Car Insurance Questions
 

We're looking at renting a small car in France in May. The Europcar rental rate, with CDW, is about $270 for five days. This INCLUDES: "Collision Damage Waiver" and "Theft Waver" -
"(excess to $1181.50)" in each case. This rate EXCLUDES "Super Collision Damage Waiver" of $83 and EXCLUDES "Super Loss Damage Waiver" of $116. It also EXCLUDES "personal accident insurance" and "super personal accident insurance".

Can some experienced travelers clue me in on this terminology? I did not see any mention of deductibles, for example, so I'm not sure what I need and don't need. We have already purchased a travel insurance policy for trip cancellation, medical, etc. but that policy does not cover auto rental collision coverage. Thanks a million in advance!

I believe the term excess means deductible in English translation lingo (I think that's a British term for deductible). The quote should explain what is covered for the more expensive insurance, probably the deductible. see http://www.autoeurope.com/glossary/car-rental-info.cfm

The PAI is for medical, not the car.

oh, and you need to make sure your travel insurance policy would cover your medical in the case of a car accident, if you forego the PAI.

If you are from the States your credit card might cover the CDW without deductible. However, you would have to pay for any damage to the car and then ask for reimbursement. I did it for self-inflicted damage, and while the process was not swift, I was eventually reimbursed. Having the credit card carry the CDW reduces the cost of the rental considerably.

To make things clearer, I am paying $518 for a 26 day rental through Autoeurope; it's a one-way rental. To that must be added the road tax, a possible pollution tax if the car is an automatic, and a railroad station or airport pick-up fee.

I miss the days when my Diner's Club card would be the primary insurance for car rental.

Take a copy (you can get it online) of what your credit card will cover with you to the rental agency. It can always come in handy.