Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Optional Rental Insurance- To Take Or Not To Take? That Is The Question

By Jason Hall

Do you need car rental insurance? This is a question that many people pose very simple because the car rental agents usually make it seem like you're committing a crime when you decline it making you sign a waiver for it. You may be hesitant to decline it and you may even agree to it because you think that somehow it will provide you with extra coverage just in case. Be clear, rental vehicle insurance does not provide you with additional benefits above and beyond what your car insurance and credit card will pay.

To verify this contact your car insurance company first. Let them know that you are considering renting a vehicle for what time period and in what location of the world. Then let them tell you if you have coverage and what exactly will be covered. If you are concerned most car insurance companies will offer you an extra insurance option for this rental vehicle for the specified period of time and this will usually cost you a lot less than what the car rental agency is offering you.

After checking with your car insurance company then contact a few of your credit card companies to find out what if any coverage they will provide you with on a rental vehicle. Some cards will cover you at a higher rate so it is a good idea to check with several before deciding which card to put your reservation on.

Between your car insurance company and your credit card company you should have enough coverage to take care of any and all issues that may arise. Don't be intimidated into paying the rental agent directly for extra insurance. While they may make it seem like an item you need, it usually winds up serving them in the form of additional income for the rental. Keep in mind that their motivation to sell you this insurance is not for your protection but for their profits.

Car rental agents are encouraged to talk to you in this insurance and generally receive a higher commission if they do. Thus, they will be very motivated to do everything they can to convince you to take it, but if you go to the agency armed with the information you need about insurance on rental vehicles, you should have no difficulty being comfortable with the signing of the waiver and get on your way.

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