Hearing MORE & more of rental companies forcing people

[rvchat]

to buy auto rental insurance.

Are you bringing your insurance card as proof for this? I'm always asked if I have insurance (plus I pay with amex).

 

[plutolovr]

Simply paying with AMEX does not automatically give you CDL insurance on your rental car. You have to purchase their rental car protection which costs $19.95 per rental, which is still much cheaper than what the car rental companies charge.

My DH learned this the hard way when his rental car was hit in a parking lot and we received a bill for $1200 from Avis. He paid with AMEX and they would not cover it. He now has the rental car protection from AMEX.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I use the Alamo kiosk or do online check and don't deal with people trying to upsell the insurance to me.

 

[rvchat]

Simply paying with AMEX does not automatically give you CDL insurance on your rental car. You have to purchase their rental car protection which costs $19.95 per rental, which is still much cheaper than what the car rental companies charge.

My DH learned this the hard way when his rental car was hit in a parking lot and we received a bill for $1200 from Avis. He paid with AMEX and they would not cover it. He now has the rental car protection from AMEX.

Of course, it's only a PLUS if you already have your own insurance.

 

[goofy4tink]

Rented with Budget a few weeks ago. When I went to the counter (at Sanford) to do the paperwork for the rental, the agent went through all that 'crap'. When she got to the part about buying the addtl insurance, I told her no, that we had several car insurance policies at home that cover us. Her response?? 'Oh, looks like you've done this before.'

 

[Goofygirl17]

I always say no because our ins covers us. This time the Dollar guy told me that my ins won't cover the rental co's loss of use of the car while it's being repaired. But I still said no! I hadn't heard that before though.

 

[kathie859]

I always say no because our ins covers us. This time the Dollar guy told me that my ins won't cover the rental co's loss of use of the car while it's being repaired. But I still said no! I hadn't heard that before though.

I rented a car in Ft. Lauderdale today and since this wasnt my first rodeo I said up front "no CDW (collision damage waiver--rental companies present this as insurance--it isn't) and I'll return the car full of gas." OMG I spent the next 5 minutes saying "no" to the agent's spiel. It was exhausting.

 

[Cindyrellablue]

I always say no because our ins covers us. This time the Dollar guy told me that my ins won't cover the rental co's loss of use of the car while it's being repaired. But I still said no! I hadn't heard that before though.

When I last rented in Dec 2010, I contacted Amex and was told that they do not cover the cost of the rental for the days that the vehicle is being repaired. I then contacted Chase Visa for my Disney card and they did. You just have to make sure that the card you are using offers that type of coverage as well.

 

[tjmw2727]

Rented last week in Tampa through Alamo and just said no without issue but I have had the hard sell a few times in the past year.

I do carry my insurance card as it is mandatory here so I always have it anyway.

 

[rwdavis2]

When I last rented in Dec 2010, I contacted Amex and was told that they do not cover the cost of the rental for the days that the vehicle is being repaired. I then contacted Chase Visa for my Disney card and they did. You just have to make sure that the card you are using offers that type of coverage as well.

Yep, I highly recommend everyone read their credit card's car rental insurance provisions (look it up on the web site). They are not too complicated and can leave you with great peace of mind. Between the CC and our regular car insurance we're very well covered.
BD