Get smarter about …
Rental car insurance

If you’ll be traveling during the holidays will you be renting a car? Some of us may rent a car at our destination; some of us may rent a car and drive to our destination choosing to leave our personal vehicle at home. In any event, as soon as you get to the rental car counter, you’re barraged with a series of questions: Do you have auto insurance? Can I see your insurance ID card? Do you want CDW, LDW and so on? This can be confusing, but here’s some information that may help you get smarter about insurance before you get to the rental car counter:

• Call me before you leave (or call your current insurance provider) — I can help you understand exactly how much and what auto coverage you currently have so that you can decide if it’s what you want. If you’ll be using the rental car for recreation only and not for business, in many cases your personal coverage and deductibles may apply. Let’s have a conversation.
• Call your credit card company before you leave — If you’ll be depending on a credit card for rental car insurance coverage, it’s very important to check with your card company before you travel. If you have more than one card, consider calling each one to see which offers the best coverage. Insurance benefits vary among companies and/or banks that issue cards, as well as by the level of credit card used. For instance, a platinum card may offer more insurance coverage than a gold card.

Let’s have a conversation
Call me in advance of your travel and I can give you information that may help you get smarter about rental car insurance coverage. The more you know the better you can prepare for the unexpected. It’s worth a conversation.

Be smart when renting a car

Questions to ask your credit card issuer before you rent:

Do I have rental car coverage? Is it secondary or primary?

Does it cover collision only or collision and theft?

What’s the maximum reimbursement?

Does it cover vehicles rented outside the United States? Are there any vehicle exclusions such as pickup trucks, moving vans or some types of SUVs?

Is there a limit on how long I can rent the car?

Does my policy cover loss-of-use and other fees charged by the rental car company?

At the rental car counter:

Decline the rental company’s collision waiver.

Pay for the car in full with the credit card that provides the protection.

Include the names of any other people you expect to drive the car on the rental contract. Many insurance programs won’t cover a driver who isn’t on the contract.

Once you get the car, don’t speed, drive on an unpaved road or drive while intoxicated. All can invalidate your coverage.