Supplemental car rental insurance can be very expensive if purchased at the car rental desk. Most people, especially if they don’t rent cars very often, forget to consider this prior to their trip or before they take a trip that requires a rental car. This oversight can be very costly, on both fronts. We’ll now take a look at what you may want and what you probably don’t want.
Your Current Auto Insurance Provider May Already Cover You
Before you think about spending the extra money, read your insurance policy. Many people are insured under their auto policy and don’t even know it. You can also call your insurance agent or provider for the answer.
Your Credit Card May Give You The Best Coverage
If your auto insurance doesn’t cover your car rental, many credit card providers are geared towards the traveler. And because of this, your car rental may be insured if you use a card that provides this. To find out if you have a card potentially does, go online or call the customer service number on the credit card. This call could save you about $15-20 per day on your car rental insurance. The best credit card that offers this is American Express,
according to CNN Money. To be fully covered, you must charge the amount and decline the supplemental collision damage offered by the car rental company.
Credit Card Disclaimers
Doing your due diligence as a consumer, is a must here. Even though you think you may have coverage through your credit card company, there are limitations such as driving on dirt roads, foreign car rentals, length of rental (over 30 days, many don’t insure) or if you are using the rental for business use. Most will not cover this option.
Consider Other Parts of Your Insurance Policy
Other than your auto insurance, you may also be covered under other types of insurance you may have. If you have renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, you may be covered with off-premises coverage regarding the possibility of your belongings being stolen in a rental car.
Health Insurance may cover accident-related accidents. Another option you may not need to add at the car rental counter.
Being Informed Can Save You Money
It does pay to be informed. Spend that $15-20 a day on your supplemental car rental insurance on a nice desert. We’d say “meal” but that wouldn’t get you much these days.
