Question about alamo additional coverage

[mom2nickntink]

As per advice from this board, I called my Insurance agent in NY and he said our policy on our cars covers Full Comprehensive and Collision, but to find out if we would be financially responsible for "Loss of Use".

So, I called alamo agent and asked and was told "if you get into an accident, you would be held responsible for paying for the car which could no longer be re-rented". Then she said "if it were me, I would want to pay for the Waiver and not have to worry about it. Depending on how much you want to be financially responsible, it will cost anywherefrom 10.95 per day to $26.95 per day additional". Does this sound valid, or like she is tring to pressure me into buying the additional coverage? We have rented many vehicles locally, but have never rented a vehicle out of state so don't know how insurance applies when it MAY be used in another state from issuing state. I know people have said they were pressured by agents to buy insurance. I want to do what is most prudent in this situation, but don;t want to buy insurance if we are already covered under our policies.

My DH will be driving exclusively and is a VERY good driver, has NEVER gotten into an accident. (knock on wood) DH says in all the times we've rented locally, we have never bought the additional insurance.

We will be going 11/29/-12/4, so I need to figure out ASAP if we need to add additional charges into our Disney budget.

What is your educated opinions or gut feelings on this conversation?

Thanks,
MC

 

[CarolA]

The standard advice is that if your insurance will cover the rental car then you should not buy the extra insurance. (I am not sure where this "loss of use" comes from, but the rental car companies have never bought this one up!) I have wrecked a rental car and "loss of use" was never discussed! (It was not my fault!)

Personally, it sounds to me like the agent is trying to get you to buy the insurance just because that is what they are suppose to do. Insurance is a high PROFIT for the rental car companies.

 

[RonnieM]

Talk about a coincidence! I asked my spouse to get a copy and/or proof that we carried comprehensive and collison - just in case the car agent upon my decline of isurance asked for some sort of insurance "proof". While he was at it, he asked about coverage and this was our insurance agent's email response:

Your auto policy extends liability coverage to a rental auto. Your deductibles for comp and collision will apply if there is a loss. Currently you have 250 comp and 500 collision deductibles. The only exclusion with regards to a rental auto is the "loss of use" coverage. This means that if you are involved in an accident, the rental company can come back at you for the number of days the vehicle was being repaired and unable to rent. The "loss of use" coverage can be included in the insurance coverage they offer.
Your auto ID cards should be sufficient to show proof of coverage. If you need additional cards, please let me know.

So I think "loss of use" is the real deal. And with the way car rental company's are nickel and diming the customer now, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to collect should an accident occur - your fault or not.

Personally, I'm going to chance it and pass on the rental company's insurance (unless other Disneyers post horror stories/experiences that scare the dickens out of me!). I'm going through Dollar and I feel pretty good about them.

 

[mrsstats]

Reading from the NY endorsement covering rental vehicles and it states it provides protection int he event of damage to, or loss of, a rental vehicle, including loss of use. You do not have to purchase coverage from the rental coverage. Just decline it. I always do. (I work in an insurance agency on Long Island and am reading this directly from a policy)

 

[mom2nickntink]

Thanks you so much- you are all dear friends to me now.

I kind of thought it wasn't necessary, but just nervous when a company tells me something, I tend to believe they know what they are talking about. Except in this case, where numerous people were saying they almost "force" you to take coverage by scaring you into it.

 

[seashoreCM]

The way it is advertised, and also in my opinion, the extra insurance and waivers are optional regardless of what kind of insurance you have or don't have on your own car.

Contrary to what the agents say, no Florida law requires that you buy rental insurance.

But the agent behind the counter wants to sell you these extra coverages, and will tell all kinds of stories. They are apt to prey on travellers who look likely to knuckle under to them.

You may just have to keep saying no, asking to see the topmost manager in the office if needed.

If you neither have a credit card that covers collision nor collision on your own car, I have to say and recommend buying the rental company coverage.

Alamo offers different levels of collision, a "maxi waiver saver" that costs more and covers the car if it is totalled, and one or more mini waiver savers that cover the last seveal thousand dollars while you or your own insurance covers the first few or several thousand.

Some credit cards offer rental collision coverage that also covers loss of use. As far as I know, all credit card coverage except Diners Club's pays only what is left over after your own insurance company pays and raises your rates. The rental company can charge you the cost of repairs and loss of use regardless of fault.

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