Rental Car Terms

[kymom99]

I am pricing rental cars for our vacation next May. While looking at prices on Budget's site, I saw an optional add-on for emergency assistance. It mentions lost key, lock out, running out of gas, which I totally understand. Sounds like something to add if you didn't have AAA. However it also talks about flat tires. Wouldn't that be the responsibility of the rental company?

Roadside Assistance is an optional assistance service that provides coverage at a reasonable additional daily charge. In the unlikely event of operational difficulty or unexpected emergency, we'll bring you fast, reliable assistance — especially helpful when you're in an unfamiliar city.

Key Replacement — Get replacement keys or locksmith assistance.
Lockout Service — Gain entry when keys are locked inside the vehicle.
Jump-Start — If your vehicle experiences battery failure, we'll provide a jump-start.
Flat Tire Assistance or Tire Replacement — We'll replace a flat or damaged tire with the spare, or get the car towed to the nearest service facility. (Please note that the renter might incur the cost of the tire repair or replacement, depending upon the circumstances.)
Fuel Delivery — If you run out of gas, we'll deliver 3 gallons to your location and bill you separately for the fuel.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

Look at your coverage on your auto insurance policy and credit card (if you're using a credit card for the rental car). Many times you're covered. I know I'm covered with my auto policy and have some coverage with my credit card. Rental car companies like the add-on's and upcharges.

 

[Alesia]

Why would a flat tire be the rental company's responsibility?

 

[kymom99]

Why would a flat tire be the rental company's responsibility?

if the tire has a nail in it when I rent it and it loses air it wouldn't be my fault. Or if it's otherwise damaged without me knowing.

 

[kymom99]

Look at your coverage on your auto insurance policy and credit card (if you're using a credit card for the rental car). Many times you're covered. I know I'm covered with my auto policy and have some coverage with my credit card. Rental car companies like the add-on's and upcharges.

Yes I'm fairly well covered by my insurance. I just figured if their car has a mechanical problem it's their responsibility. Keeping the tires in good repair is up to them. I guess they are just putting that in there for the possibility that someone hits a curb or something. Then I can see the driver being responsible.

I think you're right. They want people to do what I did and get a little alarmed when they see that add on and wonder if they need it.

 

[Albort]

unpopular opinion but if i pay for that additional service, id probably use at least one of them intentionally...

 

[tvguy]

if the tire has a nail in it when I rent it and it loses air it wouldn't be my fault. Or if it's otherwise damaged without me knowing.

Problem is, how do you know it was there before you rented the car and how do they know you didn't run over the nail? Just no way to know