|
Greetings!
I recently took my family on a little trip to Florida. It was a rare opportunity to get all 3 teenagers together (our oldest, Mike, goes to college in Buffalo and the other 2 are in high school). We flew out of Elmira on the new Allegiant Airlines. It was a wonderful flight - no delays, no transfers. Less than 2 1/2 hours later we landed in Orlando amidst the palm trees and 80 degree temperature.
We immediately rented a car from Hertz right at the airport. I did NOT buy the extra insurance they offered. I'll explain why in my article below. If I don't need it, you may not need it either.
Back here in northern reality, we've seen a handful of clients get in weather related accidents and there's still plenty of deer jumping around out there. Be careful, folks. Winter driving is dangerous!
Best wishes to you all for a happy and safe 2009.
Sincerely,
Peter Wallin
|
Rental Car Insurance
You rent a car while on vacation. As you get to the rental agency counter at the airport they ask you the dreaded question:
"Do you want to buy accident insurance for this rental car? It's only $14.95 per day."
Well, here's your answer, right from your local insurance agent - NO! you do not need to buy the extra insurance.
If the rental contract does not exceed 30 days and the rental car will not be driven out of the United States and/or Canada, then the extra "collision damage waiver" and the "liability" does not need to be purchased from the rental company.
When you have a New York personal auto policy you automatically receive rental car protection.
This is not typical of insurance policies issued in other states, which is why the rental company in Florida may attempt to convince you that you need the extra protection. When in doubt, call our agency before you reserve your next rental car. Give us the details of the trip you have planned and we'll help you determine whether you need the extra insurance before you pick up the car.
Go ahead - you have my permission to spend the cost savings on some extra fun instead of extra insurance! |
| Renting a U-Haul Van When You Move
Question: I plan to move at the end of the month to a new apartment building. I need to rent a U-haul. Does my personal auto insurance policy pay for damage to the van?
Answer: NO. Unlike my answer above (renting a car on vacation), your personal auto insurance will not cover a rental truck.
Most moving trucks that you rent from U-Haul, Ryder or other sources does not meet the "rental vehicle" definition that provides coverage for rental cars while you're on vacation. The New York Insurance Department advises that these trucks are not intended to be included under your personal auto insurance.
Therefore - I suggest you purchase the physical damage insurance coverage offered by the rental agency. It's worth it.
|
| WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT
Please contact our office for a free brochure that you can keep in the glove compartment of your car. It will be very helpful in obtaining all the necessary information and details if you are ever involved in a car accident. Call 607-734-8799 or send your request to me at Peter@WallinInsurance.com
|
