Dollar car rental proof of insurance?? Experiences

[TwingleMum]

I was searching threads about Dollar and came across one where the counter person was demanding proof of insurance ???? I have rented cars all over the world and never had to provide proof of insurance. Does Dollar require people to show proof of insurance?? Also I have never used them before but they are significantly cheaper than others for my rental period. Anyone have any issues with Dollar at MCO????

 

[carrie1626]

Just curious,
I would never consider leaving my house w/o proof of insurance in my wallet ( or at least in the glove box) It's the law in my neighboring state. So I'm confused why you think this is out of the ordinary?

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

In Florida, the rental car company can legally shift primary responsibility for liability to the renter, making your insurance primary and their insurance excess. To do that, the shifting language has to be in bold type on the face of the rental contract and they have to see your proof of liability insurance. Your insurance card that you should carry in your wallet anyway should suffice.

If you're renting from them, consider joining Dollar Express. You'll provide all that information to them in advance and avoid any hassles at the airport.

BobK/Orlando

 

[TwingleMum]

In Florida, the rental car company can legally shift primary responsibility for liability to the renter, making your insurance primary and their insurance excess. To do that, the shifting language has to be in bold type on the face of the rental contract and they have to see your proof of liability insurance. Your insurance card that you should carry in your wallet anyway should suffice.

If you're renting from them, consider joining Dollar Express. You'll provide all that information to them in advance and avoid any hassles at the airport.

BobK/Orlando

Thanks I'll do that.

 

[seashoreCM]

The rental car company's policies (rules) posted on their website and paraphrased on Travelocity dot com tell what insurances you must have in order to rent a car. This can differ depending on your age or whether you are renting in a foreign country or sometimes on what rate you are paying.

You will need to check the laws of any state you are driving in or into to find out what insurance or proof of insurance you need to drive there.

Beyond that, you are not obligated to have any particular kind or amount of coverage. I don't think any states require you to have collision or comp'.

Still, it is not prudent to rent a car unless you have coverage, or, the company offers and you purchase any needed coverage. Double check with your own insurance company to be sure yours covers rental cars.

 

[crazywig]

The Dollar counter is the only place in MCO I've encountered this, they are trying to hardsell you their insurance. Don't buy it, you don't need it! I agree you should join their express club just so you don't have to deal with them.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Your insurance card that you should carry in your wallet anyway should suffice.

Maybe because I'm from NY, but I've never heard of anyone carrying their auto insurance policy card (more like a 3" X 4" piece of paper) anywhere but in their vehicle, and actually my insurance company gave me a little pocket for it that had a little accident reporting sheet and contact numbers on the back. I would never even think about carrying it with me as it belongs in my vehicle and I've never been asked for it outside of being in an accident in my vehicle, then again, I have rented one time from Dollar and that experience was bad enough that I wouldn't rent from them again and Hertz has never asked me anywhere for proof of insurance.

 

[bdoyledimou]

I was asked to show proof of insurance at MCO when i declined their insurance.
I pointed out that my AMEX that i was paying for the rental with included collision and comp, and they STILL wanted my personal (maybe i just looked like the kind to rough up a car?!

MCO is the only place i have had this experience though..

 

[dd50]

I live in FL and have never been asked for my insurance card. Never rented out of MCO tho.

 

[cranbiz]

MA does not have insurance cards (well, they didn't when I still lived up there) so It's hard to carry one with you.

When I rented from Dollar at MCO, I was never asked.

 

[keishashadow]

I was searching threads about Dollar and came across one where the counter person was demanding proof of insurance ???? I have rented cars all over the world and never had to provide proof of insurance. Does Dollar require people to show proof of insurance?? Also I have never used them before but they are significantly cheaper than others for my rental period. Anyone have any issues with Dollar at MCO????

yes, with their ridiculous system in MCO wherein their Express reservation line seems to have longer wait than the general line & we still had to fend off clerk's hardsell to buy their insurance.

