That’s a fair point about the hidden fees—diminished value especially catches people off guard. I’ve seen claims where someone thought their auto policy had them covered, only to find out the rental company tacked on a “loss of use” fee that wasn’t reimbursed. A lot of personal policies, including some through GEICO, do cover rentals, but those little loopholes can get expensive fast.
State laws definitely play a role, and even within the same insurer, coverage can vary based on endorsements or exclusions. I always tell friends to call their agent before a trip, just to be safe. The $15/day can seem steep, but if you’re renting in a state with aggressive rental company policies or if you’re not 100% sure about your coverage, paying for the extra insurance isn’t the worst idea. It’s kind of like paying for an extended warranty—most of the time you don’t need it, but when you do, you’re glad it’s there.
That said, if you’re comfortable with a little risk and have checked your policy closely, skipping the rental company’s coverage can save you a chunk over a long trip. It’s just that those “what ifs” can be costly...
I hear you on the “what ifs”—but honestly, I’ve always skipped the rental company’s insurance and just relied on my GEICO policy. I’m pretty careful about reading the fine print, and so far, knock on wood, it’s worked out. One time in Vegas, I got a tiny door ding and GEICO handled it, no drama. The rental place tried to tack on “loss of use,” but GEICO pushed back and I didn’t pay a dime. For me, that $15/day adds up fast, especially on longer trips. I’d rather pocket the savings and just double-check my coverage before I go.
I totally get where you’re coming from—the rental insurance always feels like a money grab, especially when your own policy covers most stuff. I do the same with my State Farm, but I always get a little nervous about the “loss of use” thing. Sounds like GEICO had your back, which is awesome. I did have a friend who got stuck with a bill because his insurance didn’t cover diminished value, though… so now I always double-check that part before hitting the road. Those little details can sneak up on you.
Yeah, the “loss of use” thing always trips me up too. I’ve read some policies cover it, others don’t—super confusing. I usually call my agent before a trip just to double-check. Diminished value is sneaky... learned that the hard way after a fender bender.
Loss of use is one of those things that’s easy to overlook until you’re in the middle of a claim and suddenly it matters. I totally get double-checking with your agent—better to be safe than sorry. Diminished value surprised me too... it’s frustrating how some coverage gaps only show up after the fact.
