We're renting a car in France. Our credit card says it covers Collision and Damage and Theft. Our trip insurance covers Personal Accident. Avis supposedly covers Liability.

Being a worry-wort, I have to ask this question. Has anyone ever rented a car and declined all of the rental car agency's coverages and used their credit card as the insurance? If any claims had to be made on the credit card insurance, were there any hassles?

Any feedback on this topic would be appreciated!

I always rent a car in France and decline the CDW. I did damage a car in Portugal, and the only hassle is that you must report the accident within a certain period of time to the credit card company. You also must make sure that you have all the information that the credit card company requires. You will have to pre-pay for the damages, and if you are worried that this could max out your credit card, take a second credit card with you. All rental payments must be on the same credit card for the coverage to be valid, even if both of your credit cards are Visa.

All rental agreements in France automatically cover liability. The only coverage in question is the CDW.

For renting in France, I have found Kemwel to be the cheapest, using their basic rate.

Yes, about 100 times. Have had broken headlight, hood damaged by tree branch falling, snapped-off side mirror, and probably others I've forgotten about. All reported immediately to both the cc company and the auto rental broker. All covered by the cc company with no hassles.

HI ff,

>used their credit card as the insurance? If any claims had to be made on the credit card insurance, were there any hassles?<

Always.

We had a slight mishap on our last visit.

American Express took care of it.

Thanks all! It does put our minds at ease to hear it from "experience".