Has anyone had the misfortune to actually have to file a claim using collision/theft insurance from a credit card? Was it a problem or did it go easily? One policy I read stated that I 'may' be required to pay up front and then claim from the insurer. I can't see how I could come up with the price of a new car.

Dear Rand <BR> <BR>the first thing you should know is that not all credit cards are able to be used overseas for waiving the CDW charges. <BR> <BR>You need to call the credit card co. before you leave for the u.k. to see which one will cover any problems. It would hurt to ask the rental car company you choose to answer your claim questions too. <BR> <BR>Good luck

Hi Rand. We haven't had an accident, yet ! We use our Diner's Club card for card rentals.

posted that too soon. When we checked with Diner's Club, they cover collision.

Rand, <BR> <BR>We rented a car from Alamo in Scotland in Oct-Nov of this year. We checked with my boyfriend's Amex and they sent us info-I appreciated the 'in writing' they sent us- that indicated that we were fully covered for damage and theft. <BR>My advise is: <BR>1. check your coverage with the credit card that you will be using. They vary based on the card you have. Get complete information-not just what the operator will tell you. <BR>2. Book with a Canadian company that offers car rentals in the country that you are going to. It makes you feel a little better knowing that you have a local (Canadian) number/business to talk to if you do have problems. <BR> <BR>If you are going to the UK, please feel safe. The drivers are considerate. The only problems you may encounter are the very narrow streets with trees overhanging them (like some spots in Canada and the US). <BR> <BR>Please feel free to email me with any questions. <BR> <BR>Kittie

I had the misfortune on running our rented $50,000 mercedes into the garage of the B&B we we're staying at in Bavaria. On our next trip we had our car "keyed" in Prague. Both times I had used my platinum VISA from Chase and rented from Sixt/Bbudget. I informed them by phone at the time of the accident. They said "no problem" and it wasn't. I didn't have to pay a dime ever and would higly recommend both companies.

Thanks for the feedback. I have been 'shopping' for the best coverage and it varies widely. I have found a mastercard that not only covers collision/theft but also $3,000 travel cancellation and $1,000,000 medical for up to 21 days per year. Reading the 'certificates of insurance' is vital because for example the auto insurance is max 30 days and you cannot extend the time, but you can take out a new rental on the same vehicle the minute you close the origional. <BR> <BR>I clocked 1500 miles in 3 weeks last time I was in England without leaving the southern 3rd with no problems. It took me 2 days to totaly acclimatise. I ride a motorcycle here and drive an auto Volvo so I am used to mentaly switching limbs for functions. eg car-brake with right foot, bike brake with right hand and right foot. My biggest problem is remembering that the Volvo can't squeeze through that 2 foot gap.