Should one but the extra insurance for a rental truck or will our credit card be enough? DOes it matter that it is a truck rather than a car?
Bonaire Truck Rental
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salth2owannabe
Contributor
I would check with your credit card company, but I would also just pay for the complete coverage and don't worry about it. The extra insurance isn't much especially when you consider the cost of your trip. For a few extra dollars a day you can have the peace of mind and enjoy your vacation and not worry about the vehicle.
If you do a search there are a number of good threads regarding this issue that may help you also.
Have a worry free trip and get the insurance.
If you do a search there are a number of good threads regarding this issue that may help you also.
Have a worry free trip and get the insurance.
reefdiva
Contributor
Most credit card insurance does not cover rental trucks. If you have American Express you can sign up for their plan that covers international truck rentals. When you charge your rental on your AMEX they bill you approx 20 dollars and the coverage is valid for the entire rental period. However, you must sign up for it with AMEX ahead of time. Also, a few of the smaller rental agencies on Bonaire do not take American Express so check ahead.
avlena
Contributor
foles1972
Guest
I would definitely buy the rental insurance from the rental company. We had a large group trip to Bonaire this past January. Four of us in one truck bought the insurance for our truck at a couple dollars a day per person; another group chose not to buy the insurance. At the end of the trip a dent was found on their bumper (I'm not sure if they were at fault or not) and the charge for the repair was pretty expensive. In my opinion, buying the insurance is worth it.
Anyway...have fun in Bonaire!
Anyway...have fun in Bonaire!
DeputyDan
Contributor
Reminder - even if you purchase the insurance with the rental company - check the deductible. most on Bonaire are $300 USD
salth2owannabe
Contributor
No deductible of any type when we got the full coverage. I also find that when the agent sees that you have full coverage they tend to not give the vehicle the "white glove" inspection on return and you can get out of there much quicker. If it is light out I always whip out the digital camera and take 360 degree photos of the vehicle before I leave the lot. In Florida I had a company try to make me pay for a large dent when I returned even though it was noted on the rental sheet. I pulled out the digital camera and told them I had a picture I took when I picked up the vehicle and they dropped the discussion immediately.
agilulfo
Contributor
I've rented trucks with Bonaire Car Rental AB using my Amex truck insurance and never had a problem. Just tell them you are a diver and they'll give you a truck with so many dents, they wouldn't be able to tell the difference if you put a new one on it. It happened to me on my first trip. They didn't even notice, or cared.
Happy diving!
Happy diving!
avlena
Contributor
dvrliz1
Guest
Having rented many trucks for guests this is what I can advise:
If you are diving, you deflinitely want a truck. If you are going to the National Park, or just want to "explore" the island, you will definitely want a small pick up. If you are going to stay in or around town, or drive the 2 major roads on the island and not "explore" and go off the beaten path, then go with the car.
Normally if you stay 7 or longer nights, I find that it is cheaper, and usually better to utilize your credit card for insurance. Both AMEX and MASTERCARD have "riders" that will cover the truck. Not sure about VISA, but I know these 2 do. You will not only have to pay the $11 per day or so just for the Collision Damage Waiver, but the 5% tax on top of it. I think the riders run around $50-$60 or so.
The only draw back, is you need to make sure that you have a larger amount on your credit card. Most, not sure if all, will authorize $500 or more if you deny the CDW, but if nothing happens, then you are fine.
FYI...NO INSURANCE, THAT I AM AWARE OF, WILL COVER FLAT TIRES!!! If you don't like the condition of the tires when the truck/car is given to you do not take the vehicle. As for one with better tires.
If you are diving, you deflinitely want a truck. If you are going to the National Park, or just want to "explore" the island, you will definitely want a small pick up. If you are going to stay in or around town, or drive the 2 major roads on the island and not "explore" and go off the beaten path, then go with the car.
Normally if you stay 7 or longer nights, I find that it is cheaper, and usually better to utilize your credit card for insurance. Both AMEX and MASTERCARD have "riders" that will cover the truck. Not sure about VISA, but I know these 2 do. You will not only have to pay the $11 per day or so just for the Collision Damage Waiver, but the 5% tax on top of it. I think the riders run around $50-$60 or so.
The only draw back, is you need to make sure that you have a larger amount on your credit card. Most, not sure if all, will authorize $500 or more if you deny the CDW, but if nothing happens, then you are fine.
FYI...NO INSURANCE, THAT I AM AWARE OF, WILL COVER FLAT TIRES!!! If you don't like the condition of the tires when the truck/car is given to you do not take the vehicle. As for one with better tires.
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