We are going to LA for a couple of weeks and have booked car hire. I tried to get some guidance from them regarding what insurance is necessary/essential but was just referred back to their insurance policies section which is what confused me in the first place. Has anyone any experience of car hire in the US or knowledge of whats needed ? I'm thinking of just the Rental Liability Protection but dont want to get caught out, at the same time it could double the cost of the car hire. Short version of the insurance options -
Optional Insurance is not required to rent a vehicle. Details available at rental counter.
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), which for an additional daily charge relieves the renter of all finacial responsibility for the loss or damage to the rental car, as long as the vehicle is used in accordance with the terms of the Rental Agreement. Cost - USD/9.00 to USD/23.00 per rental day
Rental Liability Protection (RLP) Primary insurance protecting you against claims made by third party for bodily injury and/or property damage sustained while operating the rental vehicle, up to the required financial responsibility limits of the state in which the vehicle is rented. RLP does not cover all situations that may arise while operating a rental vehicle. Cost - USD/12.99 per rental day.
Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) - Provides coverage for 3rd party automobile claims for the difference between the primary liability limits provided under the renters own personal for bodily injury and/or property damage but does not cover all situations that may arise while operating a rental vehicle. Cost - USD/11.99 to USD/12.99 per rental day d
Personal Accident/Personal Effects Protection (PAC) - Personal Accident Coverage provides accidental death and accidental medical expense benefit to the renter and their passenger (s). The death and medical expense benefit will both pay in addition to any other coverage that might be applicable to the renter or passengers. Cost - USD/4.99 per rental day.
Roadside Assistance Program (RSA) - If you purchase our Roadside Service Assistance (RSA) we will waive all, or a portion of, the cost of a roadside assistance service call up to the amount of USD/400.00 per incident. You may purchase RSA at USD/2.99 per rental day. Benefits include emergency road service towing (within 25 miles of occurrence), winching, jump start, flat tire change, lockout service
Cheers
Rich
Comments
I haven't actually read all of that, but you can buy insurance here which will cover you for damaging a hire car - it will be cheaper than the rental company.
Insurance for car hire..... Brilliant system, covers you for any excess
Yeah, get it here, not from the rental company
Thanks for the advice all. I have cancelled the booking and rebooked with someone else that included all insurance with no excess on any of the policies. I tried twice to get FOX to tell me what insurance was mandatory and what level of cover was needed in California but the second guy was such an incompetent arse that I just gave up.