rental car on autotrain, do you see a problem?

[fac]

I have a rental booked and am thinking to use autotrain to come back, however, I do not plan to use the insurance from National and I am not sure whether my credit card has the insurance coverage. Seriously, even if they tell me it does cover, I suspect they will give me all types of reasons to deny me if there is a problem.
I know I can use my own car's insurance, but I do not have comprehensive.
What option do I have ? and how much will it be if I were to purchase the insurance from National?
How do they put the car in the autotrain? will they scratch the car?

thanks

 

[CarolA]

I would call your credit card company (or whoever) and CLEARLY explain what you want to do. Honestly I have no idea if it will be covered. You need to find out what coverage you have either way if you plan to rent!

National's coverage is about $20 a day? But even then I would call them and discuss it with them before you just show up at the counter. Honestly those agents are not the most "trained" in the world and who knows what they will say!

 

[seashoreCM]

Geographical restrictions refer to the car's not allowed to be in a particular state or place, not only the miles racked up getting there (or not racked up because the car rode on the Autotrain).

Check the rental company's policies for geographical restrictions; these can even differ depending on the kind of car or the promotional code under which it is booked.

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

 

[CarolA]

Geographical restrictions refer to the car's not allowed to be in a particular state or place, not only the miles racked up getting there (or not racked up because the car rode on the Autotrain).

Check the rental company's policies for geographical restrictions; these can even differ depending on the kind of car or the promotional code under which it is booked.

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

The question is WOULD the insurance cover damage done by the Autotrain.

And they might not. For example, my Diner's Club insurance does not cover damage done if I decide to (A) take the car off road or (B) attach a luggage carrier to the top. Would it cover damage on the train? Never really looked!

 

[fac]

thank you for responding..
The car was rented a few months ago when National and Alamo had the promo on returning the car out of state. The rental is about $10 per day which is not bad when I have to rent for 3 weeks.

Initially I considered driving the car back to NJ, but DH suggested that I made sure I have the proper coverage. It will be me and the kids. Checking the rental price for the period, the price is insane, therefore I am looking at the rental again and thought autotrain may be a better alternative.

Calling the credit card and expect to get a correct answer is out for me. Not trying to be sarcastic I have too many bad experiences, I just don't trust support people giving me answer on the phone.

 

[Lewisc]

Do you drive your own car onto the auto train? I thought an autotrain employee drives the car. There is even a question if a valet is an authorized driver. I don't know if an Amtrak employee would be considered an authorized driver.

Check with your insurance agent. Some companies/some states include rental coverage as a seperate rider or as part of the property damage part of your policy. Others only cover a rental car if your auto policy covers collision.

 

[fac]

thanks.
Car on an autotrain and driven by an amtrak employee is a real concern.

 

[seashoreCM]

If time permits, get in writing what your credit card company or your insurance company (or whomever you will be relying on) will cover. Even different credit card companies can have some differences. You can use email for this.

Any violation of the rental company's rules can result in non-coverage so you need to ask specifically, say, who counts as an authorized driver.