Honestly, reading the fine print before anything happens is key... learned that the hard way.
Totally get that. I remember thinking my policy would “obviously” cover a decent rental, but nope—turns out $25/day doesn’t stretch far when your car’s in the shop for a week. Has anyone ever had luck negotiating those rates up front, before a claim? Or is it always a post-accident scramble?
I’ve tried to get the rental coverage bumped up when renewing, but my agent just quoted me a higher premium and didn’t really budge. I guess if you’re a “high risk” driver (like me—too many tickets), they’re not super flexible. I did ask about it before my last renewal, though, and at least got a clear answer. Has anyone actually gotten them to negotiate, or is it always just “pay more or deal with it”? $25/day barely covers a compact around here...
Title: Confused about Illinois car insurance rules—anyone else?
Yeah, $25/day is rough—barely gets you a roller skate these days. Honestly, most companies won’t negotiate much on rental coverage, especially if your record’s got a few dings. Sometimes bundling or raising deductibles can offset the cost a bit, but it’s rarely a huge difference. It’s frustrating, I know.
Yeah, $25/day is rough—barely gets you a roller skate these days.
Tell me about it. Last time I needed a rental, the “economy” car they gave me looked like it had survived three tornadoes and a raccoon attack. But I’ve actually had a little luck getting my agent to bump up the rental coverage for a couple bucks more per month. Not saying it’s a miracle fix, but it covered a halfway decent sedan instead of a glorified go-kart.
I get what you’re saying about companies not budging much, especially if your record’s got some “character,” but sometimes just asking (or threatening to shop around) gets them to throw in a perk or two. Insurance folks seem allergic to losing business, even if they act all stoic at first.
Bundling helped me a bit too, but honestly, the real savings came from switching companies every few years. Loyalty apparently only gets you a holiday card and maybe a pen...
Man, I feel you on the “economy” car roulette. Last time I rented, I swear the brakes squeaked louder than my old high school clarinet. And yeah, that $25/day barely covers a cupholder these days, let alone a car with four matching hubcaps.
You’re totally right about the “loyalty” perks. I’ve been with the same company for years and all I’ve gotten is a fridge magnet and a birthday email. Meanwhile, my buddy switches every couple years and somehow always ends up with a lower rate and better coverage. Makes you wonder if loyalty is just a one-way street with these companies.
I do think you’re onto something with just asking for more. I used to be nervous about haggling, but after one too many “mystery fees,” I started pushing back. Sometimes they cave, sometimes they don’t, but it’s worth a shot. And hey, at least you got a sedan instead of a glorified lawnmower. That’s a win in my book.
