Car rental : USA : questions

[IamBusby]

Hi,

I'm visiting Los Angeles in September and will be renting a car. I've used https://www.arguscarhire.com to get some quotes. The prices for the gold rate says they include the following:

collision damage waiver (cdw) no excess
third party liability protection (tp)
theft waiver (tw)
tax
airport fee
fuel
additional driver
unlimited mileage
breakdown assistance

When I go to book further however it gives me an option of "excess cover charges" waiver for an extra £66 with Mondial insurance.

It looks like excess waivers are already included in the gold rate as far as I can tell so I'm wondering if it's not needed at all and just an extra expense?

As it's the first time I've rented a car in the USA I don't want to take chances so is it worth me taking out the "Excess cover charges"

Thanks in advance

Andy

 

[bobdole369]

Car insurance varies state by state and I have no experience in California. However - genrally you are required to have "liability" insurance (which handles whatever damage to humans the car causes) and a certain amount of property damage, (which handles whatever damage to property the car causes).
Collision damage handles any damage you cause to the CAR.
Theft handles the cost of the car if it is stolen.
The "waiver" seems to indicate you do not have collision or theft. If you don't plan to crash the car or to have it stolen thats a safe bet.
"Excess cover charges" seems to be extra money that might cover something your chosen insurance does not - I'm probably wrong.

Note that if you have car insurance with your own vehicle in the USA, that often covers in a very similar fashion any rental car. You don't seem to have that luxury.

Hi,

I'm visiting Los Angeles in September and will be renting a car. I've used https://www.arguscarhire.com to get some quotes. The prices for the gold rate says they include the following:

collision damage waiver (cdw) no excess
third party liability protection (tp)
theft waiver (tw)
tax
airport fee
fuel
additional driver
unlimited mileage
breakdown assistance

When I go to book further however it gives me an option of "excess cover charges" waiver for an extra £66 with Mondial insurance.

It looks like excess waivers are already included in the gold rate as far as I can tell so I'm wondering if it's not needed at all and just an extra expense?

As it's the first time I've rented a car in the USA I don't want to take chances so is it worth me taking out the "Excess cover charges"

Thanks in advance

Andy

 

[IamBusby]

Excellent. Thanks for the fast reply.

I'm probably going to take the safe bet and take the extra insurance. It will give me peace of mind should something happen.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Having worked for several rent a car companies in the 'bad ole day's,' I recommend you pick up the phone and call. Every company out there has slightly different policies.

 

[mmntech]

Having worked for several rent a car companies in the 'bad ole day's,' I recommend you pick up the phone and call. Every company out there has slightly different policies.

This. And lol at the "bad ole days" comment. So true. Working for rental car companies sucks major balls. :\

 

[zoiks]

carrentalsavers.com