| When you need to rent a car, one of the most | | | | Some car clubs and driver associations also offer this |
| important things to do is make sure you have | | | | form of extra coverage to their members, but this |
| insurance. In the event of a theft or an accident in | | | | coverage isn't free of charge. For an annual fee, which |
| which the vehicle is written off, you must cover the | | | | varies among companies, the same level of extra |
| excess value of the vehicle. This can amount to | | | | protection can be enjoyed. This offers peace of mind |
| several thousands of dollars that will be added to your | | | | to occasional and frequent car renters alike. They |
| rental bill! | | | | advertise that the cost of the annual premium can be |
| Some credit card companies offer special plans when | | | | saved in a single month's rental, but not everyone rents |
| you use their cards to pay for rental vehicles. One of | | | | cars by the month. This is an excellent plan for those |
| these plans is the Damage Waiver Benefit, and it | | | | people and businesses that rent several vehicles at a |
| provides extra coverage for your rental vehicle. The | | | | time or many in a month. The extra coverage ensures |
| Damage Waiver Benefit is designed specifically to aid | | | | that there will be no surprises when it comes time to |
| you in the event of theft or an accident involving your | | | | pay the rental fee. |
| rental car. The cost of the coverage is waived for all | | | | Many plans also offer coverage for a locksmith, should |
| cardholders provided they meet a general set of | | | | you lock yourself out of your vehicle. The usual towing |
| conditions. This excess coverage means that you're | | | | charges to the nearest repair facility are also generally |
| insured in the event that your rental vehicle is stolen or | | | | covered by these plans. |
| the car is in a bad accident. This may also cover the | | | | Some plans have stipulations as to the how long the |
| public liability portion of the accident and insurance as | | | | vehicle will be rented. Most will not pay for coverage |
| well. The coverage is for the policyholder who is | | | | after thirty consecutive days of rental, and most |
| usually also the renter and driver of the car. These | | | | passenger cars, minivans, and sport utility vehicles are |
| optional waivers can be purchased to reduce or | | | | covered, but some restrictions apply. Luxury, exotic, |
| eliminate any financial exposure you may encounter, | | | | and antique automobiles and some types of vans and |
| including the entire value of the vehicle and all rental | | | | vehicles with open cargo beds are generally not |
| revenue lost during its replacement period. | | | | covered under this sort of plan. |