Help! Can't find my insurance card-need rental car tomorrow!

[BC]

We just paid our insurance and I have misplaced the new cards that came with it. We are headed out tomorrow and will be picking up a rental car at the airport. We are not buying rental car insurance as our policy covers a rental car. What else can I bring to prove I have insurance. Will they accept an old card as long as it has the policy number on it?

 

[bamor]

We've NEVER been asked for proof of ins.
That being said, bring your old card. They can call your ins co if necessary who can then confirm proof of insurance and fax info over if necessary.

 

[jsilvers]

Do you have online access to your insurance account? Presumably you can download/print out an "official" insurance card or some other form of documentation.

 

[BC]

I've already tried that, but did not see anywhere that I could get a temporary or copy of my card.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The ONLY time I've ever had to prove I had my own car insurance was renting from L&M with a debit card. Every other time, I've simply declined the insurance. A firm, "No thank you" should be sufficient; or if you're renting from a company with kiosks, or belong to that company's 'frequent' renter's club, even better. You get to skip the high-pressure sales tactics.

 

[seashoreCM]

You can check the rental company's website to see what insurance rules they have.

I do know that EZ, Payless, and L&M reserve the right not to rent to you if you decline their coverages and also can't prove you have such coverages on your own car, but most companies don't have that in their rules and therefore may not require you to buy any coverages. If cars are not scarce (they can be during Daytona Week for Florida) companies are not likely to make a fuss over proof of insurance.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I too, have never been asked to provide proof of insurance when renting a car.

My insurance company lets you print cards from their web site (USAA).

 

[DebbieB]

Do you have a copy of your policy? I would bring that because it has your policy # and effective dates on it in case you need it. I've never had a rental car co ask for my card, I have used National, Avis, Alamo. But you should have your information available if you do have an accident, you will need it to fill out paperwork. If your old card has the same policy #, I would bring that.

 

[DVC-Don]

I also have never been asked but, do carry a copy of one of my auto insurance declarations page.

 

[dudspizza]

I too can print from the website of my insurance provider.

If that is not possible, call you agent and have them email or fax you a copy.

duds

 

[Detailor]

I didn't know that any rental agency asked for insurance information unless the renter has been in an accident during the rental period. At least I've never experienced that with dozens of car rentals through at least six companies over the years.

But, if your rental agency requires that information, I'd suggest that you take the Declaration Page of your policy. That page has the policy number, coverage and deductible information, the effective dates of the policy, the insured's (your) name/address, and your agent's contact information printed on it. In other words, it has the information that's on your insurance card.

Dick Taylor

 

[leebee]

Have you tried calling the company? Liberty Mutual has both emailed and faxed copies for me. Also, don't forget that many credit cards offer car rental insurance as a benefit. Granted, it's secondary insurance, but still should be OK. Perhaps a copy of your card benefits is available even if you cannot get a copy of your insurance card.

I've never been asked for a copy of anything. Last week Alamo gave me the song and dance, and when I said I had coverage she gave me the "but that's only after..." and I said that my cc would cover the rest, she stopped talking and finished the rental.

Honestly, I wouldn't sweat it too much.

 

[trip]

Maybe you already put it in your car? Our state requires you to have proof of insurance along with your registration in your car.

 

[jenrose66]

The rental agency can call your insurance company if need be. I'm not sure who your company is...but if they don't have 24 hour customer service they will still have 24 hour claims...I can't think of one insurance company that doesn't have that. I worked in insurance claims up until a couple months ago and used to verify coverage for rental agencies all the time.