Car Insurance

[gilld]

Am I right in thinking you can provide your own car insurance for the car included with a fly/drive? I refused VH's ins as it's grossly overpriced but don't want to take Dollar's either. Has anyone done this? If so with who and did Dollar kick up a fuss?

 

[kristieuk]

I was recommended to use insurance4carhire on these boards, although we haven't booked it yet. It's about £99 for a year's cover. There is some confusion as to them saying it's not suitable for top up insurance for fly drives - which to me begged the question why on earth else you would want it!!

However, there have been a few threads about this, and there are plenty of people who have used them and recommend them. Apparently, if you speak to their advisers, they say they have put that on the site to avoid any comeback if the rental company refuse to accept their insurance. However, in reality, the car hire companies will accept the insurance, but obviously want to make the money themselves, so it is not advertised by them.

My understanding is that you have to leave credit card details with the rental company at the time of collecting the car - they have a 'hold' on $1500 or something, that they may only take if you had an accident.

Anyway, the details are:-

http://www.insurance4carhire.com/index.asp?curID=1&langID=1&refID=188&pID=41

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
I have used Amex car rental insurance on numerous occasions. Dollar will try to sell their insurance aswell as trying to sell you a car upgrade but just decline both (even if you do want to upgrade as you may well get it for free anyway) You will have to pay taxes etc and you can choose to pay for fuel and bring the car back empty or decline and bring it back full. As for the charge on your credit card the last time I used Dollar I checked my available credit online and it was NOT reduced by $1500. Be sure to check the vehicle for any damge before you drive away and if you find any get a Dollar rep to note it on your agreement.

Mick.

 

[alisonbestford]

Used insurance4carhire in Feb this year (for our Dollar rental) with no problems what so ever

The guy on the desk just gave me our papers, said 'you look like you know what you're doing' and we were on our way

The foot note about the ins possibly not being recommended for 'flydrives' came up on 'ins4carhire's' site before we travelled but I spoke to Dollar, Virgin and 'ins4carhire' before we left and was reassured that everything would be ok.

Basically rental firms that offer 'free' car hire rely on you to take their, overinflated ins, to make up the cost.

If you don't it's their hard luck, not yours.
Your ins is perfectly valid but they lose out - hence the occasional hard sell on pick up - probably more so if they haven't met their monthly/ weekly targets.......

Have to agree with Mick on the $1500 'deposit' too. At no time did it show on my visa statement.

Have fun.

 

[k-herm]

What kristy, mick and alison have said about insurance4carhire is spot on. You should have no problems.

However I got suckered into buying extra LDW by the VERY persistant, in fact rude, guy at the Dollar desk. Stick to your guns and don't be a soft touch like I was and you'll save a lot of money. The insurance4carhire policy DOES give you enough cover.

 

[gilld]

Thanks everyone - I have saved this for next year.

 

[Shooby doo]

Talk about learning something!! We actually never take the "free" car & book an all inclusive package,here before we go BUT I didn't know that I could've taken the "free" car & provided my own insurance!! Probably too late to add that "free" car back on to my booking for next year!
SD aw:

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Have any of you who have taken alternative insurance actually claimed?
this is where the saving a few pennies may come back and bite you.

 

[alisonbestford]

Have any of you who have taken alternative insurance actually claimed?
this is where the saving a few pennies may come back and bite you.

Think Mick might have but I'm sure he'll let you know if he has .

The rep on the Dollar desk said my insurance with ins4carhire was good though so I wouldn't worry

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
Yes I have claimed and whole procedure was quite painless. I just obtained a claim number and gave this to the Dollar rep and they then gave me a replacement car. The insurance company then settled the claim directly with Dollar. I have certainly saved more than a few pennies more like several hundred pounds over the time I have provided my own insurance.

Mick.