Liability Insurance for Rental Car

First, where are you traveling and for how long?

It might be helpful to point out that third-party liability is usually already covered in your rental car rates as part of the basic package. It's required by law in most European countries. The link Steve posted even says so.

I always call my own insurer, the rental agent (for me, always Autoeurope), and my credit card to be sure I know what's covered. I know I can't rely on on-line articles or blogs. I pose the worst case scenario: I crash my car into another, both light on fire and someone else is killed. Who's liable? European laws usually make fire and death liability the rental agency;s responsibility.

Sorry to suggest you spend more time on the phone, but this is one topic about which you don't want to rely on internet hyperlinks.

If you have an AMEX credit card you may want to check with them about their premium coverage which is $24.95 per rental. This would give you coverage for up to 42 days as opposed to the 30 days on their basic cdw coverage and there are additional benefits with the premium coverage. As Doug mentioned third party liability is covered by the rental company. The exeception to the AMEX coverage mentioned above is that it does not apply if you rent in Italy or Ireland. In that case you would need to go with maybe Travel Guard or the rental car's plan. If you pick up the rental in a country other than Italy for example you could get the AMEX plan even if you drive into Italy as long as the rental company is ok with it. I did this one year by picking up in Germany and drove into Italy and several other western European countries. I was offered an upgrade to a small BMW and when I explained to the gentleman at the counter that I would be going into Italy he said, "Uh, I think you would be ok with the BMW in Italy until you parked it overnight and when you return the next morning it would be gone." I stayed with my Peugeot 307 and it was all we needed.

If you are going for that long you should look into the long term lease programs that Renault and Peugot offer. Both include full insurance coverage.
http://www.renaultusa.com/

Also agree with Jeff and Tom on the buy back/lease program for that length of time especially so if you can p/u and drop off in France.

Thanks to everyone for your feedback. We have always rented from AutoEurope. In checking with our CC company the other day, they indicated the maximum days for their CDW coverage. We are now checking into the AMEX card. I have also been pricing out the long term lease companies, however, their prices are quite steep. I have also checked into renting the car 5 days after our arrival into Zurich to bring the number of days down to 31. It's an interesting situation. Thanks again for the input.

Denise, since you have AMEX call their car rental line at 800 338 1670 and ask about the premium plan for a one time rental charge of $24.95 which averages out to about .80 cent per day for 31 days. Their basic cdw at no cost would only cover for 30 days whereas the premium coverage would be for up to 42 days. They cam tell you other benefits the premium coverage has over the basic. Just keep in mind they won't cover if you pick the car up in Italy or Ireland.

Be very careful about relying on Credit Card coverage as a replacement for CDW. Consider that any benefit you get for free may have a similar value when you need it. Some things gleaned from this board and others, based on experiences:

*Some credit cards exclude coverage in some countries and some countries require coverage other than Credit Card CDW. Ireland and Italy come up often.

*Some companies will put a credit hold on your card to cover some or all of the value of the car. Not a problem if you have multiple cards and large credit limits, a problem if you are relying on one card and have a modest limit.

*In the event of an accident or damage to the car, you are immediately responsible (usually) for the damage, usually put on your credit card, then you are left to haggle with the insurance carrier as to the claim.

If you go the route of CC CDW, call your CC and get the number for the company that handles the insurance. Speak directly with them and determine if you will have coverage in all stops on your itinerary, and what the claim process is.

Just to add one more voice, I agree 100% with Jeff. If you're renting for that long, and if you're going to a location that they serve, the Renault Eurodrive or the Peugeot Open Europe buyback/lease programs are the way to go.

100% insurance coverage, brand new cars, and free 24/7 roadside assistance if you have a breakdown. Total peace of mind. Plus - almost always less expensive than a standard long term rental.

The AMEX Premium card looks like the way to go. I now need to "shop" around for one. Like the other CC companies, they can be attached to an airline or bank that will give you miles/bennies for signing up with them. Thanks again, everyone, for your input.