IMO if you sign up with any rental car company's reward/express program (follow through & complete the form/master rental agreement with required personal info) then rent once afterwards (presenting necessary ID, etc.) ; you should only have to produce your ID & CC during future rentals & be on your way. This hasn't been the case with Dollar for us, i am so done with them.

 

[miprender]

Wow I never knew you needed to carry this either

We rented from Dollar (office at Regal Sun) and though they said that they strongly recommend insurance I declined and they did not ask for any proof.

What happens if you don't have anything to show them?

 

[deedeetoo]

I've never heard of an insurance card. I don't even know what one is. I have rented lots of cars and never had a problem, but I've also never used Dollar. Maybe something comes up on their screen if you are from a state that has cards and says they need to ask you for it.

 

[neonurse]

I rented from Dollar last nov and signed up for the express (forget what it is called) anyway I didin't have to show them any proof of insurance although I had everything with me. No hard sell and the line was definitely quicker that the other that was 15 people long. I just walked up to the separate line and was taken next.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Florida is a vicarious liability state in that the owner of a motor vehicle is just as legally responsible for an accident as the driver of the car. This includes rental car companies. The legislature finally created an escape mechanism and it includes the shifting of primary responsibility from the owner (the rental car company) to the driver (the renter). But they can't shift it if you don't have your own liability insurance. So they most definitely can ask for proof of your liability insurance. Perhaps in all states insurance companies don't send out ID cards with the renewal package; they do in Florida.

I am a member of Hertz and Alamo express service clubs. All my information was given when I registered and now I just go to a kiosk or directly to the cars. I don't have to talk to anyone and there is no attempt to sell me anything because of that. All my insurance information was provided in advance.

BobK/Orlando

PS- Seashore, you are correct. I am not aware of any state that requires Collision & Comp coverage. However, very few states allow you to claim the damage to the rental car you rent under Liability coverage. I believe NY is one that you do, but in most state's insurance policies, any damage to a car you rent would be paid for under Collision/Comp. If you don't have it, there is no coverage for damage to the rental car itself and they can require you to buy their damage waiver. It's their car and they can require adequate protection for it.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

PS- Seashore, you are correct. I am not aware of any state that requires Collision & Comp coverage. However, very few states allow you to claim the damage to the rental car you rent under Liability coverage. I believe NY is one that you do, but in most state's insurance policies, any damage to a car you rent would be paid for under Collision/Comp. If you don't have it, there is no coverage for damage to the rental car itself and they can require you to buy their damage waiver. It's their car and they can require adequate protection for it.

NY does file against liability, there are a few other states I believe as well. For the latter part of the statement, this is a benefit of using a credit card with rental coverage, even if its secondary to other coverage, if you have no collision to charge against, it becomes primary.

 

[seashoreCM]

... the shifting of primary responsibility from the owner (the rental car company) to the driver (the renter). But they can't shift it if you don't have your own liability insurance. So they most definitely can ask for proof of your liability insurance...

..., any damage to a car you rent would be paid for under Collision/Comp. If you don't have it, there is no coverage for damage to the rental car itself and they can require you to buy their damage waiver. It's their car and they can require adequate protection for it.

I still contend that the rental company has to make available to me "proof of requirement" in writing before it can dishonor my reservation for want of insurance and that I declined to add on. (I already mentioned, somewhat far above, what such "proof" might consists of.)

 

[keishashadow]

I've never heard of an insurance card. I don't even know what one is. I have rented lots of cars and never had a problem, but I've also never used Dollar. Maybe something comes up on their screen if you are from a state that has cards and says they need to ask you for it.

i believe the term "insurance card" is being used in lieu of "proof of insurance".

In PA (and i assume most states) it is mandatory to be covered by minimum level of auto insurance & you are provided some sort of proof of insurance (whether a card, piece of paper, etc.)

You are required to keep it your vehicle (or produce within 24 hrs) if stopped by police (along with DL, registration, etc.).

It's my understanding that the LDWs you can purchase or are provided by certain contract #s (if eligible) are designed to cover those who don't have auto insurance coverage in the US