Car Rental Insurance

[jenbear123]

I am wondering how many people actually take the insurance with the car rental company when renting a car or decline it since they are already covered with their own car insurance or credit card. How does it work? Is it really worth it to take their insurance? Are you actually covered under your credit card or own car insurance? Would love to hear any advice! Thanks

 

[bkelly65us]

I decline the coverage because my insurance covers rental cars. Still, I'm less concerned about crashes and fender benders than about being hit with bogus 'damage' claims after you turn the vehicle in. I make a point to use my phone's camera/camcorder app to photo/video the entire vehicle both inside and out just in case.

 

[ancestry]

Most people think that their car insurance covers them on a rental but that isn't complete true. While one's insurance may cover damage to the rental car itself, the rental car company can still come after you for lost income when the wrecked car is out of service being repaired. Personal car insurance doesn't cover the lost income fees to the rental car company which sometimes can be greater than the cost of the actual repair.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The credit card I set aside for travel (including rental cars) specifically covers the loss damages as long as I decline the coverage at the rental agency.

 

[manning]

Most people think that their car insurance covers them on a rental but that isn't complete true. While one's insurance may cover damage to the rental car itself, the rental car company can still come after you for lost income when the wrecked car is out of service being repaired. Personal car insurance doesn't cover the lost income fees to the rental car company which sometimes can be greater than the cost of the actual repair.

To avoid that you have the right to demand proof that they lost rental, IE how many cars were on your lot during that time period. You would be surprised how fast they back off when confronted with that.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

To avoid that you have the right to demand proof that they lost rental, IE how many cars were on your lot during that time period. You would be surprised how fast they back off when confronted with that.

Yes and no. Often companies will give up, but not because the cannot provide the data. They just realize the possibility of collecting is often difficult, although you could find yourself on a Do Not Rent list. Car rental companies have been very cautious about not providing this data citing proprietary information that could be damaging if leaked to competitors.

As for buying insurance, I do not. On the whole, the chance of me being in an accident on vacation is not significantly statistically higher than at home. I have excellent personal insurance with more than adequate coverage for liability. Additionally I use my American Express that covers me secondary (I personally do not use the Premium Rental Car Coverage).

 

[mickey2000]

American Express



You can save money on your next car rental. See the advantages of Premium Car Rental Protection.Pricing and savings are based on your state of residency.
Pay one flat rate for up to 42 days of coverage*
Get up to $100,000 in primary theft and damage coverage
Make a claim without paying a deductibleThere’s no charge to enroll your Card, and it’s quick and easy


Key Features
One flat price of $24.95 per rental period, not per day ($17.95 for California Residents).
Coverage is primary. You won't have to file a claim with your personal insurance company and risk having your premiums increase.
There are no deductibles.
There is no cost to enroll and you will only be billed a premium when you use your enrolled Card to rent a car until your enrollment is terminated.

Coverage (for you and your passengers)
Up to $100,000 of primary coverage for damage or theft of a Rental Car.
Up to $100,000 of Accidental Death or Dismemberment coverage.
Up to $15,000 for excess medical expenses.

Protection
Coverage is worldwide, except for vehicles rented in Australia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, and New Zealand.
Coverage is for up to 42 consecutive days (up to 30 consecutive days for Washington State Cardmembers) and automatically extends to your other noncorporate American Express® Card accounts.
Covers most vehicles typically available from a Rental Company

Enroll your American Express® Card in Premium Car Rental Protection – enrollment is quick, and there’s no cost to enroll.
The next time you rent a car with your enrolled Card, decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver.
You will receive Premium Car Rental Protection for the duration of your rental, up to 42 consecutive days.*
Each time you rent a car with your enrolled Card, you can be covered and pay a flat rate of $24.95.**