| When you need to rent a car, one of the most | | | | Some car clubs and driver associations also offer |
| important things to do is make sure you have | | | | this form of extra coverage to their members, |
| insurance. In the event of a theft or an accident | | | | but this coverage isn't free of charge. For an |
| in which the vehicle is written off, you must | | | | annual fee, which varies among companies, the |
| cover the excess value of the vehicle. This can | | | | same level of extra protection can be enjoyed. |
| amount to several thousands of dollars that will be | | | | This offers peace of mind to occasional and |
| added to your rental bill! | | | | frequent car renters alike. They advertise that |
| Some credit card companies offer special plans | | | | the cost of the annual premium can be saved in a |
| when you use their cards to pay for rental | | | | single month's rental, but not everyone rents cars |
| vehicles. One of these plans is the Damage | | | | by the month. This is an excellent plan for those |
| Waiver Benefit, and it provides extra coverage | | | | people and businesses that rent several vehicles |
| for your rental vehicle. The Damage Waiver | | | | at a time or many in a month. The extra |
| Benefit is designed specifically to aid you in the | | | | coverage ensures that there will be no surprises |
| event of theft or an accident involving your rental | | | | when it comes time to pay the rental fee. |
| car. The cost of the coverage is waived for all | | | | Many plans also offer coverage for a locksmith, |
| cardholders provided they meet a general set of | | | | should you lock yourself out of your vehicle. The |
| conditions. This excess coverage means that | | | | usual towing charges to the nearest repair facility |
| you're insured in the event that your rental | | | | are also generally covered by these plans. |
| vehicle is stolen or the car is in a bad accident. | | | | Some plans have stipulations as to the how long |
| This may also cover the public liability portion of | | | | the vehicle will be rented. Most will not pay for |
| the accident and insurance as well. The coverage | | | | coverage after thirty consecutive days of rental, |
| is for the policyholder who is usually also the | | | | and most passenger cars, minivans, and sport |
| renter and driver of the car. These optional | | | | utility vehicles are covered, but some restrictions |
| waivers can be purchased to reduce or eliminate | | | | apply. Luxury, exotic, and antique automobiles and |
| any financial exposure you may encounter, | | | | some types of vans and vehicles with open cargo |
| including the entire value of the vehicle and all | | | | beds are generally not covered under this sort of |
| rental revenue lost during its replacement period. | | | | plan. |