Hello Friends,
Can anyone clue me in on the best strategy regarding the extra insurance coverage on the rentals? Having read about the potential for damages for one reason or another, what should I do to make it less of a headache, should something nasty happen?

Jane,

if you rent a regular car or minivan, most personal insurance will cover the damages. Also, the "gold" Visa cards will cover...however, most homeowner insurance nor Visa will cover a pick-up truck.... don't know why but that's the way it seems to work out. Obviously, you should contact your own insurance company to verify your policy. The CDW in Bonaire can be 25% of the cost to rent the car.

Allstate says they do not cover a rental in Bonair. Visa (Gold) says they cover only my rental car, not any car I might damage or any person I might injure. Anyone know how to get this additional coverage in Bonair after renting with my Visa?

I've been told that no insurance coverage will extend out of the US, by my own company (State Farm) and several others). Our gold visa or MC will act as "primary" insurance, as long as you decline the CDW, but I believe only covers damage to your own vehicle, but that's what we go with. It will NOT cover a pick-up!! But only a car, van, and some of the small SUVs.

I'm a very conservative driver, have never had an accident, but I want the coverage in case someone else causes it, so I feel pretty secure just having the vehicle covered.

We have a mini van here now, and LOVE it -- much prefer it to the pickup we got last year (and paid for CDW on)

I'm in the insurance business.

Part of the drawback with having only the coverage provided by your credit card is that if something does happen, it can tie up the bulk of your credit limit while everything gets resolved.

The State Farm agent was correct. Your primary auto insurance back in the United States only applies for losses that happen within the United States, territories and possession of the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada, don't look for any coverage there.

Love your profile shot, Martin! Looks like you are more than ready!! Carole

Thanks ... My wife took that last September after I had bought a bunch of my scuba gear after being certified.

Still need to get a wet suit some time or another.

I don't know about Bonaire, but my husband and I have been to BC, Austria and Australia in the last couple of years and our insurance company covered all the vehicles we drove (including a 4WD truck). So, at least some insurers still cover vehicles driven outside the US. You have me curious though... I think I'll call my agent today to see if their rules have changed since last May!

Wow, do keep us updated Bethany Lee (though we don't even own a car here in NYC}
Seb

Well, I called my insurance company and sure enough, they no longer cover vehicles out of the country! Apparently, they were one of the last hold outs (or so they claimed). I'll have to eat some crow now! And, pay for insurance on our rental vehicle when we visit Bonaire in May.

We added extra insurance for $24.00 from AMEX. It covers TONS!!!!!!!!!! And way cheaper than the CDW they charge!!

my insurance company SAFECO covers international rentals for cars and minivans...it does not cover PU trucks... I still haven't figured that out...