Jill

I will be renting a car in Spain and dropping it off before heading into Portugal to avoid the $200 drop off fee.

My big question, do I need additional insurance if I put it on my MC or AM. Express card as long as I waive the CWD?

I do know that my insurance from the states will not cover travel in Europe.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jill

Aduchamp1

All depends on which level credit card you have. I always call the credit card company to assure myself of the coverage. Also call your insurance broker in the States to see what type of liability you have. If you have an umbrella policy it might cover liability.

michele_d

Yes, definitely check with your credit cards to see if they cover the CDW insurance. I put our rentals on my Visa just for that reason. My AMEX didn't cover it. It can save you a bit of money. You have to expressly decline the extra insurance when you sign the paperwork for the car.

greg

Not only you need to check if they cover the CDW, you also need to check if they cover (usually not) the loss of use and other fees the rental companies came up with to counter the loss of lucrative CDW businesses to the credit card companies. Also need to know what documents the CC companies claim to need in order to process your claim. It is tough to get documents once you return.

While many post beaming reports on how well the credit card insurance processed the claim, I also know that the CC companies can be demanding. One case, the CC company demanded the pictures before and after the collision to prove that the collision took place during the rental period. No pictures, no reimbursement.

Michael

<i>One case, the CC company demanded the pictures before and after the collision to prove that the collision took place during the rental period. No pictures, no reimbursement.</i>

That should have been arguable. Existing damage is indicated when picking up the car. I've never had it otherwise.

Sher

American Express has premium car rental protection and it is a very nice policy for about $25 per rental depending on where you live.
I believe it is a lot more comprehensive than their CDW included in your benefits.
You should check it out.

michele_d

I routinely snap a quick picture of all sides of the car as a little assurance in case there is damage later. One time there were several small scratches on the passenger door. We just wanted to be sure we were not charged with causing them.