Hertz rental - USA

[Brooke01]

Hi all,

Not the first time I have rented in the US through Hertz, but I always seem to get screwed when it comes to the "additional insurances" offered on pick up of the vehicle - usually due to my own paranoia and lack of understanding, than the traditional "hard sell" tactics of the agents.

So....have completed another booking for July 2014 - am enclosing a copy of my booking/quote. Tacking on all the additional insurances usually pretty much doubles the total, and I would like to avoid this if I can, BUT i also don't want to be "caught short" with coverage. I have tried to read all the information available regarding coverage, but I find it a little confusing, and would just love for someone more knowledgeable than I to have a look at my booking and see if I am covered for the things I want, or do I need extra's ??

I rent a lot out here through Hertz (Pres Circle) and have excess coverage through AmEx Centurion card. I know it all works differently in the US, and I guess the things I really want covered are -

Coverage in case of an accident (no matter who is at fault)
Coverage on the vehicle for damage (scratches/scuffs etc) and accident
Personal coverage so no one can sue me if I hit them !

Any help would be greatly appreciated

TIA

Brooke

 

[erkpod]

What travel insurance (if any - and you should get it to the US) will you have?

 

[AdMEL]

Hi all,

Not the first time I have rented in the US through Hertz, but I always seem to get screwed when it comes to the "additional insurances" offered on pick up of the vehicle - usually due to my own paranoia and lack of understanding, than the traditional "hard sell" tactics of the agents.

So....have completed another booking for July 2014 - am enclosing a copy of my booking/quote. Tacking on all the additional insurances usually pretty much doubles the total, and I would like to avoid this if I can, BUT i also don't want to be "caught short" with coverage. I have tried to read all the information available regarding coverage, but I find it a little confusing, and would just love for someone more knowledgeable than I to have a look at my booking and see if I am covered for the things I want, or do I need extra's ??

I rent a lot out here through Hertz (Pres Circle) and have excess coverage through AmEx Centurion card. I know it all works differently in the US, and I guess the things I really want covered are -

Coverage in case of an accident (no matter who is at fault)
Coverage on the vehicle for damage (scratches/scuffs etc) and accident
Personal coverage so no one can sue me if I hit them !

Any help would be greatly appreciated

TIA

Brooke

It seems you have your Hertz profile set up correctly, as everything you need is included. Details are as follows (note that cover varies by state):

Loss Damage Waiver covers damage to the rental car, regardless of fault, theft of vehicle, with $0/no excess.

Liability Insurance Supplement covers third party legal liability of up to USD1,000,000 (in some circumstances higher), with no excess, for:

- Damage to other vehicles
- Damage to other property
- Injury to others (you and your relatives are not covered, but should be covered under your travel insurance)

It also covers you where the damage is caused by an uninsured driver, up to USD100,000 (sometimes higher), again with no excess.

Full details available on the Hertz website. Website doesn't allow a link, so you need to manually find it. Details:

- Reservations
- Qualifications and Requirements
- Choose where you are renting from
- Insurance and Other Coverage from drop down menu

Let me know if you'd like any further clarification.

 

[Brooke01]

Thank you both for replying - much appreciated.

I have insurance through my AmEx Centurion card - which is through ACE insurance. Looking at the policy though (relevant part attached) - it looks like I may have to give them a call for clarification. The hire car rental excess part seems to specify "journey starting/ending in your country of origin" - could be reading it wrong, but that says to me "limited to Australia" ???

I will certainly have a further look at the information you have provided AdMel - thanks for making it a little clearer ! Would definately like to keep the rental affordable without doubling it due to further (unneccessary) insurances !

Cheers,

Brooke

 

[AdMEL]

Thank you both for replying - much appreciated.

I have insurance through my AmEx Centurion card - which is through ACE insurance. Looking at the policy though (relevant part attached) - it looks like I may have to give them a call for clarification. The hire car rental excess part seems to specify "journey starting/ending in your country of origin" - could be reading it wrong, but that says to me "limited to Australia" ???

I will certainly have a further look at the information you have provided AdMel - thanks for making it a little clearer ! Would definately like to keep the rental affordable without doubling it due to further (unneccessary) insurances !

Cheers,

BrookeView attachment 21972

Brooke,

I think you're reading the Centurion policy wording wrong - what it's saying is that it must be a short term 'trip' rather than you living permanently overseas, for example. Refer Geographical Scope definition, which says worldwide, including country of residence, providing the rental is at least 250 km from home. This is the standard Amex policy wording, as well as some others (probably others that use ACE).

It's actually irrelevant for the booking you have anyway, as Loss Damage Waiver is included in your rate, with no excess. You could try removing LDW and relying on Amex for LDW, but it's likely the cost will be higher, as Hertz generally provides all inclusive rates to Aussies that are lower than rates without insurance. If by chance you do find this route is cheaper, be aware that you will still likely need Liability Insurance Supplement, as this is likely not covered by Amex - have a look at the Third Party Legal Liability section, which will likely exclude cover when in control of a motorised vehicle, which would mean cover for a rental car is excluded. This is pretty much standard across all insurance policies issued by Australian based insurers, whether they are purchased travel insurance or credit card cover.

So, whilst a Hertz rate without insurance may appear cheaper, it likely won't be once you add only LIS, which is usually $15-20 a day.

In summary, stick with what you have booked and don't worry about the Amex cover, which is really only useful for Americans, due to the way their insurance structure works.

Just in case you were wondering, the excluded items under your quote, are not required.

Personal accident and effects cover - covers injury to you and damage/loss of luggage/personal items in the car. Your travel insurance will cover this (in the main section, not the LDW section).

Premium Road Side Assistance covers things such as running out of petrol, locking keys in the car or leaving lights on and flattening the battery. All easily avoided (though I did run a rental car out of petrol in the US last year!).