To buy or not to buy

Most drivers are ALREADY covered for the average non business related rental (Pleasure) There are two aspects you will need to consider to ensure you are covered. 

• First - Check your personal auto policy. If you own a car, talk to your insurance agent. The same coverage and deductibles you carry on your car will apply — in most cases — to a vehicle you rent for pleasure. But be careful: If your policy provides skimpy coverage, you may need to compute the value of the loss or damage of a brand-new vehicle and decide if you need to supplement it. For example, many owners of older cars don't always carry comprehensive coverage for accidents, fire and theft.

•Second - Check your coverage by your charge card company. This can be tricky because not only does coverage vary from card to card, but it can vary based on the bank or credit company that issued the card as well. And it's very important that you inquire about exclusions because some exotic or expensive vehicles — such as sports cars, SUVs, motor homes and motorcycles — may not be covered. And vehicles rented outside the U.S. may not be covered, either. Here a breakdown of many of the large CC companies as of March 09. The critical aspect that you will need to know is that it is secondary coverage, so it will effect your insurance rates like filing a regular claim that is your fault. 

• Discover Card - Discover Card comes with $25,000 of secondary collision damage insurance.
• American Express - $25,000 secondary coverage as well