Had a similar scare in Richmond last year—my credit card covered most stuff, but “loss of use” was this sneaky loophole. I get why you double-check now. Honestly, I’m always torn. Sometimes I skip the extra coverage and just cross my fingers, but if it’s a long trip or somewhere unfamiliar, I’ll pony up for the peace of mind. Feels like paying for air sometimes, but after that one close call... I don’t always trust the fine print to have my back.
I totally get the “feels like paying for air” part—it’s wild how much they charge for something you hope you’ll never use. I’ve had my own run-ins with fine print, especially with “loss of use.”
That’s the kicker. Has anyone actually had a rental company come after them for loss of use? I always wonder if it’s just a scare tactic or if they really pursue it aggressively.“my credit card covered most stuff, but ‘loss of use’ was this sneaky loophole.”
“my credit card covered most stuff, but ‘loss of use’ was this sneaky loophole.”
Yeah, that “loss of use” thing tripped me up once in Richmond. My card covered the damage, but the rental company still billed me for a week’s worth of lost rental income. I tried to fight it, but they wouldn’t budge. Since then, I always double-check what’s actually covered before declining their insurance. It’s annoying, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
It’s annoying, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Honestly, I get the concern, but I’ve had a different experience. My credit card’s coverage actually reimbursed me for “loss of use” after I sent in all the paperwork. It was a hassle, but it worked out. Maybe it depends on the card issuer?
Maybe it depends on the card issuer?
That’s definitely true—it really does depend on the card. Some credit cards have pretty solid rental coverage, but I’ve seen a lot of fine print catch people off guard. For example, not every card covers “loss of use,” and sometimes the rental company’s documentation isn’t enough for the card issuer. I’ve had clients who thought they were covered until the paperwork got tricky or the claim dragged on for months.
In Virginia, you’re not legally required to buy the rental company’s insurance, but if your personal auto policy has gaps (like no collision or comprehensive), you could be exposed. Credit card coverage is great as a backup, but it’s secondary in most cases—meaning your own insurance gets tapped first.
Personally, I’d rather pay a little extra for peace of mind, especially if I’m traveling or using a rental for work. But if you’re comfortable navigating claims and reading the fine print, credit card coverage can work out... just be ready for some paperwork headaches.