Feeling uncertain about my coverage
I recently traveled to New Zealand and booked a car through booking.com that included insurance from rentalcover.com.
I initially rented the car from January 13 to January 30. On January 30, when I returned the vehicle, I requested to keep it for an additional two days, and they agreed, charging me for those extra days. So, my rental agreement now covers January 13 to February 1.
Instead of extending my original car insurance, I mistakenly booked a new policy on the same website for the additional days, from January 31 to February 1. (I know, not my best decision!)
Now, I have two separate car insurance policies: one from January 13 to January 30 and another from January 31 to February 1.
On February 1, I discovered a scratch on the windshield when returning the car, and the rental company charged me 1000 NZD. I’m worried this may complicate my claim with the insurance company since I opted for a new policy instead of extending the original one.
I asked the rental company for two separate agreements to clarify the situation, but they refused.
My plan is to be honest when making the claim on the second insurance policy for January 31 to February 1, explaining that I noticed the scratch on February 1 after a stone hit the windshield.
Does anyone have advice on whether this approach will work? The rental company has already charged me about 600 USD.
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tricky situation, but it’s good that you’re thinking through how to handle it. Here are some steps you can take to help clarify your coverage and address the damage:
Review Policy Details: Before proceeding, carefully read the terms and conditions of both insurance policies. Look for any clauses regarding coverage periods, damage reporting, and limits on claims. Ensure that you understand the coverage provided for the period from January 31 to February 1.
Documentation: Gather all relevant documents, including your rental agreements, insurance policies, and any correspondence with the rental company and insurance provider. This will help you present a clear case if needed.
Contact the Insurance Company: Reach out to RentalCover and explain your situation. Be honest about your timeline and the fact that you purchased a new policy instead of extending the existing one. It’s important to communicate openly, as they may be able to guide you on the best way to file your claim.
File the Claim: If you choose to proceed with the claim, present the information that the scratch was noticed on February 1 and that you believe it occurred during that rental period. Since you have insurance for that specific duration, they may still consider your claim valid.
Explain to the Rental Company: If you need to discuss the damage charge with the rental company, explain your circumstance clearly. Transparency may lead them to be more accommodating or at least help you understand their process better.
Keep Records: Maintain a record of all communications you have with both the rental and insurance companies. This may be helpful in case of disputes down the line.
Ultimately, honesty is the best policy when it comes to dealing with insurance claims. If the second policy was valid for the duration of the rental, you should be able to make a claim, but it will depend on the specifics of the policy. Good luck!