How Can I Insure My Flexcar?

If you’re currently a Flexcar subscriber, or looking to rent your first vehicle through the service, you may want to know more about the service and how you are covered when you’re behind the wheel. 

Still a relatively new service, Flexcar allows its subscribers to rent out a wide range of 2020 or newer vehicles for daily, weekly, or even monthly use. Based in Boston, MA, Flexcar has locations in select cities around the country where you are eligible to swap out vehicles as needed. 

If you’re curious about the insurance options that come along with the service, then you are not alone! At Berry Insurance, we’ve guided our clients through the process of obtaining insurance coverage as a Flexcar driver, and are happy to help any other Flexcar subscribers looking for extra coverage when renting from the service. 

Read on to learn more about what coverage is offered through the service and what you can do to ensure additional protection. 

What insurance does Flexcar provide? 

As a Flexcar subscriber, you gain the benefits of getting to rent a reliable vehicle through a service that offers free maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and no long-term commitments. 

This also includes Flexcar’s own insurance coverage for subscribers that comply with the company’s own subscriber agreement. Subscribers should be sure to read the entirety of the agreement before driving, to be aware of the important rules and restrictions outlined by the company. 

While minimal, the insurance provided to subscribers by Flexcar offers basic coverage for the following areas: 

Vehicle maintenance:

Flexcar covers all required maintenance of their vehicles and will routinely have them inspected. However, Flexcar notes that it is up to the subscriber to maintain cleanliness and report any irregularities they notice with the car. This can include strange engine noises, warning lights, or any other potential signs of mechanical issues with the vehicle. 

Subscribers who fail to report such problems with their vehicle could be subject to account suspension or termination, as well as non-coverage of any damages not reported.

Refueling of the vehicle falls onto the responsibility of the driver, and any damages from refueling the vehicle with the wrong fuel or gas type would be exempt from coverage from Flexcar insurance. 

Damage to other property and injuries to others: 

Flexcar extends liability protection for you and any authorized drivers utilizing your rented vehicle, up to state minimums in the jurisdiction where the accident occurs. Due to the high costs associated with serious accidents, claims, or lawsuits, most drivers prefer to buy coverage limits beyond state minimum requirements - which this policy would not allow. 

Flexcar’s insurance policy outlined on their website notes that their liability coverage policy should be secondary to any additional insurance policies you have, providing additional coverage for drivers facing third-party claims from other drivers involved in an accident caused by the Flexcar. 

To learn more about why you shouldn’t settle for state minimums, check out our article all about how much car insurance you really need. 

Damage to the vehicle: 

Flexcar outlines that subscribers will be billed a maximum of $1,000 following any damages sustained to a vehicle rented through Flexcar. If the cost of repair to the vehicle after an accident is less than $1,000, you would be billed the whole amount, while any damages to the vehicle that require repairs that exceed $1,000 would be waived. 

Subscribers would not receive coverage for any accidents caused by any noncompliance with the rules and restrictions found in the subscriber agreement. 

Flexcar drivers looking to open a claim after an accident or report any issues with their vehicle must contact the Flexcar Care Team. 

What other insurance options do I have for my Flexcar? 

As you’re likely aware, the insurance offered through Flexcar is fairly barebones when it comes to coverage. This is even acknowledged by the service, who bill their coverage as secondary to your own insurance policy. However, receiving primary insurance coverage when renting through a service like Flexcar is not always as easy as it may seem. 

Drivers looking to receive additional insurance coverage when renting through Flexcar would need to obtain a non-owner car insurance policy, also known as named non-owner. This type of policy is designed for people without cars who frequently utilize someone else’s vehicle or rentals. 

However, as Flexcar and programs similar to it are still relatively new, many insurance carriers are not willing to or interested in writing insurance coverage for drivers obtaining rentals through the service. Also, in most cases a non-owner policy is usually considered a secondary coverage that is used to cover gaps in the rental company’s own insurance policy. 

But all hope is not lost! 

While some carriers are not interested in writing for Flexcar clients, some carriers may be willing to! For example, The Norfolk & Dedham Group (N&D Group), who we work with, is willing to write coverage for our clients looking for a non-owner policy for their Flexcar rental. The N&D Group explained to us that the non-owner policy would be allowed to be listed as the primary insurance coverage in the event claim, so long as the driver maintains a clean driving record. 

What does a non-owner policy provide? 

A non-owner policy would typically cover injuries to others as well as property damage to others. The policy would not cover damage to the car, medical expenses for yourself, roadside/towing, or coverage for rental costs. While still barebones, non-owner policies allow you to raise your minimums of coverage for bodily injury and property damage - a recommendation we give to all clients. 

As Flexcar vehicles are likely rented for short periods of time, drivers should note that any early cancellations for the non-owner policy would subject them to a short rate cancellation penalty just like any other auto policy. 

Drivers looking to receive a non-owner policy should also be aware that most carriers require you to bundle it with another policy, such as home, condo, or renter’s insurance. 

While we may seem partial to N&D Group in this scenario, we work with multiple reputable insurance carriers for non-owner policies. Check out this article to learn about what carriers we trust: Top 4 Non-owner Auto Insurance Carriers in MA.

Staying flexible

Non-owner policies provide a great option for drivers looking for additional coverage when renting or utilizing another’s vehicle. If you think Flexcar is the perfect choice for you right now, then contact Berry Insurance today so we can help you set up the additional coverage you’ll need. 

Interested in learning more about how you can receive a non-owner policy for your next rental? Stay in the know by checking out this article: What Do I Need to Get Named Non-Owner Auto Insurance in Massachusetts.