I don’t do this much, but Beth and I had the opportunity to rent a car on a trip we took last week. Two cars, actually. And it was kind of a mess. I won’t use names here, but I’ll tell you what happened.
The first Company (Company A) was real nice to us at first. They did the paperwork, gave us a GPS unit, mentioned there is cold water downstairs (?) and sent us on down to pick up the car. There were 3 or 4 friendly people there waiting, and one of them took my paperwork. They offered us water. We took it. They took us over to the section for the full size cars, and then I found out why they were so pushy with the water. They wanted me to buy all their stuff! First they tried to scare me that my insurance wasn’t enough, then they said any new scratches or dents would be up to me to pay for, then they tried to tell me there was this thing about “loss of use”. What’s that? We use that term too, but not like this! They said if the car is damaged and has to be fixed, we will have to pay for the time it is out of service. And that could be a lot of money. Like $750. Oh, and there’s insurance for that. Sign here! No thanks, sista, I ain’t interested.
Company B was A LOT less pressure, but they didn’t help me find a car. I got lost in the parking garage, picked the wrong car, had to drive it backwards back to its spot, and then go find a new one. They asked me if I wanted any of the insurance options, and made me sign for it, but didn’t bother to go into explaining any of it. So I was left to figure it out for myself. THEY didn’t even check the car for dents and dings! No free water. L
So, here’s some tips for you (in no particular order)
- · Different insurance companies handle this differently. Be sure to check with them or your agent, especially if you have changed insurance lately.
- · You likely have at least some coverage, because your liability coverage goes with you.
- · Liability protects you in any car you drive. Your policy may or may not be primary (first to pay).
- · Liability might also pay for damage to the rental car, since you don’t own it. This is just one good reason to have high limits on liability.
- · Other insurance companies will only cover the rental car if you have comprehensive and collision on your own policy.
- · This nutsy stuff about “loss of use” – very hard for them to prove that they had no other cars to rent but the one you wrecked. But very easy for them to scare you.
- · Different rental companies handle the sale in different ways. We found two totally different approaches from the two companies we encountered.
- · My disclaimer. The policy and company procedures rule. Not what I say here. But don’t let them scare you into anything. Find out before you rent, what you are covered for, and then make up your own mind.
· You can save money by not buying their coverage, since your own policy will kick in. But if there is an accident, there may be consequences (read$$$) just like if it was your car. So make a decision that you can live with.
A couple of other notes – rental contract rules.
Be sure anyone who will be driving the rental car is listed as a driver on the contract. And be sure they have their own insurance. This can especially be a problem for foreign visitors. They can drive your car, because you gave them permission, but you can’t give them permission for the rental car, because it isn’t yours. And their foreign insurance might not apply here. That makes them exposed. NOT good.
So, make a decision you can live with, and then enjoy the trip! It’s what you came for, right?
