie]

Is the $35,000 for the car or the entire accident? My concern is not for the value of the zipcar. I am concerned about possibile injury liability which could go much, much higher than that. At this point our agent is looking into it. I guess the underwriter had a question s/he could not answer so its moved up the chain.

[SteveMA]

The $35,000 is for the car. The other coverage on the policy would cover liability, etc.

[Lakemom]

LBowie, I went through this with our State farm policy. If your student is covered under your auto insurance, then you want to ask them if they extend coverage to the rental of a zip car to cover those liability expenses the zip car doesn't cover.

After much difficulty getting an answer, State farm finally told us that the insurance my son has with them as a secondary driver on our policy would extend to cover beyond what zip car covers.

[keepittoyourself]

Bankruptcy is no fun, but it's unlikely to be a huge issue for a college kid: you only need insurance to cover what assets you have. Does your kid even have $30k in assets?

[Lakemom]

Unless your 18 year old is renting the car with their own separate charge card, then you are part of the rental. My son uses a family visa we all share and he is covered under our car insurance so we are linked.

[LBowie]

Thanks for the info, Lakemom! I am in that "difficulty getting an answer" stage. Hope to hear soon. I certainly hope he is covered under our policy if he uses the zipcar. I am a little afraid Travelers will say no. It is not as if he is going to be renting it constantly. Probably once a month or less. (Like your son, he does not have an independent credit card and is on our auto policy, so it is our assets I am concerned about, not his.)

[SteveMA]

keepittoyourself--yes, most 18 year olds have HUGE assets called "future earnings", which can, and will be garnished in an at fault accident in most states....

[MidwestMom2Kids_]

Our car insurance covered my daughter's zipcar use at UT Austin.

[excelblue]

I just risked it. Chances are, you'll be fine.

However, I guess it really depends on risk profile. My parents did liability-only at the minimum amount for their vehicles, and they still continue to do it today even after both have each individually totaled a vehicle at fault. The numbers just come out ahead.