izzi81

Just wondering what you guys do about this when you're visiting on a recce? One year I think we bought excess cover here before we left, and can't believe we ever paid the car hire company's price, which seems to be an extra $35 a day! does everyone get some kind of ldw excess cover?

PMM

Hi


I have a credit card that covers the Collision Damage Waiver, as it is called in Canada. You might want to talk to your CC company.

Oink

Plus if they do, get them to send you their policies to present to the rental car company.

scrubbedexpat091

I've never had a rental car company ask for proof before, but I rent with Alamo and use their kiosks instead of talking to a person.

Aviator

Credit card CDW is up to $1m liability only. ICBC Roadstar Plus is $2m with $300 deductible for collision, which the credit card would pick up.

jericho

Me thinks you have this confused.
CDW is Collision Damage Waiver- ie/ if you damage the rental, they dont charge you for the repairs.
Liability insurance ie/ if you injure someone else or damage their property, cannot be insured through your credit card. It can ONLY be done under your own Auto policy.

Aviator

Not confused at all. You are however right that the CC insurance is only Collision, my error. Using the CC insurance one has to accept the rental companies liability, which is usually the minimum, in BC it is $200,000, not even close to enough. Additional liability coverage is not available on its own, so it is the rental add on policy or a third party, such as ICBC or BCAA. ICBC Roadstar covers $1m liability + collision, Roadstar Plus $2m +collision. These days even $2m is still on the low side.

Unless one wants to assume the liability risk themselves, the credit card insurance is pretty much useless.

izzi81

ICBC Roadstar looks like it's something I'd buy once I'm living in Canada? I'm wondering what's best when we're just visiting - this is the last time we'll be just visiting

Seems like checking my CC and maybe paying for extra before we go is the only option then?

Aviator

If you can buy before you come for less money do so, alternatively take out the rental car insurance. The basic liability on rental cars is grossly inadequate, at $200k in BC. Under $2m in chancy if you are in an accident and injure someone.
The cost of the vehicle pales in comparison to personal injury claims.

Roadstar is attached to your auto policy in BC (for residents), you buy it as an add on if you qualify.