We are planning to rent a car from Avax in Croatia for 10 days. We were hoping to use our Chase credit card which serves as primary insurance. However, it requires that we decline CDW. But, when i attempt to rent on the Avax website they do not give that option. Does anyone know if it is possible to rent from Avax or NovaRent without accepting their insurance coverage?
Thank you in advance.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23269 posts
Don't know about Croatia but in some countries (Italy for one) that coverage is required so you cannot decline it. If the rental company says NO, I am not sure if you can get around it. On the other hand relying on the credit card coverage in Europe may not be the best practice either.
Posted by
DTW
331 posts
I do not have experience with renting from Avax or NovaRent. I have rented from other companies throughout western Europe and the U.K. In the past, I have let my CC cover the insurance. The past trips to Germany, Ireland, and Italy were for a few days in each place. I just paid the rental insurance. For me it was a cost/benefit issue. The coverage was not that significant. So, I ask you, how much is the charge? Is it worth it to just pay the company for the ease of use?
As a side note, do you take pictures or a video walk around of the vehicles that you rent? We had a beater of a rental in Ireland. Big dent and marks all around the small SUV. Upon returning it to a different location, the attendant asked me about the dent. I let him know it was that way and that I had full coverage. Also, here is a video of when I picked it up with all dents, nicks, and scratches noted. Always CYA with a rental vehicle.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8145 posts
You might want to go online and read the terms and conditions on your credit card regarding collision and comprehensive insurance on rental cars. They may have some reason to exclude rental vehicles going into Croatia.
Ireland and Italy regulations require purchase of the car rental company's insurance--for example.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
3844 posts
Like John, we now take the car rental insurance. We rent in Croatia but never from those companies. We’ve used Sixt and autoeurope.
We also take pictures before we drive off the lot.
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
13 posts
Yes, we always take pictures and videos of rental cars before leaving the lot. I am inclined to just pay the extra and use the car rental insurance but my hubby would prefer to save the money and use credit card. I may push the issue and avoid the worries. Thanks.
Posted by
9 posts
When we travel in Europe, I have the CC company send me a letter to show we are covered. Rental car companies have always accepted this letter. I already requested it for our trip next month to Croatia.
Posted by
Berkeley, California, US
612 posts
I second what jbass's said: I called the number for card benefit services (number supplied by Chase) for my chase card and requested a letter showing I'm covered. I've rented cars, always through auto Europe for many years. Twice there has been a problem from the car rental company (not auto Europe) after renting. Both times the helpful people at auto Europe helped me straighten it out. We just rented a car for Croatia from Alamo (again, through auto Europe). Nothing was mentioned about Alamo or Croatia requiring the purchase of insurance. I know we have been required to purchase insurance when renting in Italy. Hope this helps.