Does a Rental Car Have Other Than Collision Glass Coverage from a PAP?

• By: The Big "I" Virtual University
• July 4, 2025

A client in Iowa has full glass coverage on her personal auto policy. She rented a vehicle in Florida and got a chip on the windshield. The carrier says that, even though she has full glass coverage on her PAP, it will not extend to a rental vehicle and that it is subject to the other than collision deductible. 

The agent disagrees and thinks the policy states it is covered minus any applicable deductible—and full glass coverage does not have a deductible.

Q: Does a rental car receive full glass coverage from a PAP?

​ Response 1: The full glass coverage endorsement states:

We will pay under Other Than Collision Coverage for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged safety glass on “your covered auto” without a deductible. We will pay only if:

1. The Declarations indicates that Other Than Collision Coverage applies; and

2. The vehicle is shown in the Schedule above or in the Declarations as having Full Safety Glass Coverage.

A rental car is not included unless it meets the requirements shown in the endorsement, which is not normally the case.

Response 2: In the PAP, the definition of “your covered auto” is:  

4. Any auto or “trailer” you do not own while used as a temporary substitute for any other vehicle described in this definition which is out of normal use because of its:

a. Breakdown;
b. Repair;
c. Servicing;
d. Loss; or
e. Destruction.

This provision (J.4.) does not apply to Coverage For Damage To Your Auto.

You stated the insured rented a vehicle while she was traveling out of state, not while her vehicle was in the shop because it broke down, was being repaired, was being serviced, or had been lost or destroyed.

The only time this policy will cover a rental vehicle as a substitute vehicle is when the insured’s vehicle has broken down, is being repaired, is being serviced, is lost—or stolen—or has been destroyed. 

Response 3: A rock chip is considered a “missile.” This would be considered an other than collision loss. Additionally, the rental is not a covered auto and, per the definitions in the policy, doesn’t serve as a replacement vehicle. The carrier is correct.

Response 4: I have to agree with the carrier and the deductible should apply. The vehicle in question does not meet the definition of “your covered auto.” It does meet the definition of “non-owned auto” under Part D—Coverage for Damage To Your Auto:

C. “Non-owned auto” means:

1. Any private passenger auto, pickup, van or “trailer” not owned by or furnished or available for the regular use of you or any “family member” while in the custody of or being operated by you or any “family member”

The full coverage glass endorsement applies to a covered auto, but not to a non-owned auto. The other than collision deductible should apply.

Response 5: I agree with the carrier. If the insured rented the car with her credit card, tell her to check if her credit card company has it covered. Many credit card companies provide this coverage automatically as a benefit for rental car coverage.

Had she purchased a damage waiver from the rental agency, your client would have been able to just hand them the keys and walk away. I hope you advised your insured properly.

This question was originally submitted by an agent through the Big “I” Virtual University’s (VU) Ask an Expert service, with responses curated from multiple VU faculty members. Answers to other coverage questions are available on the VU website. If you need help accessing the website, request login information.

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