Last year I went on vacation in Orlando. I had reserved a rental Jeep Grand Cherokee from them. When I got there to pick it up, they said to me that there were no Grand Cherokees left and I would have to upgrade to a Liberty (which is actually a downgrade) and pay the difference. Also they asked me if I had insurance and if I wanted thier insurance as well, I told them no, I have my own insurance coverage and my insurance company told me that I would not have to take any additional insurance. The rental place told me I needed to have it, so of course I paid for it because I thought...well maybe locally they need it. Now I'm going on vacation again, and I'm wondering if I'm going to have to pay more than anticipated again this year...or was I right in not having to take that insurance?
2007-01-21 06:58:24 · 12 answers · asked by jmk_jenmarie 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
First, insurance always goes with the car, not with the driver. What you pay rental covers basic insurance coverage, which would protect then for any accident you had which was not your fault. If you had an at fault accident it would not be covered unless you took out their rider, unless you had a credit card that gave you additional coverage.
If they didn't have what you reserved and gave you an upgrade, they should have GIVEN you an upgrade, which they didn't do if they charged you. The minute they said "pay the difference" was your cue to walk out of the office.
Go to http://www.dollar.com/customer_assistance/index.aspx?r=f6c35a2b4c024520a6bda94e593ff671 and complain. Tell them what you told us. demand some compensation for your trouble.
2007-01-21 07:14:32 · answer #1 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rule #1.....check with your auto insurance company & find out if your policy transfer onto a rental. Some do, some don't. also verify your deductible
Rule #2.....car rental companies can not "reserve" a specific car, only the size car--they can't guarantee a specific vehicle, only the size--this translate to....they'll have a car there, you might not like it, but they'll have a car. AND IF THEY DON'T have the size car you reserved, AUTOMATIC FREE UPGRADE!
Rule #3....credit card insurance only applies if you 1) reserve the car with the card and 2) use the card to pay for the rental. The name of the renter has to match the name on the card. You must have a police report.
Rule #4....if the total cost of the insurance at the rental company IS LESS than your deductible, buy it!!! No claims, no increase in premium, no deductible payout. You can total out that car & walk away from it free & clear, no ifs/ands/buts...so long as YOU have complied with the rental contract. Besides, the liability coverage they offer is $1 million, more than your own probably.
2007-01-21 15:14:13 · answer #2 · answered by bundysmom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The clerk gets a commission for getting you to take the insurance or an upgrade. Don't let them pressure you.
Dollar is usually very good. They are almost always the agency I use. They should not charge you for an upgrade if they are out of the class you reserved. They should give you the upgrade for free. You were correct in thinking that you didn't need the insurance coverage.
You were the victim of an overzealous salesperson. Don't let them bully you into paying more than you have to.
Last time I rented from them, in Las Vegas, I was upgraded to a Commander from a Grand. You are right, the Liberty should cost less.
2007-01-21 07:08:16 · answer #3 · answered by J.R. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak to the coverage on your policy, or the laws governing the state you live in. I can tell you how the company I work for operates, as well as how it's handled in most states, as well as the state I work in.
With my company, and in general, if you have physical damage coverage on any vehicle on your policy (comprehensive, collision; things to cover your car if it's in an accident or stolen or if the Epcot Center rolls over it, etc.), this coverage extends to a "non-owned" vehicle. While you may be subject to whatever deductible you chose, the rental would be covered.
The state I work in is a little different, because rentals would be handled under your liability coverage no matter what happened to it, and you wouldn't be subject to your deductible. The rental is still covered, because you're under a contract to be responsible for it while it's in your possession.
You can call your agent or your insurance company directly to ask this question, and you'll very likely get your answer straight from the horses mouth. Also, if you're a AAA member or a holder of certain credit cards, you might be covered for a rental through them.
And to answer your question directly, yes. It sounds as though you were hosed.
2007-01-21 13:28:04 · answer #4 · answered by ezlndylan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact your insurance agent and ask specifically what your liability is if you damage a rental vehicle... there is no consistent policy acorss the board.
Based on what your agent tells you, no matter what the rental place tries to "sell" you, you are free to decline their insurance and you initial the contract, which indicates you willingly declined their coverage.
When the rental company doesn't have the specific vehicle you reserved, and you have a copy of the reservation, then they normally give you an upgrade at no additional cost. In that situation, there is no way I would accept a higher charge, and if the rental clerk insists, then ask to speak with a manager.
2007-01-21 07:52:33 · answer #5 · answered by Gary S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there's an old saying,,you cant never have to much insurance,but i don't really know how good the insurance they sell you is, it may not cover much at all on the car so if it would have been me i would have bought the extra insurance also.it might seem like a waste of money,,but if you get in an accident,and being from out of town ,who knows what might happen,its probably better to have it ,and not need it,than to need it and not have it,good luck i hope this help,s.
2007-01-21 07:07:44 · answer #6 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not go back. Your insurance company should cover everyghing pls consult with them before getting the rental i bet u will come out cheaper.
2007-01-21 09:09:54 · answer #7 · answered by ♥Im Eric's Chic♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your card should cover the accidental insurance or your own car insurance.
Seinfeld had a show like this. He asked which concept of reservation they do not understand.
2007-01-21 07:07:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not go back. Your insurance company will cover any rental car as long as you have full coverage.
2007-01-21 09:00:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-07 12:26:41 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