Rental Car Insurance

[Teknik_DC2]

I had a question regarding Rental Car Insurance. I already checked with my personal Auto Insurance Agent and he told me my policy covers rental car insurance. My southwest credit card also says it covers rental car insurance.

I knew both of these last year when I rented a car for 48 hours. However the Clerk at Budget told me I still had to get the basic coverage for the car even though my personal policy and credit card told me I didn't as they cover it.

I start my 10 day vacation on Thursday and have never rented a car for that long so I want to know who is right. Do I still need basic coverage from Budget if my Auto Policy and Credit Card already cover Rental Insurance. Or can I decline it? I was told last year I HAD to have it not matter what.

Thanks for the help.

 

[DebbieB]

I had a question regarding Rental Car Insurance. I already checked with my personal Auto Insurance Agent and he told me my policy covers rental car insurance. My southwest credit card also says it covers rental car insurance.

I knew both of these last year when I rented a car for 48 hours. However the Clerk at Budget told me I still had to get the basic coverage for the car even though my personal policy and credit card told me I didn't as they cover it.

I start my 10 day vacation on Thursday and have never rented a car for that long so I want to know who is right. Do I still need basic coverage from Budget if my Auto Policy and Credit Card already cover Rental Insurance. Or can I decline it? I was told last year I HAD to have it not matter what.

Thanks for the help.

Decline it. I've never had an issue with National. That's what I love about Emerald Club, you never have to talk to a pushy counter agent.

 

[pigletto]

If you have already checked and you are covered in not one but two ways (credit card and your policy) then please ignore the pushy agent.
I will politely be declining. The answer isn't going to change so I am hoping I don't get anyone pushy.

 

[seashoreCM]

Or can I decline it? I was told last year I HAD to have it not matter what. lp.

The agent lied to you.

Budget did not have in their written rules the right to require that you buy their coverages regardless of the circumstances. (A small nu8mber of local companies do)

So you may decline their coverage and they must still honor your reservation.

Do be aware that in the vast majority of cases, your own insurance pays first (is primary) in the event of a mishap. This could raise your rates. Whatever your own company would not cover (the deductible?) your credit card rental coverage would pick up (as being secondary) up to its rules. There may still be some stuff left over (loss of use while the car is in the repair shop?) that you might have to pay for personally.

 

[starry_solo]

Decline. Rental car insurance through the rental company (read the fine print) is always SECONDARY (or TERTIARY) to your primary insurance (through your own auto insurance company) and credit card company.

I'm pretty sure it's against the law for a rental car company to force you to purchase their own insurance. It might be required for them offer it to you, but they can't force you to take it. (I just had to put this in there, cute icon!)

 

[rrcortes]

We've always declined with the bigger national companies, but is anyone familiar with Payless? I have a great rate with them, but I'm hesitant because of their policies. I do have CC coverage as well as on my personal policy. What would I need to show them??

 

[seashoreCM]

You need to have and bring proof of insurance on your own car when you rent from Payless. They're one of those that reserves the right not to rent to you if you decline their coverages and also don't have your own. Two other companies are L&M and EZ. Credit cards don't count.

They might not always ask to see your proof of insurance. Or they might play games with you by arguing for awhile before pointing out that they reserve the right ...

 

[MAYNARDS99]

Agents are basically sales people. Some will take advantage of the uninformed consumer.

Like purchasing any good or service, buyer beware!

 

[Lewisc]

Decline. Rental car insurance through the rental company (read the fine print) is always SECONDARY (or TERTIARY) to your primary insurance (through your own auto insurance company) and credit card company.

I'm pretty sure it's against the law for a rental car company to force you to purchase their own insurance. It might be required for them offer it to you, but they can't force you to take it. (I just had to put this in there, cute icon!)

Rental Agencies don't offer insurance, they offer damage waivers. I'm almost 100% sure most of those waivers are primary. Credit card coverage is secondary to your personal auto policy. Credit card coverage is typically only applicable if you waive the coverage offered by the rental agency.

A rental agency (US) can't generally require you purchase the waiver. They can make sure you have your own insurance. I guess they might accept a deposit equal to the value of the car. You're giving the rental agency $100-$200 and they're giving you car worth 15-30K.

 

[rrcortes]

Seashorecm-excuse my ignorance,but does "proof of my own insurance" mean I just need to show them wallet sized insurance card, that also shows I have rental coverage as well?

 

[seashoreCM]

Bring a copy of the page that has the make and model of your own car and lists the coverages e.g. Liability 100,000 Property Damage 25,000, Collision, etc. Also a copy of the page that states that rental cars you drive are covered. (Rental agents have almost never asked for the latter).