A common option on most auto insurance policies is something called "rental reimbursement" or "extended transportation expense". Basically they help pay for a rental car should you not be able to use your own car. Typically the coverage is for 30 days, and the policy will give you a per day allotment ($30 or $40).
However, that doesn't mean you always get up to 30 days to rent a car when you don't have access to your own. If you car is totalled in an accident you may have as few as five days of rental coverage before you're on your own.
Think about it, you've just been in an accident that damaged your car so much that the insurance company has deemed it a total loss. You reported the claim, waited for the adjuster to make his decision and then realized you needed to start car shopping. The clock is running.
This probably differs from company to company, but just be aware that you probably don't have a lot of time to make a decision.
Ask your agent for more information on your specific policy because you might be surprised.
Dan
Showing posts with label rent-a-car. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rent-a-car. Show all posts
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Driving in Canada?
Oh, Canada. While many times you seem like U.S.A. North in so many ways including entertainment and sports, and your generally open policy towards border crossings for U.S. and Canadian citizens, there are some differences that are just unexpected. Like auto insurance.
Did you know that in order to drive in Canada you have to have a special ID card issued? Not only that, but it has to be an "original" card, meaning faxed copies are not allowed. I just got off the phone with Travelers Insurance and they said it was lucky that I called ahead because it takes about a week to have the card processed and mailed out to me. The card is also only good for 30 days, so if you're planning to be in Canada for longer, you'll have to work that out with the insurnace company and possibly buy something more permanent at your destination.
Why do U.S. drivers need to have this special ID card? Here's a snippet from the U.S. State Department's travel.gov website:
Driving in Canada is similar to driving in many parts of the United States. Distances and speeds, however, are posted in kilometers per hour and some signs, particularly in Quebec, may only be in French. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Canada. Proof of auto insurance is required. U.S. auto insurance is accepted as long as an individual is a tourist in Canada. U.S. insurance firms will issue a Canadian insurance card, which should be obtained and carried prior to driving into Canada. For specific information concerning Canadian driving permits, mandatory insurance and entry regulations, please contact the Canadian National Tourist Organization.
Here's my experience on this whole thing...the cards are "required", but Canada also recognizes your U.S. auto insurance case of an accident.
I think the reason the cards are required is because they have to be issued by the insurance company and can't just be printed off by an insurance agent, or by a policy holder, online. This tells the Canadian authorities that the insurance is valid. And since Canada has it's own laws regarding coverage this is important.
If you're renting a car in Canada when you get there and you purchase the rental car company's insurance, they will give you the required documentation (or it's probably already in the car). However, if you're relying on your own insurance to cover you while renting (which is what I do), then you'll need to contact your insurance company to have them issue a card. It will be for your owned vehicle, but it will suffice.
If you have any other questions please give me a call and I'll be happy to help.
Did you know that in order to drive in Canada you have to have a special ID card issued? Not only that, but it has to be an "original" card, meaning faxed copies are not allowed. I just got off the phone with Travelers Insurance and they said it was lucky that I called ahead because it takes about a week to have the card processed and mailed out to me. The card is also only good for 30 days, so if you're planning to be in Canada for longer, you'll have to work that out with the insurnace company and possibly buy something more permanent at your destination.
Why do U.S. drivers need to have this special ID card? Here's a snippet from the U.S. State Department's travel.gov website:
Driving in Canada is similar to driving in many parts of the United States. Distances and speeds, however, are posted in kilometers per hour and some signs, particularly in Quebec, may only be in French. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Canada. Proof of auto insurance is required. U.S. auto insurance is accepted as long as an individual is a tourist in Canada. U.S. insurance firms will issue a Canadian insurance card, which should be obtained and carried prior to driving into Canada. For specific information concerning Canadian driving permits, mandatory insurance and entry regulations, please contact the Canadian National Tourist Organization.
Here's my experience on this whole thing...the cards are "required", but Canada also recognizes your U.S. auto insurance case of an accident.
I think the reason the cards are required is because they have to be issued by the insurance company and can't just be printed off by an insurance agent, or by a policy holder, online. This tells the Canadian authorities that the insurance is valid. And since Canada has it's own laws regarding coverage this is important.
If you're renting a car in Canada when you get there and you purchase the rental car company's insurance, they will give you the required documentation (or it's probably already in the car). However, if you're relying on your own insurance to cover you while renting (which is what I do), then you'll need to contact your insurance company to have them issue a card. It will be for your owned vehicle, but it will suffice.
If you have any other questions please give me a call and I'll be happy to help.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Should you pay for rent-a-car insurance?
Here's are article from MSNBC about the basic do's and don'ts at the car rental counter.
http://bit.ly/9KwxN5
The most important point is to plan ahead. Find out what you have in place before you leave, because when you've just gotten off the plane, waited 30min for your bags, and you're ears are still numb from the guy in the middle seat telling you about the "shower curtain sales" business, is not the time to be thinking about insurance.
http://bit.ly/9KwxN5
The most important point is to plan ahead. Find out what you have in place before you leave, because when you've just gotten off the plane, waited 30min for your bags, and you're ears are still numb from the guy in the middle seat telling you about the "shower curtain sales" business, is not the time to be thinking about insurance.
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