Rental car insurance

[PoohBear]

Hubby watched a show yesterday that said they now advise you to get the rental insurance even if your car insurance covers you. It said between your deductible and the rental car company charging you every day for the loss of the vehicle it can be very substantial and, although some credit card companies will cover the damages, most do not cover the "loss of use". Not that this matters because we rent with our Visa debit card, we don't use credit cards.

Anyway, we have never gotten it in the past and I don't know much about it. My neighbor said you can get it cheaper if you book through the online travel companies like Orbitz, Expedia, etc.. Has anyone done this? Is that the cheapest option for the insurance? Any thoughts?
Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I am using Alamo for a 12/1-12/8 trip, standard size (Malibu or similar). Using a 'Sunpromo' ID code and AU2729MJW upgrade (one car level) and it defaults to include both the insurance, CDW Full and Extended Protection, as well as 'return fuel at any level' option. Total cost, $204.11, all taxes and fees.

 

[seashoreCM]

You can see if your own car insurance covers rental loss of use or whether you can get an add on (a rider) to provide that coverage.

Also double check to be sure your own insurance indeed covers cars you are driving but that you don't own, specifically rentals.

And you can go looking (or shopping) around for a credit (or debit) card that covers loss of use as well as rental car damage.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm

 

[PoohBear]

I tried the codes you gave Dan, but I guess they won't work for my dates. CDW was not included when I tried it. We are going from 10/24 - 11/4.

I have checked with my car insurance company before and I am covered for damage to a rental car but I did not know then to ask about the loss of use. I will try calling them to see what they say.
Thanks!

 

[DebbieB]

Check with your credit card - mine covers the deductible and loss of use.

 

[jobie61]

If you have American Express, they have a program that covers the CDW option for 24.95 for the whole rental period. All you have to do is enroll in the program and use your american express card and its automaticly covered.

Call American Express to find out more.


Edited::::: I called American Express and the loss of use isn't covered under either of their coverages

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Car rental insurance is one of the worst forms of insurance in terms of cost to risk (right up there with Cancer Insurance and other specific condition insurance - including plain old accidental insurance).

If you're going to do anything (which is you have sufficient personal coverage you shouldn't need to) choose a program like mentioned above with American Express (cost varies by state and coverage level chosen). Speaking of personal coverage on your own vehicles, etc, its always a good reminder to advise people to ensure they are insured well above state minimums and are sufficient to cover liability in an accident (ie. NY minimum property damage limit is a tiny $10,000).

 

[dioxide45]

They were incorrect. Many signature Visa cards offer CDW with loss of use coverage. The rental agencies will try to tell you otherwise when they are trying to up-sell their ripoff CDW. Call your CC company and get a copy of their CDW policy.

The other big ripoff from the rental agencies is the full take fuel option. Don't fall for it.

 

[HELPDESKGUY]

If you have American Express, they have a program that covers the CDW option for 24.95 for the whole rental period. All you have to do is enroll in the program and use your american express card and its automaticly covered.

Call American Express to find out more.


Edited::::: I called American Express and the loss of use isn't covered under either of their coverages

I have AMEX Gold you will have two options $19.95 and $24.95 depends on the $$$ value of coverage.

 

[VAN]

I've checked with my car insurance company. They cover for all but the Loss of Use. My Platinum Visa card, however, does cover for Loss of Use (you must use the card for the rental though). So, I am able to decline additional insurance knowing that I am covered.

A very, very good idea to check prior to your trip so you don't have to worry about it.