06/05/2023 • 5 min

Protect your belongings with Personal Effects Coverage

Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) or insurance is an optional level of coverage which you can request before starting your rental with us. Read on to find out more about PEC and how it can benefit you.
Protect your belongings with Personal Effects Coverage

What is Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)?

Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) is a type of insurance policy which gives you coverage for any damage or theft of personal belongings which occurs during your rental. This type of coverage is optional and commonly sold when renting a car for extra peace of mind. If purchased, personal effects coverage with Hertz extends insurance to the personal belongings of the renter as well as immediate family members who are travelling with you.

With Hertz, PEC has a limit of up to $600 per person and is limited to a total value of $1,800*. While personal effects insurance insures loss or damage to a variety of personal belongings, there are some exceptions:

  • Other vehicles and equipment such as motorcycles, boats and outboard motors
  • Any furniture from your household
  • Currency in the forms of physical notes, bullion or coins
  • Stamps, tickets, deeds, securities and documents
  • Equipment such as GPS, guns, CB radios and radar detectors
  • Sales merchandise such as fine art
  • Contact lenses, eyeglasses, false teeth and limbs
  • Animals and other perishables.

Personal effects coverage with Hertz is also exempt in the case of loss due to mysterious disappearance – this means if something is stolen from the vehicle while it was locked and there is no evidence of break-in. PEC is also invalid in other situations, such as:

  • Normal wear and tear as well as gradual deterioration
  • Damage caused by moths or other vermin
  • Loss or damage caused by an act of war
  • Transportation of contraband or other illegal trade
  • Loss from nuclear reaction or radioactive fallout and contamination

While this exemption list covers the main points, it’s not exhaustive. Our helpful staff will guide you through every exemption from PEC and answer any questions regarding specific items and circumstances. Please note that all theft and damage must be reported to law enforcement. If you do not report the incident to law enforcement, your belongings will not be covered by PEC.

* In New York State, PEC coverage has a limit of $500 per person and a maximum limit of $1,500. Rentals from Mississippi are not subject to a maximum limit of $1,800.

 

Why Choose Personal Effects Coverage at Hertz?

As with many types of insurance, having Personal Effects Coverage gives you peace of mind that your personal belongings are covered during your rental time. Knowing that you have additional financial protection makes for a more relaxing journey and reduces stress in cases of loss or damage to your possessions.

Without PEC, your personal belongings won’t be covered in the event of theft or loss through an event such as fire. The risk of financial and sentimental loss of personal belongings can be highly stressful. Having the security of PEC provides added peace of mind for you and other immediate family members on your rental trip.

 

How to Purchase Personal Effects Insurance at Hertz

Adding Personal Effects Coverage to your Hertz rental is simple. Before you get the keys and begin your journey, simply inquire with our staff that you are interested in PEC. The total cost will be determined according to how many days you have reserved your car for. With your coverage arranged, you’re ready to get on the road.

If you need to file a claim for PEC, you can fill out a PEC claim form online or fill in the form at any Hertz pickup location. Once filled, submit the form with a copy of your Rental Agreement and send it to the following address:

Hertz Claim Management Corporation P.O. Box 716 Park Ridge, NJ 07656.

You must complete and submit the form within 30 days after the date of loss or damage.

Add an extra layer of safety with Personal Effects Coverage at Hertz.