Never ever get the extra coverage when you rent a car

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Abner, Jul 14, 2016.

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  1. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    It's not necessary. Their job is to up sell you those coverages. Don't do it. Your own car insurance will cover whatever needs to be covered. Save yourself some duckets!
     
  2. Neuhaus

    Neuhaus Well-Known Member

    In many states a rental car company can still charge for "loss of use" while the rental car is out of commission. This isn't covered by insurance.

    New York State requires that insurance companies cover loss of use so the additional coverage is completely useless.

    Oh, and if you don't have comp and collision and you bust up a rental car without the add on coverage you're going to be on the hook.

    But all of that aside yes, it is indeed, a racket.
     
  3. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member


    Well, I guess you are right, it depends on state to state. My insurance guy told me years ago not to bother with additional insurance coverage, so i don't. But I am in Cali, and things are different state to state as you so aptly put it.
     
  4. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Huge racket. So bad that it turns people off. Some companies still pressure people to get it, while others do not. Enterprise does not. They ask, and when you say you'll go with your own coverage, that's it. You initial a declination.

    I've had one accident in a rental--I was rear-ended in Bremerton, Washington. Enterprise not only replaced my car right away, they didn't even collect my deductible because it was obviously the other driver's fault. No harm, no foul.

    On the other hand, I almost always get the fuel pre-paid option. When you do this, you pre-pay for a full tank of gas that's already in the car. Instead of bringing it back equally full, you can bring it back in any form of emptiness. Doesn't matter; you bought it already. But....you don't have to worry about finding a gas station near the airport (where you'll get gouged big-time anyway) and the price for the pre-paid tank is always competitive (if not better) than local prices. Even if you don't use all the gas, it's still great because it reduces hassle--who doesn't want hassles reduced when traveling?
     
  5. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member


    Yeah, I just got that from Hertz for $12.00. Seem worth it. and less hassle.
     
  6. perrymk

    perrymk Member

    I purchased the additional windshield insurance when renting a car in Alaska. Maybe if one were renting a car for two months the break even cost might go the other way, but for a week or two was well worth it for me as I would have been on the hook for a new windshield.
     
  7. Neuhaus

    Neuhaus Well-Known Member

    In some states full glass coverage transfers to the rental. If that isn't the case in your state then yeah, go for it. If it does then it is a waste of money.
     
  8. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    I used to have to get the extra coverage when i didn't have my own car insurance policy. My state has a mandatory minimum coverage included with every rental, but that minimum is absolutely tiny compared to how much one would be liable for in a major accident. Collision damage was actually covered by my credit card company (capital one), where as I was still on the hook for insuring the medical expenses of myself, my passengers and anyone I might have struck with the car.

    It's been some time since I've rented a car, but between Capital One and Geico, I'd have everything covered and wouldn't take the extra coverage anymore.

    I might add- I've had great experience with Enterprise. Their ride service was KEY when I didn't have my own car. There are frequent discounts throughout the year and with their rewards program, it doesn't take long to earn some free rentals along the way.
     

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