Insurance requirements, explained.
Renting from Avanti works differently from Hertz or Enterprise, and it helps to know why before pickup day. This page lays out exactly what we need, what we don't, and what commonly gets mistaken for coverage.
You carry an active auto liability policy in your own name: a standard liability policy on a car you own, or a non-owner policy if you don't.
That's it. The rental car does not have to be listed on your policy. If you already insure a car you own, that liability policy counts. If you don't own a car, a non-owner liability policy from any insurer counts, and most carriers write one by phone or in their app the same day. Liability is the minimum; comprehensive and collision are your choice. We need the policy details and proof before you take the keys.
Why it's different from Hertz or Enterprise
National rental companies own tens of thousands of cars and insure their fleets themselves, then sell you a damage waiver on top. Washington lets a company do that once it has more than 25 vehicles registered here. Avanti is a small, local fleet built for gig drivers, and our cars are on the road full time for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and the rest, which a short-term rental counter never has to think about. So instead of a fleet policy with a waiver bolted on, the liability coverage sits with the driver: a policy in your own name, plus a rideshare or delivery endorsement if you drive for a platform. Avanti does not carry liability coverage for you as the driver, so your policy is the one that answers on the road.
The upside is the same thing that makes it possible for us to rent month to month with no credit check and no deposit: the coverage follows you and the work you do, rather than being priced into a daily rate.
What counts, and what doesn't
The liability policy on a car you own. Your existing personal auto policy, in your name, active for the whole rental. The rental car doesn't need to be added to it. Any insurer works: Progressive, GEICO, State Farm, Allstate, a local agent, whoever you already use.
A non-owner liability policy. If you don't own a car, this is the policy written for people who drive cars they don't own. Any insurer sells one, by phone or in their app, usually the same day. Tell the agent you'll be driving a rental for a longer period and for gig work so they quote it right.
Credit card rental coverage. Card benefits are typically secondary damage coverage for short rentals from a rental company, and most exclude rentals longer than a few weeks and any commercial or rideshare use. They generally don't provide liability at all. Worth calling your card issuer, but it's not a substitute for a policy.
Uber, Lyft or DoorDash's coverage. Platform coverage is limited, kicks in only in certain phases of a trip, and varies by platform. It does not cover you off the app, and it isn't a liability policy in your name.
Full coverage (comprehensive + collision). Not required. Under the rental agreement you're responsible for damage you cause, and not for damage that isn't your fault. Full coverage is what pays for the damage you're responsible for instead of you. Many drivers choose it; some don't.
How to get it done
- Check what you already have. If you insure a car you own, you likely already meet the requirement. If you don't own a car, you'll need a non-owner liability policy.
- Need a policy? Call any insurer or open their app. Ask for a non-owner liability policy. Tell them you'll be driving a rental for a longer period and that you drive for gig platforms, so they can quote the right endorsement. We send the car's year, make, model and VIN in your link in case they ask.
- Send us the proof through your link: insurer, policy number, expiration date, whether it's a policy on your own car or a non-owner policy, and a photo of the declaration page or ID card showing the policy is active and in your name. Takes about a minute.
- Keep it current. The policy stays active for the whole rental. We ask for refreshed proof every 30 days and you can update it through the same link any time.
Common questions
Do I need insurance to apply?
No. Insurance never affects whether you're approved. It's a pickup-day requirement, not an application requirement, and we'll walk you through it after approval.
I already have a policy on my own car. Is that enough?
For our requirement, yes: an active liability policy in your name on a car you own is what we ask for, and you don't need to add the rental car to it. Whether and how your specific policy responds while you drive a rental for weeks or months, and while you drive for a platform, is a question for your insurer, so ask them; we can't answer it for you.
Does Avanti carry insurance on the cars?
Avanti does not carry liability insurance for you as the driver. Your own policy is the liability coverage on the road, which is why an active policy in your name is required before pickup.
What is a non-owner policy?
A liability policy for people who drive but don't own a car. It covers you, not a specific vehicle, and it's usually inexpensive. Any insurer can write one; ask for "non-owner auto liability."
What limits do I need?
Washington's legal minimum liability is 25/50/10. Your rental agreement lists the limits we require and the insurer, policy number and agent contact go into Exhibit A of the agreement. We'll confirm the specifics with you before you sign.
What if I only carry liability and the car gets damaged?
It depends on fault. If the damage is your fault (an at-fault crash, misuse, leaving it unlocked with the keys inside), the repair is on you, up to the car's value. With full coverage your insurer pays it, minus your deductible; with liability only, you pay it. If the damage isn't your fault, it isn't on you. Fault is determined from the police report, the insurers' findings, dashcam or telematics data, and the condition reports, and you get the determination in writing.
Can Avanti tell me whether my policy is good enough?
We can tell you what the agreement requires and give you the car's details, but we're not insurance agents and can't advise on your specific policy. Your insurer or a licensed agent can, and we'd rather you ask them than guess.
This page explains Avanti Rentals' requirements in plain language and is not insurance or legal advice. The signed rental agreement controls. Questions any time: call or text (206) 487-1885.