Auto Rental Insurance
Do you really need auto rental insurance? This question plagues the minds of many vacationers daily, though the answer to the question might really be up to you.
Some people swear by auto rental insurance. Others find that it is completely unnecessary. If you arrive at the counter of a car rental company, you will probably be coerced into purchasing some type of insurance. However, this may not be the best possible course of action. You see, those friendly salespeople at the car rental counter know a few things about you…even before you speak. They know that you are probably tired; jet-lagged; hungry; and desperate to get out of the car rental office as soon as humanly possible. So, what do they do? Instead of helping you easily on your way, they choose the hard sell tactic.
As it turns out, these representatives actually get rewarded for every bit of collision insurance that they sell. Then again, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t need any kind of insurance at all. So, what does it mean then? Simply put, it means that you must weigh your options…carefully. While most people are adequately covered insurance-wise (unless you are using a rental for business purposes), there are a few sure-fire ways to find out whether insurance is life saving, or simply a waste of your time. Let’s begin with the auto coverage that you already have.
Before you leave home, speak with your current auto insurance provider. Find out if your current plan will cover you wherever you go. Also, make sure that your current policy provides enough coverage. For example, you will want to make sure it covers loss, damage, and theft. If you need to add on to your present plan, ask your provider about this option. The other way to find out if you truly need auto rental insurance is to check with your credit card provider. Most major credit cards include some type of vehicle coverage that will take into consideration rental cars. In either case, don’t make the mistake of considering insurance questions at the rental counter.
Instead, be prepared insurance-wise before you leave home. Keep in mind that those rental sales reps want to sell you last minute insurance. In fact, they get money if they do manage to trick you into that expensive insurance. No matter how you find your coverage, it’s always best to purchase it from your home before getting on that plane. Of course this doesn’t answer the question as to whether or not you actually need this type of insurance…that’s because it’s your choice.
Hopefully, you now know a thing or two about auto rental insurance. Do you really need this type of plan? Well, it’s entirely up to you. Still, keep in mind the consequences of driving a car in a strange place without insurance…and, make sure to check on that insurance before you leave home.