My husband and his Mustang insurance question

[lafifille]

This is a bit long, please bear with me:

I'm going to rent the cars we need for our 3+ weeks trip to the US through this site: start in Florida, then Kansas City, then back to Florida. After much reading here, and a couple of e-mails to USCarhire I'm totally convinced it's a good choice.

Problem (so to speak): As a B-Day present DH has been promised a Mustang. Convertible or not, he doesn't care at all. Roger has told me that renting a convertible with Budget there is a very good chance we'll get a Mustang. I've also read on another post that Budget can offer Mustangs as Intermediate. So in Florida, first leg of the trip,I'm going to start with Intermediate, go Convertible, then back to Intermediate, hoping to get a Mustang at some point.

In Kansas City Roger doesn't work with Budget, no luck, we'll stick with what he offers.

Solution For our last days in Florida, I've decided to leave it open. If we have had at least one Mustang previously, I'll rent again with Roger. But if we were unlucky, I will then rent directly with Budget, where they offer the possibility to rent precisely a Mustang ("street fleet").

Here's my question: simulating that rental on Budget website, they say LDW and SLI is included, and do not offer other insurance options. Can anyone tell me if I'm all set with that? I've rented countless times in the US but always through an agent, so I'm a bit wary. I'm pretty sure SLI and LDW is good cover, but would appreciate confirmation ... or otherwise!

[blott]

If you have a read of the OV site of what's included, that'll give you a very good idea about insurance, etc. http://www.floridahire.com/faq-inclusions.aspx

[lafifille]

Thanks, I already did, but yours says CDW, when Budget says LDW. I did a lot of reading trying to sort this out and found mixed information, some say it's the same, others say it's not. Thus my (long [msnembarrased]) question. I just hoped someone would be more knowledgeable than I am. And I sure hope I'll avoid renting direct with Budget.

[canarypam]

You could always try just asking at the desk for one. We have often been given a car that we don't like. We just go back in and ask for something else - never been refused yet but do always book car hire through this site.

Good luck!

[blott]

CDW (collision damage waiver) and LDW (loss damage waiver)
This relieves you of financial responsibility for a rental vehicle damaged by an accident, vandalism or theft. It usually costs between $9 and $20 per day.

SLI (supplemental liability insurance)
This provides excess liability coverage up to $1 million. If you do not already have personal liability coverage you should purchase the rental agency's. It usually costs between $7 and $9 per day.

PAI (personal accident insurance)
This provides a one time payment for you or a passenger in case of death or maiming from a car accident. This is generally covered under your auto or health policies. It's not necessary for most renters already covered by personal health policies or travel policies. It usually costs between $3 and $5 per day.

PEC (personal effects coverage)
This provides coverage for theft of or damage to personal items inside the rental car. Opting for this coverage is obviously something you have to decide for yourself since your existing coverage probably doesn't include this coverage. It usually costs between $2 and $5 per day.

And

Loss damage waiver (LDW) or collision damage waiver (CDW). Generally these mean the same thing. Drivers who select and pay for this coverage are insulated from the rental car firm collecting for damage to or theft of the rented vehicle, as well as towing expenses, storage and administrative fees, and loss of use charges associated with an accident.

CDW and LDW only cover the rented vehicle. These waivers do not protect against damage to other cars or property, or for bodily injury. Full LDW is expensive, but since it is essentially a zero-deductible bumper-to-bumper physical damage policy, it is generally effective in indemnifying against a damage or theft loss. When purchasing this waiver coverage, inquire if there are conditions or exceptions. For example, CDW may be void if an accident involves speeding, or driving off road, on unpaved roads or while intoxicated.

Partial LDW is a modified CDW/LDW whereby the rental firm waives a set amount, typically from $500 to $3000, and the renter pays for any excess loss or damage up to the full retail value of the vehicle. For example, if a rented $35,000 SUV were stolen and never recovered and the renter carried LDW $500, he or she would be liable for the $34,500 difference. A driver with a full coverage personal auto insurance policy (PAP) could expect their insurer make up most or all the deficit, but PAP policies vary, so check first.

[lafifille]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by canarypam
You could always try just asking at the desk for one. We have often been given a car that we don't like. We just go back in and ask for something else - never been refused yet but do always book car hire through this site.

Good luck![/quote]Oh but I will use all the French charm I am capable of to obtain what we want, believe me :D. Roger has told me that there's a very good chance we'll get a Mustang, specially when renting the convertible. But he also stated he can't guarantee it, and I appreciate his honesty. That's why I'm arranging Plan B, just in case, but hopefully it will be UScarhire all along for us. Those insurances are really a pain if you want to make sure you're covered on all sides [msnscared]. Of course I'm probably over anxious, as usual.


Thanks Blott so much for all the information [bowwave]. I think I'm safe with LDW and SLI then. Never even scratched a rental before, no reason to start on this trip...but Murphy's law is hanging there of course.

[ellie]

I don't think you are overanxious, at all. Far better to be fully covered, and in the US I think this is an absolute necessity. The consequences of being under insured are horrendous.

Don't forget UMP - Uninsured or underinsured motorist protection. Most companies do not include this but US car hire do. As a significant number of vehicles in the US are not insured this is one insurance I would not want to drive round without. In fact, I would not be happy unless I had the full range of cover provided by Roger.

Hope you have a great time, sounds like you are going to have a wonderful trip, with lots to see and do.[msncool]

[lafifille]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ellie
I don't think you are overanxious, at all. Far better to be fully covered, and in the US I think this is an absolute necessity. The consequences of being under insured are horrendous.

Don't forget UMP - Uninsured or underinsured motorist protection. Most companies do not include this but US car hire do. As a significant number of vehicles in the US are not insured this is one insurance I would not want to drive round without. In fact, I would not be happy unless I had the full range of cover provided by Roger.

Hope you have a great time, sounds like you are going to have a wonderful trip, with lots to see and do.[msncool]
[/quote]

[msnscared] OMG, I didn't even think about that one: thanks, my stress level has just gone up again :D:D. Seriously, thanks, I'll check it out.
It's our first long trip overseas with both kids, so we're very excited, and I want to get eveything worrisome out of the way. I kind of remember a time when the 2 of us would just shut the door and get on our way with no planning whatsoever [msncry].

[ellie]

Now don't stress, you will have a wonderful time. If you can book your car with Roger you will have absolutely nothing to worry about. [msnwink]

Much better to know everything than find yourself under-insured.

Bet you can't wait to go! [msncool]

[lafifille]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ellie


Bet you can't wait to go! [msncool]
[/quote]

Yep [msnwink]! And this forum does nothing to keep the excitement down [clap].
But who knows what crossed my mind when I promised that %§!%#!! Mustang . Next B-Day I'll stick to the usual tie and shirt [msnwink] :D :D :D.