Car Rental Question--need help soon!

[GCM]

My family is renting a vehicle for our trip to DW, picking it up this Friday. We already got things set up with our insurance, making sure they will cover any damages to the vehicle (hopefully not needed). However, my dad just mentioned to me that his step-son rented a vehicle and his full coverage insurance would not cover any down time that the rental would incur if damaged. Is this true??? If so, what do I need to do? My insurance company is closed today because of the holiday, but I would like to hear from others if they have heard of this.

 

[Lewisc]

You're describing "loss of use". Sometimes your personal auto policy or credit card will cover "loss of use". Sometimes it doesn't.

Sometimes your policy will only pay if the rental agency can document at least 80% of your car class was rented the days your car was unavailable. Rental agency might then waive the charge, supply the documentation or (more likely) refuse to supply the information. They might say the information is a "trade secret" and mention some clause buried in the rental agreement where you agree to pay without such documentation.

Rental agencies might offer a limited damage waiver which just covers loss of use. You might just take your chances with your credit card and personal auto policy.

If I was renting a regular car I'd probably take my chances. Maybe not if I was renting a specialty vehicle.

 

[GCM]

You're describing "loss of use". Sometimes your personal auto policy or credit card will cover "loss of use". Sometimes it doesn't.

Sometimes your policy will only pay if the rental agency can document at least 80% of your car class was rented the days your car was unavailable. Rental agency might then waive the charge, supply the documentation or (more likely) refuse to supply the information. They might say the information is a "trade secret" and mention some clause buried in the rental agreement where you agree to pay without such documentation.

Rental agencies might offer a limited damage waiver which just covers loss of use. You might just take your chances with your credit card and personal auto policy.

If I was renting a regular car I'd probably take my chances. Maybe not if I was renting a specialty vehicle.

Thank you so much for the information and advice. I am going to check with my insurance tomorrow just to see what is and isn't covered and see if they can offer us something. Otherwise, we will just chance it because I am not paying $27 a day to cover it through the car rental location--that it's a bit

Thanks!!!

 

[thumbalyna]

Im an insurance agent and with our company the only state that has "loss of use" is new york. Every other state we write in it is not covered nor is it available as an "add on".

 

[DebbieB]

Check with the credit card you are using. Many provide secondary insurance including loss of use.

http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/benefits/bft_dmg_waiver_personal.html

How does this benefit apply?

Within your country of residence, Visa Auto Rental CDW supplements, and applies excess of, any valid and collectible insurance or reimbursement from any source. It does not duplicate insurance provided by or purchased through the auto rental company; it will not pay for theft or damage reimbursable by your own insurer, employer, employer’s insurance, or any other valid and collectible-reimbursement; however, it will pay for the outstanding deductible portion or other charges, including valid administration and loss-of-use charges not covered by your applicable automobile insurance policy. Outside your country of residence or if you do not have automobile insurance, you do not have to claim payment from any other source of insurance before receiving the benefits.

 

[stacy76]

I had the same problem. We are retired military and have USAA for our auto insurance. When I contacted them they told me if I didn't use one of the companies they had contracts with they would cover the car for everything, but loss of use. I contacted my Visa card and they said they would cover loss of use as long as I used my Visa card to pay for the rental car. My Visa card even sent it to me in writing to my email.

 

[GCM]

Im an insurance agent and with our company the only state that has "loss of use" is new york. Every other state we write in it is not covered nor is it available as an "add on".

Thank you for this info! I never thought of "loss of use" before it being mentioned to us.

Check with the credit card you are using. Many provide secondary insurance including loss of use.

http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/benefits/bft_dmg_waiver_personal.html

I had the same problem. We are retired military and have USAA for our auto insurance. When I contacted them they told me if I didn't use one of the companies they had contracts with they would cover the car for everything, but loss of use. I contacted my Visa card and they said they would cover loss of use as long as I used my Visa card to pay for the rental car. My Visa card even sent it to me in writing to my email.

This is great news!!! We will be using our Visa, so happy to hear that we will be covered. We are going to contact Visa to see if they will email us something in writing...just for a little extra assurance.

You all are wonderful!!!!

BTW, I responded earlier, but apparently forgot to actually submit my post! I believe my brain is fried.

 

[Lewisc]

Keep in mind credit card coverage and your personal auto policy might exclude some types of autos. Vans designed for more then 8 passengers are frequently not covered. Exotic cars. Sometimes even some expensive US models (including some Lincoln models) aren't covered. Rentals more then 2 weeks are frequently not covered.