Need Guidance on Insurance Coverage
I recently traveled to New Zealand and rented a car through booking.com with insurance provided by rentalcover.com.
Initially, I rented the car from January 13 to January 30. When I returned it on the 30th, I asked if I could keep it for two additional days, to which they agreed and charged me accordingly. This updated my rental agreement to cover January 13 to February 1.
Instead of just extending my existing insurance, I ended up booking a new insurance policy on rentalcover.com for the two extra days (January 31 to February 1)—looking back, I realize that was probably not the best decision.
So, to clarify, I have one insurance policy that covers January 13 to January 30, and a second policy for January 31 to February 1. On February 1, I noticed a scratch on the windshield when returning the car, which led to a charge of 1,000 NZD from the rental company.
Now, I’m concerned about potential issues with the insurance claim since I opted for a new policy instead of extending the original. I asked the rental company for two separate agreements, but they declined.
My plan is to be honest in my claim submission for the insurance covering January 31 to February 1, explaining that I noticed the scratch on February 1 after a stone hit the windshield while on the road.
Does anyone have advice on whether this approach is advisable? The rental company charged me about $600, and I’m hoping to resolve this without complications.
It sounds like you’re in a tricky situation, but honesty is usually the best policy when dealing with insurance claims. Here are some steps you can take to proceed:
Review the Insurance Policies: Start by carefully reviewing both insurance policies to understand their coverage terms. Check if either policy covers damage to the windshield and any specific stipulations regarding incidents occurring after a rental extension.
Document Everything: Gather all relevant documentation, including your rental agreements, the insurance policies, and any communication with the rental company regarding the damage. Take photos of the scratch and the windshield for your records.
Contact RentalCover: Before filing a claim, consider reaching out directly to RentalCover. Explain the situation clearly, including the timeline and that you purchased a second policy. They may be able to provide guidance on how to proceed with your claim.
Be Transparent: If you decide to make a claim, be upfront about the situation. Explain that you purchased a new insurance policy for the additional days and that you noticed the damage on February 1st. Provided there is no clause against it, they may honor the claim.
Check for Exclusions: Look for any exclusions in the insurance policies that may affect your claim, such as pre-existing damage or requirements for reporting incidents within a certain time frame.
Consult Customer Support: If you’re unsure, you might want to consult customer support for both RentalCover and the rental agency. They can provide specific advice based on their policies and your circumstances.
Follow Up: Whichever route you choose, make sure to follow up on your claim and maintain a record of all communications.
Hopefully, everything works out in your favor! It’s always better to address these issues proactively rather than waiting for them to escalate. Good luck!