A few months ago I posted a note about renting vs owning a truck. While reading on NYTimes.com today about vehicle rentals and the high cost of insurance, I was jolted into writing a reminder.
Unless your own insurance provides coverage, you become liable not only for any damage to the vehicle, but also for loss of the agency’s rental income while the vehicle is being repaired. The total can add up to well over $700 in seconds. You need to inspect the car or truck with a hawk’s eye for any dings, dents, or scratches before you drive off the lot. Make sure you look at everything, including bumpers and the roof, and point out problems to the sales person. In the morning many rentals are still wet with dew or countless drops of water from a fresh wash, making it extremely hard to detect dents and scratches. And these are dents you may be held accountable for upon return. What to do? I simply request a damage waiver. For much less than $15 per day, I can return a truck with dents, scratches, broken windows and more. Yes, you’ll be asked some quick questions so the clerk can complete a report, but that’s the end of the story. A story worth every penny, especially if you’re using the rental for work purposes.
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