Posted on: Tuesday, June 22, 2004
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DRIVE TIME
Watch those rental-car waivers — you may already be covered
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
Confused about all those expensive waiver options the rental car people offer every time you travel? Join the crowd.
A new national survey found that nearly three out of every four people do not understand what kind of protection is being offered by rental car companies.
About 25 percent of the survey respondents said they bought the extra coverage — at a cost of between $7 and $25 a day — just to be safe, even though many of them suspected they didn't really need it.
• Check with your insurance agent or company to find out if your policy covers rental cars. • Check with your credit-card company. Some provide rental-car coverage at no charge if you use their card. • Take your personal auto insurance policy with you. The papers may help you answer questions at the counter — or at least have your agent's name and phone number readily available. Source: Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. Progressive said many of the car renters don't need the extra coverage; the same coverage is often provided by a driver's regular insurance or by the renter's credit card provider.
The survey results show that most car renters are unprepared for making a snap decision on the options as they step to the head of the line.
So what were they feeling while in line? These were the emotions they reported: indifferent (28 percent); confident (17 percent); defensive (9 percent); confused (8 percent); and intimidated (7 percent).
Little wonder than that 32 percent said they either always or sometimes buy the waivers at the rental car counter. Most said they paid for the extra coverage to feel more secure while traveling. Young drivers 18 to 24 years old were far more likely (58 percent) than drivers over 55 (30 percent) to buy the extra coverage.
Was it really necessary? Probably not.
If you have full coverage (comprehensive, collision and liability) on your personal automobile, chances are any car you rent is covered, too, said John Barbagallo, director of product development for Progressive.
If you do have such coverage, you'd only have to pay the equivalent of your insurance deductible for any damage the rental car incurs in your hands.
Reach Mike Leidemann at mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5460.
The survey of more than 500 drivers who rented a car for pleasure in the past three years was conducted by the Progressive insurance company. The survey results show just how daunting the question of "optional damage waivers" can be, especially when you're anxious to start your vacation and there's a long line of equally anxious customers behind you.
Before you rent a car
