Bonaire Truck Rental & Insurance

[gmgdvm]

Hello all,

I have read some posts about truck rentals. I wanted to know is there a choice between trucks (which one to get?). The other question was about the insurance, what does it cover and is it worth it. Are there other alternatives to insurance through the rental company? I have heard of AmEx and I do know that one of us has it but would need to upgrade it to get trucks covered (would this be better than the rental company insurance?).

Thanks for your responses.

 

[JVM4.0]

We just got back, and insurance was like $10.75 a day. We had a couple of choices, and since our CC doesn't cover rented vehicle damage, we opted for the low-end insurance, and kept our fingers crossed.

 

[DiveMaven]

We're buying the insurance through the rental company to limit our liability in case of an accident. Our CC doesn't cover truck rentals, and being out of the country I'd rather spend an extra $100 and be safe than sorry.

Keep in mind that the majority of the rental fleets use manual transmissions (stick shift). If you don't know how to drive one and need an automatic, you'll want to call ahead and make sure to reserve one. I've heard that all the trucks are 4-door with tank racks in the back.

 

[spectrum]

I have always taken the offered insurance when renting and would certainly do so when overseas. You can have all of the personal coverage you want but it is yours, not theirs and they will want to settle with you before you can leave. With their coverage it's a clean break if something unfortunate should happen.

Pete

 

[salth2owannabe]

We used AB rental on Bonaire. The truck was a new 4 dr. w/manual trans. If you go to their web site they have a page on what their insurance covers. We also opted for the full insurance for the peace of mind. Paying a little extra for full coverage is better then worrying about your rental truck while on vacation.

 

[Blackrock]

I'm going to respectfully disagree with the others.

Have the cardholder call Amex and enroll in the rental car protection program (it's Free). There are two levels of protection you can choose from. You must use the Amex to pay for the rental. After you do, Amex will automatically put a flat fee on the card for either $19.95 or $29.95 (if memory serves) depending on which level of service you chose while enrolling. That charge covers the rental against damage the same as CDW would for the length of the rental up to something like 30 days. Piece of cake...you save yourself around $60 per week by not taking the CDW.

Check with the rental company to see if they accept Amex - some don't. Also check if they allow you the option of not accepting the CDW - some make you pay for it, no exceptions.

I'm going in June and renting from AB. No problem, they don't require you to take it and they accept Amex.

Go on the Amex website for more details about the program or just call customer service.

I would not take the CDW. I do not believe it is worth the money.

 

[TravelDave]

I have some discussion about the AMEX upgrade on the following post
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/abc-islands/231851-debit-card-use-bonaire.html
(look for my posts).

I spoke with the AMEX people at length and this is good coverage. One of the few that will cover pickup trucks. I signed up for this and am using it next week when I get down there. $24.95 for the entire rental.

Dave

 

[Blackrock]

https://www152.americanexpress.com/fsea/travel/car_rental/product.do

Here's the quick link to the Amex site and brief explanation of coverage.

 

[TravelDave]

If you get the truck as part of a package, pay for the package with the Amex card and then call them to tell them the package includes a rental, and it's covered.

 

[spectrum]

AMEX is all fine and good but if you have an accident they will want you to pay up front and then you go home to collect from AMEX. Is this not true?

If you are OK with floating the risk and haggling about any discrepancies then that's fine.

Pete