car rentals and insurance

[maccalovah]

Since my boyfriend is Mr. Paranoia, he's insisting that if we rent a car, we also purchase their insurance, even though that pretty much doubles the cost of renting a car. Now obviously we'd have to look at his individual car insurance policy, but in general, if you have normal car insurance, does that usually cover car rental insurance? He recently bought a new vehicle, so he has good insurance on it (through Progressive), but he thought that the rental insurance was an option you had to add on to your policy, and he doesn't think that he has it. I noticed on this board that most people do not purchase the rental agency's insurance- is that because you're just taking a risk, or are you all insured through your insurance company? And if so, is it something you had to add on to your policy, or is it part of your basic coverage? Just trying to get an idea- boyfriend has to renew his coverage next month anyways, so I'd like to know if this is something he needs to "add on"- it would save a ton of money in rental fees!

PS, sorry this post sounds so psycho and confusing. Hopefully someone out there knows what I'm trying to ask

 

[bicker]

"Normally"? I don't think that there is any such thing as "normal" car insurance. Coverage for the driver driving a rental car varies from policy to policy, and may even vary with regard to what specifically is covered, i.e., liability but not collision.

Don't forget to check your credit cards for rental car insurance options, as well. However, be very careful. The fine print is very vicious in those cases, and even when you have such coverage, it isn't what it appears to be at first glance.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

JMO, but car rental insurance is a huge ripoff. If you annualize the rates they charge, you end up paying astronomical rates for coverage you most likely do not need. If your own personal auto insurance includes liability, bodily injury, collsion and comprehensive coverage, you are in good shape. However, I would recommend calling your insurance carrier to inquire about your situation and see if any of your coverages should be bumped up.

Some companies strongly push the coverage, especially to younger drivers. You may want to bring proof of insurance (copy of your insurance card or policy) with you to help you decline their coverage.

 

[seashoreCM]

Insurance and coverages offered by car rental companies are big profit items which means (by definition) they are very expensive for the benefits the consumer gets.

Most credit cards and regular car insurance companies do not cover (2) loss of use* or (3) diminution of value*. (#1 is the damage which most do cover.) But the coverage the rental company offers does cover these items provided you don't violate the rental agreement. Check with your insurance agent regarding your own car policy and how much it costs for add ons.

When you rely on your own insurance company or your credit card your insurance rates are subject to increase if you have an accident with the rental car. I think Diners Club is an exception, they pay first (are primary) before your insurance company has to pay.

That said, except for a few rental companies including L&M, Payless and EZ, you can still just say no.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/carrent.htm

* Loss of use -- Days when the car is in the repair shop. Diminution of value -- The reduction in resale value a year or so later (when the rental company turns over its fleet) because the car had been in an accident.

 

[DVC-Don]

................
That said, except for a few rental companies including L&M, Payless and EZ, you can still just say no.
.............

I've never had an issue saying no to L&M. Never used the other two.