Renting a Car

[Jodi1980]

My insurance company told me that I am covered if I rent a car but if something happens to the car, usually the damage is put on my credit card until it is settled with my insurance company. I believe she was trying to scare me into buying the extra insurance. Do most people buy the insurance or not? I do not have collision on my car at home. What if the rental car is stolen?

 

[Kermit]

We don't get the extra insurance, but we have full coverage. If we didn't, I imagine we'd buy insurance from the rental car place.

 

[Kirk]

Don't even tell me the "investers" don't protect themselves! Insurance is such a ripoff!

 

[gshoemate]

We've never bought the extra insurance, but we do bring a copy our our insurance policy just in case the rental agency questions it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I never get the rental coverage. Between my personal and the card I charge it on, I am covered. You might run this by the folks on the Transportation board too to get a more focused opinion.

 

[Stimpy]

I worked at a major car rental agency for years and we never get the insurance. But, since that is where the CSR make more money, I did try to talk other people into getting it. The rep makes commissions on selling insurance, selling "upsells" to larger verhicles and the fuel option (buy full tank, return empty). Since DH is a sucker, I always rent the cars and fill out the paperwork.

Most credit cards and/or your own insurance will cover you. Just make sure you check. I think some insurance companies offer a short term rental car policy at a cheaper price than the car agencies. Even if you get the insurance thru the car agencies, it's usually about a $500 deductable anyway.

 

[mrsstats]

I never take the insurance. In NY, it is covered under your personal auto policy. 2nd, I put it on my credit card which covers what the insurance company does not. I have never had a rental company as me for any of my insurance information. Also, I use National Emeral Aisle, so all my preferences are already noted so they do not even ask anymore