Have you just filed a car insurance claim? If you have rental reimbursement coverage, it can help you pay for a rental car while your own car is in the shop being repaired. Here’s how it works.
Rental reimbursement is an optional coverage on an auto insurance policy. That means you need to add it to your policy and pay an extra premium for it. If you’re not sure whether your policy includes rental reimbursement, call your rental agent and ask.
It’s important to note that rental reimbursement does not apply if your car is in the shop for routine maintenance work or if you need to rent a car on vacation. It is also not to be confused with the car rental insurance benefit that allows you to decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the rental car counter. Rental reimbursement only kicks in if your car is in the shop for repairs after an accident and the damage is covered by a claim.
Make the Most of Rental Car Reimbursement
If your auto insurance policy includes rental reimbursement, here is how to make the most of it:
Choose the right rental company.
With rental car reimbursement, you can typically choose where you are going to rent a vehicle. That said, some insurance companies have arrangements with specific rental car companies. In that case, the car owner does not have to pay out of pocket because the rental car company bills the insurance company directly. If the rental car company is not in your auto insurance company’s network, you’ll pay upfront for the rental car and then get reimbursed by your insurer.
Know the limitations.
Rental reimbursement coverage is not unlimited. There will be a daily limit and a maximum number of days that it can be used. For instance, let’s say your coverage provides up to $30 per day for a maximum of 30 days. If you choose a rental car that costs more per day, or if you end up needing the rental car longer, then you would pay for the surplus. It’s important to read your policy so you know the limits of your rental reimbursement coverage before you rent a car. Also, be aware that some expenses, like the cost of gas, will likely not be covered by rental reimbursement.
Find the best car rental deal you can.
You might think that getting a great deal on a rental car is not as important when your insurance company is paying for it. But remember, you’ll likely be working within a per-diem limit. If you get a great deal, you might be able to get a better car for the same price.
As soon as you know when you need a rental car, ask AutoSlash for a quote. We will scour the internet for the best coupons and discounts. In addition, we’ll apply all of your memberships—AAA, AARP, Costco—to ensure nothing is left on the table. This is how AutoSlash can save you not only money but also hours of research time.
Next, as soon as you make a reservation, let AutoSlash track your booking. Car rental prices go up and down, so there may be a drop between when you booked your car and when you picked it up. We’ll monitor your booking and let you know if a better price surfaces. Then you can cancel your reservation and rebook at the lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do European rental cars have automatic transmissions
Yes. The reason rental agencies won’t rent vehicles without an auto transmission is that they are expensive to repair if you drive them around. It would cost too much to replace all of those parts each time you drove off with scratches on the bodywork.
Renting a car abroad requires that you have an automatic transmission.
What documents will I need to be able to drive in Europe?
All necessary documentation, such as passports, visa requirements or tax information, must be carried.
Also, copies of your passport, driving record, and insurance policy are required. Your insurance policy must cover you while driving around Europe.
In some countries you might also need proof of ownership. This could be a bill of sale or registration papers.
Some countries require drivers to carry a valid driver’s license from their home country.
Which rental car company offers the most locations?
Hertz would be the correct answer, however they are not listed under location-based service providers.
How much per day does a rental car in Europe cost?
We don’t know for sure but think it is between $100 – $200 daily.
We recommend renting for at least 2 days, as there are so many activities and sights to see.
If you intend to stay longer, you might be interested in a vehicle that costs around $2000-$3000.
You can now travel throughout Europe without paying a single penny.
It’s also worth looking into whether your credit card company offers any rental discounts.
Statistics
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- Save up to 30% on your rental car in Europe when you book with us today. (autoeurope.com)
- I’d say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- If you’re a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
External Links
enterprise.com
jdpower.com
sixt.com
alamo.com
How To
How can I make sure that I don’t get charged for damage done to my car before it is rented?
For example, if you drive a rental vehicle for a few hours before returning it to a rental agency, what happens when you return the vehicle? Do you get charged for any damage that is caused by a scratch to the rental car? This is a common issue, especially among people renting vehicles from different companies. Some agencies charge customers even if they did not cause any damage while driving their rented cars. In order to avoid these charges, it is important that you ask whether the rental car will be charged for any scratches and dents. Here are some ways you can make sure you don’t get charged for any pre-existing damage to a car rental.
- Ask for a scanned copy of the agreement.
- Make sure you read the description.
- Please read carefully the fine print.
- Request a complimentary cleaning service;
- Pay attention to the condition of your car.
- Don’t leave anything behind inside the car;
- When renting a car, always have cash.
- Keep all receipts;
- Do not let anyone touch the car without your permission;
- Never accept a gift offer from the company.
- Reputable rental agencies are recommended.
- Keep the contract with you.
- You must return the vehicle in its original condition.
- Provide your contact details to the agent
- Avoid repeating the same company.
- Write down important details about the car, such as the mileage, model, engine size, color, etc. ;
- Take photos of the damage;
- Wash the car by yourself
- Request a third-party inspection of the car
- Never accept additional fees.
