Insurance for Car rentals - does your 'home' insurance cover it?

[mlove]

Seb,

For the insurance illiterate among us, is CDW the policy that the rental co. offers?

mike

 

[chris_b]

Originally posted by mlove
Seb,

For the insurance illiterate among us, is CDW the policy that the rental co. offers?

mike

Yes, I think it stands for "Collision Damage Waiver" or "Comprehensive Damage Waiver." It's not really insurance per se; I believe that with it the rental company agrees that you won't be held responsible for damage to the car (i.e. the rental company's insurance insures it).

Chris

 

[Seb]

Yes, it is Collision Damage Waiver. HOWEVER, you will be responsible for the cost of broken windows ( why we all leave the vehicles unlocked) or damages from joyriding, or having the tire stolen. If any of these events occur, you are in for the $300.00 deductible, and if anyone tries to charge you more ask for their supervisor. Budget overcharged me, when questioned by e-mail they simply charged me the lower figure AGAIN and then enied charging twice. The manager there (Dirk Jan van Methorst) is a pompous peron who made me go thru all sorts of paperwork with Amex to fix his mistake. I don't think I would take a free car from them, much less let them see any more of my money.

 

[michaelo]

Just came back from puerto rico and my insurance suggested to get the liablilty from them (ie part of home car insurance coverage in cont. US). They said they do not want to cover liablity that far from home. Anyway dealer charged only $6.00 per day!! Thought that was cheap!!
wonder if is the same in all countries. They drive a bit crazy so maybe not too many liablity claims???

Credit card was OK instead of their damage coverage which was much more expensive.