Rental Car Coverage ?

[shelleyz]

My husband is taking a trip in August and will be renting a car. I've been checking rates for him, but I don't know what type of coverage he should get. Anybody have any info they would like to share about what coverage to get. Thanks for any help. ShelleyZ

 

[sjc]

My suggestion would be to first check in two places:
1. Call your current insurance provider and find out how you are covered with rentals. They may also offer advice/guidance with taking supplemental rental insurance.
2. Look at the coverage that you may already have on your credit cards for rental reimbursement if you use that card for the rental.

If you do the above, you may find out that you don't need the supplemental insurance.... steve c

 

[shelleyz]

Good ideas. I'll check into them. Thanks!

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

I went to my insurance agent just this past week to ask what I needed to take with me to show valid proof of insurance. She printed out a one page sheet and told me to put it in the glove box of the rental car when I received it. She also told me that car insurance follows the car not the driver. Except in the exception of a car rental. She said they consider this a vehicle substitute and as such it is covered by the individuals car insurance. If you have car insurance you will have no need to purchase extra insurance unless you like to throw away money.

 

[n2mm]

We have full coverage on our family car. Checked with carrier and do not need additional insurance. Everyone should check with their carrier before renting a car. No need to pay more than you have to. Also you should check to see what/if any type of documentation you should have with you.

 

[shelleyz]

Thank you! We have full coverage on our car at home. I will check with my insurance company this coming week to see what type of document he should carry in the car while hes renting. Thanks so much for the info. ShelleyZ

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by shelleyz
Thank you! We have full coverage on our car at home. I will check with my insurance company this coming week to see what type of document he should carry in the car while hes renting. Thanks so much for the info. ShelleyZ

You should check with YOUR AGENT. Rental coverage varies by state and sometimes by carrier.

 

[seashoreCM]

It's your choice.

Coverage offered by the rental company makes a huge profit which by definition means the amount paid out to repair damage is a very small fraction of the money collected from renters.

(a) The coverage may "add 50%" or even "double" your total rental price.

Coverage offered by the rental company is actually better than what most credit cards offer and what you get from your own insurance company provided yhou don't violate the rental agreement (like drive on dirt roads or leave the keys in the ignition).

(a) The rental company coverage is primary i.e. it pays first so your own insurance is not involved, whereas credit card coverage is secondary to your own insurance which may cause you to be surcharged. (Some Diners Club cards offer primary car rental collision coverage)

(b) The rental company coverage also covers diminution in value to the car following repair that you must pay for (you know, 'they' can never fix something as good as new) whereas you may have to shell that extra amount out personally otherwise because that is not part of the 'repair bill' per se.

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

I decline the rental company coverage and rely on my credit card.

Before signing the contract and going to get the car, read carefully to be sure you have declined or accepted exactly the parts of the coverages you don't want or want. And double check the preliminary price to be sure it reflects what coverages you have declined.