You’re spot on about those “loss of use” fees catching people off guard. I’ve seen plenty of claims where folks assumed their regular policy would cover everything, only to get stuck with a bill for the rental company’s downtime. It’s not always clear in the policy docs, either—sometimes it’s buried in the exclusions or just not mentioned at all.
That said, I get the temptation to skip the extra coverage, especially when you’re watching your budget. The rental company’s insurance can feel like overkill, but it does take a lot of the guesswork out of the process. If you’re comfortable with a bit of risk and you’ve double-checked your policy, you’re probably fine. But yeah, reading the fine print is key... as dull as it is, it’s better than a surprise charge later.
I’ve seen both sides—some people never have an issue, others end up regretting not paying a little extra. It really comes down to your own risk tolerance.
That “loss of use” thing really does trip people up. I’ve had clients swear their policy covered everything, only to find out the rental company’s downtime wasn’t included. It’s wild how that detail can be tucked away in the exclusions. Have you checked if your credit card offers any secondary coverage? Sometimes that fills the gap, but it’s not always automatic. Honestly, if you’re risk-averse or traveling somewhere unfamiliar, paying for the rental company’s insurance can be worth the peace of mind. Otherwise, just make sure you know exactly what your policy covers—no one likes those surprise bills.
That “loss of use” clause is sneaky, isn’t it? I’ve run into that myself—thought I was covered top to bottom, but then the rental company wanted compensation for every day their car was in the shop. It’s not just about fixing the car; they want you to pay for the income they’re missing out on. That one caught me off guard the first time.
I do think credit card coverage can help, but it’s a bit of a patchwork. Some cards are great, others barely cover anything, and you usually have to decline the rental company’s insurance for it to kick in. Plus, if you’re renting something higher-end or in another country, those exclusions get even trickier.
Honestly, I lean toward paying for the rental company’s coverage when I’m somewhere unfamiliar or driving a car that’s worth more than my own. It’s not cheap, but after dealing with a claim once, I’d rather avoid the headache. Peace of mind sometimes wins out over saving a few bucks—especially when you’re talking about luxury rentals where repair costs can be wild.
That “loss of use” bit is a real gotcha. I remember thinking my regular insurance had me covered, then getting slapped with a bill for the days the car was out of commission. Not a fun surprise. I get what you mean about peace of mind—sometimes it’s worth the extra cash just to avoid arguing with three different companies over who pays what. Ever had an issue where your own insurance actually stepped up and covered everything, or did they try to dodge it too?
I remember thinking my regular insurance had me covered, then getting slapped with a bill for the days the car was out of commission.
That’s exactly what happened to me in Phoenix—thought I was all set, but then got hit with a “loss of use” charge after a fender bender. My insurer (not GEICO, but similar) covered the damage, but balked at that extra fee. Took weeks of back and forth. Has anyone actually seen an insurance company pay out for loss of use without a fight? Or is that just wishful thinking?
