I’m feeling a bit confused about my insurance coverage and could use some advice.
While I was in New Zealand, I booked a rental car through booking.com with insurance from rentalcover.com. I originally rented the car from January 13 to January 30.
On January 30, when I returned the car, I requested to keep it for an additional two days, and they agreed, charging me for those extra days. So now, my rental agreement runs from January 13 to February 1.
Instead of extending my original insurance, I ended up purchasing a new policy on the same site for the additional days – from January 31 to February 1. Looking back, I realize that was not the best decision.
Now, I have insurance coverage from January 13 to January 30 and again from January 31 to February 1. When I returned the car on February 1, I noticed a scratch on the windshield, and the rental company is charging me 1000 NZD for it.
I’m concerned about how this might affect my claim with the insurance company since I bought a new policy instead of extending the original one. I spoke to the rental company about getting two separate agreements, but they refused.
My plan is to be honest and file a claim under the second insurance policy for the period from January 31 to February 1. I intend to explain that I noticed the windshield scratch when a stone hit it on the road.
Does anyone have any suggestions or tips on how to proceed with this situation? Would my approach be acceptable? The rental company charged me about 600 USD. Thank you!
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation, but there are a few steps you can take to address it. Here are some suggestions:
Review the Insurance Policies: Start by thoroughly reviewing the terms and conditions of both rental coverage policies you purchased. Look specifically for clauses regarding coverage periods and damages to determine what is covered and when.
Gather Documentation: Keep all relevant documents handy, including rental agreements, insurance certificates, receipts, and any correspondence with the rental company. This will be useful when filing a claim or discussing the issue with the insurance provider.
Contact the Insurance Company: Reach out to the provider for the insurance covering the period from January 31 to February 1 (rentalcover.com). Explain the situation, including the timeline of events related to the windshield scratch. Be honest about how you obtained the separate insurance policy.
Be Clear About the Damage: When explaining the situation, be upfront about when you discovered the damage. Clarify that you noticed the scratch after you extended the rental period and that you had purchased an insurance policy for that specific time frame.
Consider Additional Coverage: If the rental company charged you a high amount for the damage, ask if the insurance coverage from rentalcover.com will cover the full amount or just part of it. This will help you understand any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Document Everything: Take photos of the damage, if you haven’t already, and keep records of all communications you have with both the rental company and the insurance provider.
Follow Up: After you make the claim or inquiry, follow up with the insurance provider to check on the status of your claim and make sure you’re in compliance with their requirements.
Remember, being honest and upfront with your insurance provider is crucial, as they typically appreciate transparency. If you have any further concerns about potential issues with the insurance claim, it may also be worth consulting with a professional, such as an attorney or insurance advisor. Good luck!