We'll be renting a car for the second half of our trip and I've been reading about the insurance and extra insurance we need to buy.
Does anyone have any advice on this CDW? I read that even with it, you could still have a hefty deductible? Is it better to buy it now, or when we get there? Is there anything that will cover all deductibles? And does our insurance from home or through a credit card cover anything?
The whole thing is pretty confusing!
Thanks-
Theresa
My understanding is that your personal insurance and credit cards coverage is worthless in Italy. We take "Super coverage" (from Hertz) when we rent which ensures we can just walk away whether there is a scratch or the car is stolen. You might want to check with your CC company but I think the best you will find is they will cover any deductible left if CDW does not cover it all. Hertz Super coverage has no deductible.
We were just completely reimbursed for an accident we had in England by Capital One credit card. We used the card to rent the car and that is one of the perks with this card. It took a lot of documentation, but when all was said and done, they were quite easy and helpful to work with and as soon as they had all the documents, a check arrive in the mail within 10 days. Biggest advise I can give you is to take pictures of the car damage. They required two pictures.
Lisa, I believe she is renting in Italy and the insurance situation is different here....
Theresa,
According to the Gemut car rental guide....
"In both Italy and Israel, CDW and theft coverage must be purchased from the rental company. Some credit cards offer coverage in Italy, but it means nothing because all major rental companies require the purchase of CDW and theft insurance. The only question left is will your credit card reimburse the deductible in case of damage or theft? Apparently Visa will, but confirm with them. This a murky area."
Also note that EACH driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit for Italy, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. Be extra vigilant to avoid the ZTL (limited traffic) areas which exist in many towns and cities and the automated speed monitors, as hefty fines will result.
Theresa,
You may want to read this post. Roberto's response is very informative:https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/getting-a-rental-car-in-rome
Ooops, sorry, I didn't see that she was asking specifically about Italy.
I suggest buying the rental company's best, most complete coverage. You will have to ask your insurance company what they cover and specifically what they cover in Italy. We once had a smash up in Italy, had the best coverage offered by the rental company and didn't pay a thing.
CDW is mandatory for renting a car in Italy. However the rates charged are less than other places, including the U.S. This would lead me to think the government is limiting the rates charged for CDW by car rental agencies in Italy.
Where the car rental company will get you is additional optional insurance for personal possessions (in the car.) I declined.
In addition, your personal car insurance policy might provide coverage on rental cars. Those using some credit cards have rental car coverage, however it's secondary to their personal car insurance policies.
Thanks, everyone.
So, it looks like buying the highest level of CDW is the best option, in terms of not having to worry.
Is there a difference between buying it now (when we reserve, which we have already but I assume we can add it from here), or buying it there? (cost-wise/coverage-wise)?
Thanks!
Yes for sure buy the insurance. For some reason all the "I" countries, Italy, Ireland, Israel, India don't get covered by all of your insurance or credit card insurance. We found out in Germany one year when our son scrapped the side of the rental car on a garage wall. We still had to pay an additional $200.00 that was not covered that the Rental Car co said was to pay for the time their car was out of service being fixed. Probably not the thing to cut back on.
Sometimes you can get a discounted rate by buying the CDW at booking rather than waiting at the counter. And since it is required, I suggest doing it online at booking to avoid any language confusion later.
What is optional is the Super CDW that covers the deductible on the standard (and required in Italy) CDW. Your own insurance or credit card MIGHT cover that but you need to be really sure.
Personally, when renting a car outside the US or Canada, I like to get the Super CDW. Yes it is expensive and mostly profit for the rental agency. But the reporting and documentation requirements are very stringent to get your CC or insurance to cover you and you can't always rely on getting what you need and trying to follow up later might be near impossible. And it avoids any scams by the rental agency to charge you for "damage" that just so happens to be the same cost as the CDW deductible. And you get to rest easy that a minor mistake on your part (and very easily someone else's part) won't cost you a thing.
