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| Does The Coverage And Deductibles You Have On Your Personal Auto Policy Apply To A Rental Car? & Best Car Insurance Company - How Is A Person To Choose? |
| Tuesday, December 9, 2008 |
Does The Coverage And Deductibles You Have On Your Personal Auto Policy Apply To A Rental Car?
Best Car Insurance Company - How Is A Person To Choose?
When you rent a car, there's always that moment of truth, the moment when the salesperson asks you if you would like to purchase insurance (or more accurately, a loss waiver) through the rental company.
Obviously, everyone wants a car insurance company that offers them the best coverage at the best rates; however, there are more things to consider when you are shopping for the best car insurance company. According to most of these salespeople, if you do not purchase the insurance (which can bump the price of your rental up $20 per day or more) the consequences for the slightest scuff on the door will send you spiraling into bankruptcy. You want to choose a car insurance company that isn't just out to lure policyholders – you want an insurance company that will treat you right. The cost of insurance at the rental car counter may also vary depending on the rental car company, state and the type of car you wish to rent.
Keep these factors in mind. Car rental insurance can be complicated and you might even feel pressured into purchasing it, but before you commit yourself to spending the money on a loss waiver, take a moment to think about some other options.
Rates, Payments, and Rewards
You want to choose a car insurance company that offers different payment options, rather than just one option of payment set in stone.
Car Insurance
If you carry comprehensive and collision coverage, your personal auto policy will generally cover the cost of replacing or repairing a stolen or damaged rental car. Many car insurance companies allow their policyholders to choose between paying in installments – usually monthly or quarterly – or paying the entire premium at once. Because each insurance company is a little different, however, it is a good idea to speak with your insurance agent and confirm that the rental car is covered by your existing policy. Some companies even offer discounts to policyholders who choose to pay their premiums in one lump sum.
Remember that any deductibles you have will apply to the rental car.
Ask if the insurance company recognizes drivers who do not drive much; some companies lower rates for that. For instance, if you have a $500 deductible and sustain $450 worth of damage, you will be responsible for the full cost. Some also offer discount rewards for those driver who go long periods of time without filing any claims. If you have a $500 deductible and sustain $1000 worth of damage, you will be responsible for the first $500 and the insurance company will pay for the balance.
Discounts, Discounts, Discounts!
Look for companies offering a multitude of discounts.
Remember, too, that for your rental car to be covered you must carry comprehensive and collision insurance. You may not be eligible for every one of them, but the more they offer, the higher your chances are of being eligible for a few of them. If your insurance protects you only against liability, it will not cover the cost to repair or replace a rental car if it is wrecked or stolen. A few discounts that may be of interest to you include discounts for safe drivers and teenage drivers who make good grades; discounts for active or retired military personnel; discounts for buying more than one insurance policy from the same insurance company; and discounts for having anti-theft and additional safety equipment installed in/on your car. You may also want to take note that in the event of a car accident with the rental car, your personal insurance premium may go up in cost.
Extras
Car insurance companies offer various extras that policyholders can add on to their car insurance policies.
Credit Cards
Some credit card companies offer rental insurance benefits. An example of an extra would be roadside assistance. To find out what each of your credit cards offer, simply call the customer service and ask. While some companies offer roadside assistance as a standard extra, some offer it as an add-on. You may want to shop around a little to find out which of your cards offers the best insurance benefits. These add-ons are nice, but if you're not careful they could simply hike up your premiums. When you find the best deal, ask for a copy of the insurance policy in writing. This will allow you to look the policy over carefully to determine that it offers the coverage you need. Having the policy in writing will also put a stop to the he-said-she-said that may occur if a loss does happen.
It's easy and often tempting to sign on the dotted line and let "http://www.discountcar.com.au/"car rental insurance take care of everything. But if you do so without stopping to investigate other avenues available, you may find yourself paying for car insurance coverage you may already have. Fifteen or twenty minutes of easy research can save you a hefty sum of money and offer you piece of mind.
Related Blog: pbr jx1.blogspot.com
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posted by Unknown @ 9:46 PM  |
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