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Car Rental Insurance?

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PAUL161

PAUL161

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When renting a car, what insurance should one buy to protect against damage to the car, for whatever reason? I've heard some people have been sued by the rental agency for any damage to the vehicle that did not opt for an insurance agreement. PJ.
 
Depends. I rarely take the optional insurance when I rent. I do however have additional coverage as a benefit of my VISA card. I have never heard of a company suing - though I suppose they could. I take pictures now of any damage before I leave. On the other hand, if renting for work, I always take it (I am required to) Only once has there been damage (a cooler flew off the truck in front of me) They just handed me the keys to a new one. In this case, it might <might> have gone on my VISA till it was sorted.

Don't forget that your personal insurance follows you to the rental car. Most of it is just upselling IMHO
 
JPSmit said:
Don't forget that your personal insurance follows you to the rental car. Most of it is just upselling IMHO
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Yep. At most, I would let my agent know when I rent a car/truck.
 
Thanks guys, I've rented a few large trucks for the business, but never a car. Since the wife is flying East to see the kids and attend my granddaughters wedding in the Summer, she needs to rent a car for a week. I can't go, but wish I could, animals to take care of, so trying to get everything in line for her. My son will be there and his mom is top priority on his list, that's a relief. PJ
 
I have heard (and don't know if it's true or not) that with "double coverage" neither party will pay. Each one say it's the other's responsibility and leave the renter holding the bag. Like I said, no idea if it's true or not but I can see where that could happen.
 
If you have full coverage on you personal car then you are probably covered for rental cars. Best to just ask your agent to be sure.
 
Going to check with our insurance co and credit card companies for their input. PJ
 
my insurance co covers me for rental cars without any additional cost. I think they figure if you are using a rental car your own is not being driven.

Just make sure she doesn't get a ticket as the rental company gets the ticket and and tacks on about $30 to your credit card for processing it. DAMHIKT
 
I always rely on my credit cards (which include that insurance and has always seemed more than adequate). Now, that written, it does depend a little on WHERE you are renting a car if overseas. In England, no biggie. In Italy things have changed (and insurance has gotten more complicated - though I haven't rented while there in awhile).
 
kellysguy said:
I have heard (and don't know if it's true or not) that with "double coverage" neither party will pay. Each one say it's the other's responsibility and leave the renter holding the bag. Like I said, no idea if it's true or not but I can see where that could happen.
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Close. we had this once with medical insurance in he US of A. Son had to be rushed to hospital and, we had insurance through VISA and through work - it got paid but not without a lot of squabbling between the two companies - which didn't affect us at all except it meant we started getting "please pay now letters."
 
JPSmit said:
Close. we had this once with medical insurance in he US of A. Son had to be rushed to hospital and, we had insurance through VISA and through work - it got paid but not without a lot of squabbling between the two companies - which didn't affect us at all except it meant we started getting "please pay now letters."
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J-P - how would that have been different if your son had become ill while traveling in Canada?
 
Sadly, in the States, each insurer wants the bill to absorbed the other. When we've had to use the Health Service in the UK we were never charged! And in France, one can see a doctor in their home and be escorted to a hospital for about $75. [Ah, but don't get me started. :p ]
 
NutmegCT said:
J-P - how would that have been different if your son had become ill while traveling in Canada?
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Pretty much as Mark says - except health care, while universal is a provincial responsibility. So, In Ontario, we would just call an ambulance (which we would have paid for - flat fee $45) Out of province, there might be an additional charge - my son cut himself tree planting a couple of years ago - 5-6 stitches - he had to pay some out of pocket, under $200 IIRC.
 
JPSmit said:
I have never heard of a company suing - though I suppose they could.
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Guy I worked with years ago was suing over damagae to a rental. He and the family had gone to Hawaii for vacation, rented a car for the week, and had the misfortune to be there during a tropical storm that collapsed part of the garage on the car. While he ended up no paying the initial denial was due to one of those "act of God" reasons. Eventually it was all worked out but cost him some money due to attorney fees.
 
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