I just can’t shake that “what if” feeling.
Yeah, I get that. The “what if” is what gets me too, but I usually try to break it down step by step. First, I check if my GEICO policy covers rentals (usually does for liability and collision). Then, I check what my credit card offers—some actually fill in the gaps, like loss-of-use fees. If both line up, I skip the rental company’s insurance. If there’s any weird fine print or the car’s super expensive, I might pay extra just for peace of mind. Not foolproof, but it’s worked so far... knock on wood.
Honestly, I get the logic, but I’ve seen a friend get burned when his credit card coverage didn’t kick in because he booked through a third-party site. Sometimes the fine print is just too much. I’d rather pay a little extra and not stress.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think the “peace of mind” surcharge adds up fast. If you read the fine print (yeah, it’s a pain), most credit cards and personal auto policies cover rentals as long as you book directly and decline the rental company’s insurance. I’ve saved hundreds over the years by sticking to that. Sure, there’s risk, but it’s manageable if you double-check your coverage before booking. The rental companies bank on people paying extra just to avoid reading a few lines of legalese...
- That makes sense, but I always wonder about the exceptions.
- What about if you’re under 25? I heard some policies don’t cover younger drivers, or they have weird restrictions.
- Also, does anyone know if your regular insurance covers stuff like lost keys or if you accidentally damage the wheels?
- I get wanting to save money, but sometimes those little “what ifs” stress me out more than the extra charge...
Honestly, the under-25 thing is a pain. Most rental companies tack on a “young driver” fee, and some insurance policies either won’t cover you or have extra hoops to jump through. I’d double-check with GEICO—sometimes they’ll cover rentals, but not always for drivers under 25. As for lost keys or wheel damage, that’s usually not covered by standard insurance. Those “little extras” from the rental company are overpriced, but they do cover stuff like that. It’s kind of a gamble... pay more upfront or risk paying way more if something weird happens. I usually just read the fine print (and then stress about it anyway).