Get out of paying collision damage waiver on rental car?

Question

I picked up a rental vehicle this morning while my car is in the shop for repairs from an accident. The employee from the rental company talked me into getting the supplemental insurance saying how it'll make things easier in the event of an accident. Not realizing that my own auto insurance will work on a rental (it's mandatory to have auto insurance in Massachusetts), I went ahead and purchased the CDW. Knowing what I now know, is it possible for me to opt-out of the rental agency's protection plan and use my own for the remainder of the rental period? Even if I have to pay for today, I'll do that. Beats having to pay for a whole week's worth.

Answer 1

Your insurance may not transfer to the rental. Mine doesn't. My liability coverage goes with me to any other vehicle I drive, but not collision damage. You may have coverage with a credit card for that, but likely not loss-os-use coverage.

Answer 2

Yes, but you have to go get new paperwork from them waiving the CDW.

Does your policy cover COLLISION? Collision is NOT mandatory in MA, and if you don't have it on your car, there's nothing to carry over. ALso, your policy will NOT pay loss of use - that is, the time in the shop for the rental, when they can't rent it out.

Answer 3

You need to check with your insurance company and see what coverage is already built into your policy to cover a rental car you're driving. Many make it unnecessary to get the CDW, which I wish I'd learned a few years sooner.

Answer 4

Nope. Can't do it. Basically you bought an insurance policy and they're non refundable. That's like trying to get your premium back since you had no accidents. While you don't need it and they can't make you buy it, this covers the deductible portion of your auto policy whereas otherwise you have to pay it. Don;t know what your deductible is, but a few bucks now is easier than $500 later.