I’m feeling a bit uncertain about my insurance coverage and could use some advice.
Recently, I was in New Zealand and rented a car through booking.com with insurance from rentalcover.com. My initial rental period was from January 13 to January 30.
When I returned the car on the 30th, I inquired about keeping it for two additional days. They agreed and billed me for those two days, extending my rental agreement to February 1. Instead of extending the initial insurance, I mistakenly booked a new insurance policy with RentalCover for January 31 to February 1. I realize that was a mistake.
So now, I have one insurance policy covering January 13 to January 30 and a second one for January 31 to February 1.
On February 1, I discovered a scratch on the windshield upon returning the car, and the rental company charged me 1000 NZD for it.
I’m concerned that I might run into issues with the insurance claims since I booked a new policy instead of extending the original one. Does anyone have advice on how I should proceed before filing a claim? I asked the rental company for two separate agreements but they only provided one.
My current plan is to be honest about the situation when I make a claim on the second insurance for January 31 to February 1. I’ll explain that I noticed the scratch after a stone hit the windshield on the road.
Would that approach be acceptable? The rental company charged me roughly 600 USD for the damage. Thanks in advance for any insights!
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a complex situation, but it’s good that you’re thinking ahead about how to proceed. Here are some steps you can take:
Review Your Policies: First, carefully read through the terms and conditions of both insurance policies to understand what they cover, including any specific exclusions related to timing or rental periods.
Document Everything: Gather all relevant documentation, including the rental agreement, insurance policies, any photos of the damage, and any communication you had with the rental and insurance companies. This evidence will be important if you need to make a claim.
Contact RentalCover: Before making a claim, consider reaching out to RentalCover’s customer service to explain your situation. They may be able to clarify whether your new policy covers damages incurred during its effective period.
Be Honest in Your Claim: When you file a claim, it’s typically best to be upfront about what happened. Explain that the damage occurred during the period when you held insurance and describe how you found the scratch. Being truthful is usually the best policy when it comes to insurance claims.
Follow Up in Writing: After your initial contact with the insurance company, ensure all communication is confirmed in writing. This will create a record that could be helpful if there are disputes later.
Consult a Professional: If you’re really worried about potential complications, you might consider reaching out to a legal advisor who specializes in insurance claims. They can provide tailored advice based on the specifics of your situation.
Document Damage Timeline: As you mentioned, since you noticed the scratch on the 1st February, make it clear in your claim that this is when you observed the damage. Keep your explanation consistent, and ensure any supporting documents align with this timeline.
Hopefully, this helps you feel more prepared to submit your claim and navigate the situation!