Most of the info about rental insurance is to protect the company in case you lose their car, or if it gets damaged, stolen, etc.
What about liability if you injure someone or damage another car in an accident? I believe that is part of the standard rental cost. My auto insurance with State Farm does not cover rentals in foreign countries, and I hear that AAA is among the few that do cover foreign rentals.
Any advice/insights? Thanks.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
It's very important that you discuss your coverage with your own insurance agent, your credit card company and the car rental company.
I've mentioned this before but without the gruesome detail: I actually ask: what happens if I kill someone with my car and the car bursts into flames?
Awful to think of, of course.
The answer I've had so far - for that worst case scenario - is that standard rental charges cover that kind of fire and personal injury liability. It's mandatory in most European countries.
The question you're left with is the coverage for damage to the car or the car you hit.
Ask these questions, though, of all three of your likely insurers.
Posted by
OP
Stockton, CA
152 posts
Doug,
Thanks for your help. I hate being in a position of just crossing my fingers and hoping for no trouble.
I'll call my insurance agent, but I'm quite sure she has told me in the past that my auto insurance does not cover anything on a foreign rental. I will also query the rental company in the UK, 1Car1. They claim that the price is all inclusive, except for CDW or excess or something. The credit card may well cover the CDW.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Jerry - That's why I think you need to be as specific as you can to understand your coverage.
If your own car insurance doesn't cover you in Europe than you're left with the credit card company you'll use to rent the car.
Otherwise, pay for full coverage with the European car rental agency. Autoeurope is a reliable company and they have great people on their 800 line who will explain their coverage in detail.