Do you purchase the insurance on a rental?

[Pugdog007]

I've always heard not to. But should I? Obviously I have insurance on my cars at home. Doesn't the car rental company have insurance on theirs? Am I taking some kind of risk if I don't? What do you do?

 

[emmagata]

Check with your auto insurance carrier and any credit cards you may have. Most times, one, the other or both will cover it. They do tend to give you the "doom and gloom" story to sucker people into getting theirs.

 

[KimRaye]

We don't get it, but in thinking about it, IF you didn't want an accident to affect your own insurance rates, it might be wise to get it. However, if the accident affects the status of your license, you might be doomed anyway.

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

I've rented cars quite a few times over the years and have never opted for the extra insurance. I'm covered by my own insurance. I have AAA, by the way.

 

[minnie56]

I have coverage on two different credit cards as well as a provision in my own auto insurance here at home.

They love to try to sell you more though!

 

[graygables]

I used to be a res agent for Avis and we were told to give the hard sell, doom and gloom if the customer hesitated.

Even though I know better, I was pressured last year at an Enterprise and took the insurance (think Puss in Boots eyes from Shrek 2 !) When I returned the car, the agent told me I had damaged the trunk, probably by putting groceries or a stroller in (I hadn't opened the trunk) He filled out an accident form and threatened to charge my card an exhorbitant amount if I didn't sign. I did sign, but wrote "under duress" next to my sig. I was documenting everything and was ready to send a letter when I received a check from Enterprise for the total amount of my rental (including the fees) and a letter of apology for the "mix up". Memo to self: ignore the and show your insurance card!

 

[Pugdog007]

Originally posted by graygables
Memo to self: ignore the and show your insurance card!

So are you saying you think he tried to claim damage just because you took the insurance?

 

[graygables]

It appeared that way to me. Having worked at Avis, I knew to inspect a car before driving it off and there was *nothing* on that trunk that could be attributed to anything more than normal wear and tear. He kept pointing and I kept telling him I didn't see anything. And, the refund showed up out of nowhere.

Many moons ago, we got "atta-boys" on our reviews for selling the insurance, I had even heard that some rentals back then (*many* moons ) were offering bonuses to res agents for selling it. It's a huge money maker...HUGE!

 

[mommytotwo]

On our recent rental, we had to get the full coverage insurance since we had gotten the family rate since my sister works at a car rental agency. I had learned from her that some insurance companies do cover your rental cars, but like the insurance that my parents and I have, it does not so we usually get the basic coverage. It may be a bit pricier each day, but it's better to be safe then sorry. If you get into an accident and don't have the coverage you will pay alot more. Plus, although you are safe, other drivers may not be.

 

[outstandinfarmer]

My DH is 25 so he can rent a car at a reasonable rate, but with me being under 21, can I drive the car ocassionaly when we rent it? I don't want something to happen and we aren't covered for it.

(BTW, we both have good insurance, and he has AAA)

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Per most car rental policies, no one other than listed drivers can drive the car, and because you are under 25, you will probably have to pay an extra fee if you do have yourself listed as the driver.

Regarding the insurance, check with your credit card company and insurance company to see if you are already covered. The insurance most people purchase from the car rental agency is the Loss/Damage Waiver (LDW), which basically just covers your deductible and will STILL affect your insurance if you get in an accident that causes more damage than your deductible will cover.

I recently got a little update from my Disney Visa, and they outline very very clearly exactly how their car rental coverage works. It is identical to the LDW the car rental companies offer. Also, my best friend (who was skeptical that the credit card coverage was sufficient) called Amex to ask about her coverage, and they offered her a program that, for $19.95 per rental period (up to 45 days, I think) would offer full coverage on the vehicle. She was pretty excited about that.

Good luck.

 

[Grog]

I used to until I found out that in Texas, if you have full coverage on your own vehicle, you can use it to cover a rental. You are still responsible for the amount of the deductible. In some cases the extra insurance can almost double your rental costs. The last time I rented a car the girl tried to give me the hard sell and when I continued to refuse, wrote "RESPONSIBLE!" in big letters across the block on the form for insurance. I think that was supposed to frighten me. Also, I always do a walk around and check the outside and the interior for damage before I drive away.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Our insurance AND credit card covers insurance on auto rental. As far as the "doom and gloom" the rental reps give, that is so true. I have seen a perfectly nice rental representatvie go from pleasant to downright ticked off because I politely refused insurance-twice. I guess they get a good cut from the insurance fee.

 

[Grog]

I guess they get a good cut from the insurance fee.

I've heard that they also get a commission for selling pre-paid tanks of gas. I only do that now if I'm going on a long trip and know for sure I will use a full tank. I pre-paid once when I only needed the car for a few days around town and only used half a tank. Not good since they calculate the rate based on a fill up from an empty tank. I will admit though that I like the convenience of pre-paying.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by Grog
Also, I always do a walk around and check the outside and the interior for damage before I drive away.

This is a very wise thing to do regardless of whether or not you purchase the rental car company's insurance.