Double check coverage for rentals

With so many people planning to travel during the holiday season, there are likely to be long lines at rental car companies across the country.

Properly insuring a rental car can be confusing, frustrating and downright daunting.

Unfortunately, many consumers don't even think about car rental insurance until they get to the counter, which can result in costly mistakes, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Many car rental companies now impose various fees after an accident that you may not be aware of and will be held responsible for.

These fees include: towing, storage, impound fees, loss of use, diminished value and administrative services.

Before renting a care, the I.I.I. suggests that you make two phone calls, one to your insurance agent or company representative and another to the credit card company you will be using to pay for the rental car.

Insurance

Company

Find out how much coverage you currently have on your own car.

In most cases, whatever coverage and deductibles you have on your own car would apply when you rent a car, providing you are using the car for recreation and not for business.

If you have dropped either comprehensive or collision on your own car as a way to reduce costs, you will not be covered if your rental car is stolen or damaged in an accident.

Check to see whether your insurance company pays for administrative fees, loss of use or towing charges.

Some companies may provide an insurance rider to cover some of these costs, which would make it less expensive than purchasing coverage through the rental car company.

Keep in mind, however, that in most states diminished value is not covered by insurers.

Credit Card

Company

Insurance benefits offered by credit card companies differ by both the company and/or the bank that issues the card, as well as by the level of credit card used.

For instance, a platinum card may offer more insurance coverage than a gold card.

Credit cards usually cover only damage to or loss of the rented vehicle, not for other cars, personal belongings or the property of others.

There may be no personal liability coverage for bodily injury or death claims.

Some credit card companies will provide coverage for towing, but many may not provide for diminished value or administrative fees.

Some credit card companies have changed their policies, too, so you may not have as much coverage as you thought.

To know exactly what type of insurance you have, call the toll-free number on the back of the card you will be using to rent the car.

If you are depending on a credit card for insurance protection, ask the credit card company or bank to send you their coverage information in writing.

In most cases, credit card benefits are secondary to either your personal insurance protection or the insurance offered by the rental car company.

If you have more than one credit card, consider calling each one to see which offers the best insurance protection.