Will be renting a car for the first time overseas - once in France and another in England. My credit card provides coverage for theft, damage, valid loss-of-use charges imposed and substantiated by the Rental Agency, administrative fees, and reasonable and customary towing charges (due to a covered theft or damage) to the nearest qualified repair facility. It specifically says it does not cover collision involving the Rental Vehicle, damage to any other driver’s car, the injury of anyone, or damage to anything is not covered. Of course, I can buy Collision Damage & Theft Protection and Windscreen, Glass, Lights & Tires protection. Those of you who travel much more than me, just wondering if you buy such additional coverage or rely on something similar through your own credit card company/ Or perhaps some of you have experiences you'd care to share as to why you rely on one versus the other. Thanks!
Posted by
Minneapolis
1347 posts
Hi. There is no 'right' answer; you'll get different opinions... :) However, one aspect not to worry about is damage to other cars and people. That is part of liability coverage, which European rental companies are required to include at no extra charge. I have rented probably six times in Europe and have used my credit card insurance and declined all extra rental company options. I did have a claim once, and there was some back and forth and paper work to do, but my claim was paid.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7950 posts
Check with the rental company you decide to go with, but some optional coverages may not be available to you if you don’t get its basic CDW. Personal injury protection is sometimes an optional coverage not covered by the liability that is compulsory and included in the rental price.
Get the coverages you’re comfortable with whether it’s the credit card coverage or any of the optional coverages. Since you’ll be driving on the left, tire protection is nice to have. No doubt you’ll scrape some curbs.
Included and optional coverages vary between companies.