Rental Car Insurance

[AbdiWahab252]

I have a friend of mine who always gets the rental car insurance even though he has his own auto policy. His logic is that he would rather not deal with the hassle of filing a claim with his insurance company, dealing with the rental car company (who love to charge you exhorbitant fees to fix the car, loss of use etc) & because he doesn't rent often.

So do you buy that additional insurance from the rental company, Collision Damage Waiver ? Or rely on a credit card's insurance even though it is secondary to your auto policy ?

[Jamac_Yare]

any car probs just take the car to cali mechanic

[Niya]

Rely on my auto policy. Why pay twice?...........................and yes overseas travel is included in the coverage.

[AbdiWahab252]

Niya,

Well, I can see a reason to pay for it:

1. Size of your deductible - Say if its $500, and the collision damage waiver is $20/day and you are renting for 4 days, its only an additional $80+tax say, $100. If you got into a snafu, its still cheaper than paying the $500 deductible.

2. Insurance Claim - You would have to make a claim against your policy which may result in higher insurance rates

3. Hassle Factor - Do you really want to deal with the rental car company ? rental in an unfamiliar state, city etc ?

Another nifty service I like is American Express Premium rental coverage insurance, $25 per rental fee which is PRIMARY coverage (don't need to use your insurance policy for collision/theft/damage coverage):

https://www152.americanexpress.com/fsea ... product.do

[AbdiWahab252]

Niya,

Does your policy cover you overseas in Europe or Mexico ?

[Niya]

Canada, Mexico, not sure of Europe, doubt it does.

Never had a problem, so I guess I will stick to what I have . Hassle is a non factor, plenty of lawyers in the family. I will let them do the talking if there is a need.

By the way the $25 offer from american express is good for how long, a week, more??

[shaamboo]

sxb that is what the credit cards are good for , why pay twice ??

[foolxume2005]

If you gonna drive out of the country (Mehiko or Canada) make sure you tell them, few years ago I rented a car and purchased full coverage insurance and drove to Toronto some1 stole that damn car when I call them to file a claim I was told that out of the country is not cover and I have to pay $28,000(the price of the car).

[siren]

^ So what did you do? Did you rent it from Rent-A-Car?

I always buy insurance, if an accident happens my insurance premium won't get high...

[foolxume2005]

yeah I rented from 1 of the major rental car co.(hertz) and bougth their insurance, I guess If you tell them you driving out of the country tell will sell you diff. kinda a insurance.

[SummerRain]

I never buy additional ins. I always call my agent and let them know I'm traveling outside the country. ALxamdulilah, never had problems.

[foolxume2005]

^^ what agent? are you a movie star?

[SummerRain]

Close ....was talking about my insurance agent sxb.

[foolxume2005]

Oh'''''''''''''''''' my bad.

[AbdiWahab252]

Niya,

Its valid for 42 consecutive days and is primary insurance. Its well worth the investment rather than shelling out $500 for your deductible.

Mexico, interesting, I have heard that US insurance is shakey at best when you cross into Old Mexico which is why I never ventured in my car there.

Foolxume,

Excellent point. With any type of insurance, its always better to ask and get your policy in WRITING for yourself. Do you know that in some states, you have to have PROOF of insurance just to drive a car otherwise you can get ticketed and towed. I take a copy of my insurance coverage sheet with me at all times.

Ismahan,

Cousin, always ask for the coverage in writing and check to see that rental car coverage is included. Don't rely on verbal assurances because those are not enforceable in a court of law.


Shaamboo,

Credit card collision insurance is SECONDARY to your auto insurance policy which means, your insurance policy pays first then whatever is left is paid by the credit card company. So that means you are out your deductible and now will have to possibly pay higher insurance rates if you were at fault.

Don't forget the headaches of dealing with your insurance company, rental car company etc.