Gail_Scotland

Renting a car from Europcar for our Scotland trip. Trying to decide between the VISA car insurance benefits versus the Europcar insurance options. Any recommendations or insight or personal experiences? Thank you.

Michael

If the credit card carries the CDW, it is at no cost for you. Liability is covered anyway. The Europcar insurance options will cost you. Just check your credit card contract to see if there is a deductible with your CDW coverage.

I damaged a car in Portugal and had no problems being reimbursed by Visa for the cost of the repairs (costs were charged by the rental agency before the repairs were made). There was some back and forth because the rental agency was not very forthcoming in producing the proper repair documentation.

Dukey1

Make sure EXACTLY WHAT your CC coverage does and does NOT cover and find out if that INCLUDES coverage of ANY so-called "loss of use" charge which may or may not be imposed by the car rental agency if the vehicle IS damaged.

Also be aware that in some places, even if you pay for the so-called "super" coverage which brings your deductible to zero you may still be liable for payment for damages to the tires and/or the window glass.

Regardless of whether or not you use your credit card coverage or something from AutoEurope, when you pick up the car take the time to inspect it thoroughly and make note of ANY dents, scratches, chipped paint, etc., etc., and have those noted on the agreement before you drive off. This can sometimes be a hassle but IMO it is worth it.

ira

Hi G,

I suggest that you check the prices at www.autoeurope.com.

They are a broker, and usually work through Europcar at lower rates.

If your CC will provide zero liability CDW for free, why would you want to pay the rental agency?

Gail_Scotland

Thanks to all.

Ira, It is really a matter of ensuring we understood the CC offerings & whether what they offered was sufficient for what is needed in Scotland. I wanted to gather what others may know or experienced as part of the research process. What I did learn was that via this post (and, another thread) is that a couple of posters emphasized the windshield, light, tire coverage...that, I wouldn't have known otherwise. I was able to specifically confirm with our CC that the CDW is inclusive of this type damage. I was also able to go back & double check that the CC does also cover "loss of use".

Appreciate the assistance from all.
Gail

mikej48

Due to the very cold winter, many of the roads in Scotland are not in top shape. I had a flat there in June which ruined the tire. Cost was 90 pounds to replace the tire. You can buy tire and windscreen damage insurance for about 4 pounds per day. I wish I had done this when I picked up my rental.

humptynumpty

"Due to the very cold winter, many of the roads in Scotland"

A very good point, beware of the temporary road surface signs that have appeared and which the councils seem to think will remove any obligation for repairing the roads.