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

[dvleemin]

Hi,
I'm going to be in Bonaire in september, and will be renting a vehicle for the 2 weeks. It looks like insurance is always charged. I did a lot of traveling for work last year, and I always declined insurance, as my work covered it, as well as my own personal policy. Will this be the case in Bonaire as well? Obviously I'll check with my insurance company first, but will they LET me decline it, if my insurance company covers it? Has anyone tried this?

Darryl

 

[donacheson]

Originally posted by dvleemin
Hi,
I'm going to be in Bonaire in september, and will be renting a vehicle for the 2 weeks. It looks like insurance is always charged. I did a lot of traveling for work last year, and I always declined insurance, as my work covered it, as well as my own personal policy. Will this be the case in Bonaire as well? Obviously I'll check with my insurance company first, but will they LET me decline it, if my insurance company covers it? Has anyone tried this?

Darryl

I've declined it more than 50 times with never a question, but I've always used a credit card for payment. Also note that many credit cards include rental car coverage (if used as payment), but some don't provide worldwide coverage.

 

[martinjc]

Wow - as an insurance professional - and a diving novice - it is nice to be able to weigh in on a subject here on the scubaboard with some expertise. No - your Homeowners insurance will not cover car rental. Your auto policy - for most US insurers - will cover you for liability - when vehicles are rented within the US. The expense of handling potential litigation in a foreign country - is just prohibitive to extending coverage outside the US.

You are right that you should check the specific wording in your policy - and ask your agent or company directly. In any case - I would never drive a car in the US or anywhere else without an insurance policy. If you are renting in a foreign country - buy the insurance that the rental company offers. Your credit card, as mentioned above, may provide some coverage as well - check with your card company if they offer worldwide coverage.

Not sure about this, but you could also check with your travel agent - they may have access to less expensive insurance policies that are tailored for the location you are visiting.

 

[mlove]

I have rented trucks at Buddy's in Bonaire, and not taken their policy. I told them my credit card covered me, and they did not question that. They did have me sign a release though. martinjc seems to understand insurance, so I would take his advice.



mike

 

[Seb]

I have looked into this extensively. The most comfy dive vehicle, a twin cab truck such as the Toyota Hilux will not be covered by your credit card ( either Amex or Mastercard Platinum)you must take the cdw if you want this vehicle and if you have a tire stolen ( like me last year) you are in for the $300.00 CDW deductible, which a tire and the carrier cost much more on Bonaire.
On the other hand, if you can put up with a minivan or a van for less than eight passengers (essentially a suzuki or daewoo mini with or w/o AC), Amex or MC tells me they cover EVERYTHING as long as you REFUSE the CDW. You still have to pay the two govt. taxes. So the rental company charges your credit card and the Card covers you for all damages due to theft or whatever. They do have SUVs which you are coverd with the CC on but they don't look easy to dive from.

All that said, you ought to talk to the vehicle insurance division of your cc company, take the name time and date of who you talked to, and get a fax or snail of the policy.
Hope this helps,
Seb

 

[chris_b]

There were a couple of discussions about this on the "Bonaire Talk" board a while back, you can check them out at

http://www.bonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/32/23608.html?1017409328

and

http://www.bonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/32/18238.html?1013893635

 

[Natasha]

I have gotten this question though-out the years. My advice is to always buy the insurance that is offered in the country you are in.
It makes life easier, if you do need to use it.
I know it's an extra expense, but believe me it's nowhere as much of an expense, if something does happen and you need it.
I say the same for taking a cruise. Take the cruise lines insurance.

:gorgeous:

 

[Seb]

Natasha, I must beg to differ from your advice. Unless you are renting a truck that is not covered, your CC should cover you completely for a foreign rental, AS LONG AS YOU REFUSE THE CDW! Amex and MC made this abundantly clear, once you pay the CDW you are no longer covered by your cc insuranxce, and you are completely responsible for the deductible and possibly more.
The seemingly prudent decision is sometimes an illusion.
Seb

 

[Natasha]

I stand corrected then. Is Visa and Discover card the same?

 

[Seb]

Natasha,

I do not know about Visa or Discover, I assume they would be similar, but it is best to check with their car insurance division and take names and dates when you do. I also have a platinum MC and they may have different coverages than a regular card. The trucks do not seem to be covered at all and you must take the CDW. But a minivan or car is covered, so you must weigh the convenience against the cost and potential liability of paying the deductible. If I were to rent a truck again I would obtain a length of stout chain and a good lock and lock up that spare tire under the truck.
Seb