Comments on: should i purchase insurance when renting a car from the rental company?

By: Phlow

Phlow — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:27:16 +0000

The truth, I suspect, is somewhere in between. The answer will vary based on the person’s own insurance policies and credit cards. The key is do your homework before you find yourself at the rental car counter initialing your life away.

First, check with your auto insurance carrier and ask lots of questions about deductibles, collision insurance, and whether you’re covered if the car is stolen. Also, as I alluded to before, check with the credit card company you use to rent the car. Often, they will provide a level of coverage, and it’s smart to find out the specifics. For example, are you covered if you’re traveling abroad? The Insurance Information Institute offers a nice checklist to work through.

The frustrating truth is that it all depends. Maybe you’re covered. Maybe you’re not. So, skip the surprises and check.

By: Sarah M

Sarah M — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:59:09 +0000

your insurance should cover rentals, call your agent and ask. if not, you can pay a lil extra for it, and if something does happen, its not on your record with your ins company.

By: Fred C

Fred C — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:04:30 +0000

That depends. My insurance doesn’t cover a rental. My liability coverage goes with me to any rented or borrowed vehicle in Canada or the US, but not physical damage coverage. However, I can buy a policy for a few dollars a day that covers all collision/upset and comprehensive losses, loss-of-use, and $5,000,000 liability.
For those that think rental car insurance is a scam, I have to tell you that some people have discovered, to their horror, after being in an accident with a rental that their credit card has been billed for the complete replacement value of the car because there wasn’t a policy in place to cover it.
Do not count upon your own policy unless you have thoroughly read the wordings and found clauses confirming coverage. It is a fools’ game.

By: Rainman

Rainman — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:41:42 +0000

I only get the loss damage waiver. Your insurance will cover liability for damage to other people’s cars or property should you have an accident.

The loss damage waiver covers any damage to the car, whether there was an accident or not. Any claims against it are not reported as an insurance claim. Things that have happened to me or friends with rental cars include:

Valet ran into security arm while parking or recovering the car. Valet tickets always have disclaimer saying they are not liable for any damage to your car.

A hail storm caused dents in the car.

A horse drawn carriage hit the car.

Parking lot dings.

Lost keys.

It’s worth it to just return the car and not worry about anything like that. It’s also worth it not to have an insurance claim that results in you premiums going up or being cancelled.

By: Keith C

Keith C — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:55:43 +0000

Yes, the WHOLE idea behind a rental car is to “Drive it like you stole it” that extra insurance will allow you to total their vehicle without it affecting your insurance on your vehicle. if you insurance policy (VERY Little of them do–they cover the vehicle they are purchased for) does cover rentals then if you total their rental YOUR rate goes up.

By: mikey

mikey — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:56:32 +0000

I always do, I just want to know where to mail the towing receipts-has stood me in good stead twice, once in hawaii when the car was vandalized in secured parking and another time in DC when the rental was ‘lost’ at the hotel valet parking. Both times, I called the rental company, they sent out a new vehicle, I went on about my business, never heard a thing about it. ever.

By: Doc

Doc — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:02:19 +0000

Generally no. See if your own auto policy has coverage on the rental car, if you have an auto policy with full coverage.

Otherwise, yes, buy the insurance, or you can be charged mercilessly in the event of an at fault accident.

By: Beans&Rice

Beans&Rice — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:16:37 +0000

Definitely. I rented a U-haul a year ago and purchased the renter’s insurance along with it. I was rear-ended and didn’t to pay a dime, even the cop investigating the incident somehow determined it was my fault. If I hadn’t bought the insurance I would’ve had to pay for repairs. I think the grand total was like $2,500. You can save $20 and not get the insurance, or get the insurance and possibly save yourself thousands of dollars.

By: UwishUknewMyName

UwishUknewMyName — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:51:51 +0000

You should check with your agent, and read your policy.
What does it say about you driving Non Owned Autos?

If you are not renting for a long time, and only for a day or 2, I would suggest getting the rental companies insurance. Otherwise, godforbid there be an accident, the claims could get pretty messy.

Your company could deny the claim as its an unscheduled vehicle, or your company could say the rental company is liable, but the rental company says no your company is, etc etc.

Hope this helps

By: Karma Singh

Karma Singh — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:11:20 +0000

Hi Gameboi,
that depends on the country you’re in.

Generally, insurance from car hire companies is vastly more expensive than what you can get elsewhere but there are legal loopholes which can void the insurance. That’s why I need to know your country to answer.

Blessed be

Karma Singh