Car insurance - How to save money

Credit card insurance coverage actually varies from one card to another - they're not all the same. This is an area where details really, really matter - you must know the details of what is and is not covered by your credit card in the specific country you're renting in. Get the coverage details in writing from your credit card company (with one copy translated into the local language of the rental place and bring it with you so you can show them at the counter), and be sure you understand all the terms in your rental contract. Do this homework well in advance of your trip - the last thing you want to do is to come off a redeye, badly sleep-deprived and jetlagged, and be standing at the rental counter in a country where you don't speak the language, and be unsure of what to do when they are waving papers at you and demanding you sign them. In that situation you are not at your sharpest, and are very vulnerable to making a potentially extremely expensive mistake.

This sort of coverage is “pay and chase”-you pay then chase the credit card company for reimbursement. Good for small stuff. But, that credit card you gave when you rented the car? You total the car and they will charge it to your card. They tell you that when you rent the car. Your credit card customer service persons comment aside, you decline the coverage, you are responsible. And, the statement about not paying for health care because you are in Scotland? Where did that come from? Unless you are a citizen covered by the NHS you will definetly be financially liable for health care. In the US your automobile insurance will usually cover rentals (check your policy) so declining coverage is a good idea. But there it’s an insurance company that has your back, not a credit card.

Hi, Alan,

From the Scottish Government website:

"NHS treatment at an Accident and Emergency department, including treatment in an observation ward, is free to everyone, regardless of their residency status.

Following this treatment, it is for the NHS healthcare providers to determine whether an overseas visitor requires further in-patient treatment or registration as an outpatient, and whether or not they should be charged for that treatment."

From the same website:

"Overseas visitors...will always be welcomed by the Scottish Government, as they contribute to our economy as well as to our vibrancy and diversity as a nation."

From personal experience, on one of my recent trips to Scotland, I had to go to an emergency room in Aberdeen, as I was suffering from extreme weakness and dizziness. They ran a battery of tests which would have cost me thousands of dollars in the U.S. When I went to check out, I was told there would be no charge.

Imagine the same thing happening to a Scottish visitor to the U.S.! They'd be paying the bills off for years. :(

Mike (Auchterless)

Good to know Mike. But I still would have travel insurance as if it is more than an outpatient visit you will be hit with a bill. And, despite the good care you’ll likely get, I’d want to come home when that is possible. In the US we have a law, EMTALA, that mandates everyone coming into an ER must be treated regardless of ability to pay. But, when the dust settles the bills will come hot and heavy. Our fractured health care system could learn a few things from the NHS.

Good post.

I think the important factor you mention which many don't realize is with this type of coverage and most all coverages that are not purchased directly from the rental company (3rd party policies) is that the renter pays if any damage up front and then needs to get themselves reimbursed.
I believe Amex's extra cost insurance coverage does work differently and better but that a.) costs extra per rental for all of their cards and b.) is more restrictive on countries it includes.

Surely doable and a way to save money but definitely some time and effort involved so one needs to weigh the value of their time against the additional cost of the insurance offered by the car rental company.
I have a Visa Signature card (Chase Sapphire Reserve) and sometimes I use it and decline all coverages, other times I play it safe and pay extra ; all depends on how much they want to charge me for the insurance.
Would not have mattered if you did book with Expedia, Priceline or elsewhere either so no advantage to the coverage in your example by renting directly with Avis.

As above poster noted, not all Visa Signature cards are the same in requires to coverage so your exact card terms need to be checked. Lastly, car vehicle type can matter ; not all car types are covered. You get a free upgrade to a Bentley and damage it or rent a pickup truck or large multi-passenger van and you may find yourself uncovered.