Car hire Atlanta airport

Question

We need to hire a car from Atlanta airport for 16 days

But getting confused with the insurance side

What the best policy to take out that’s all in with no surprises when we get there

Thanks

Answer

When renting a car from Atlanta Airport for 16 days, the insurance options can indeed be confusing, but you can simplify the process by making sure you're covered with the right policies. Here's a breakdown of what to expect and the best way to handle insurance with no surprises when you pick up your car:

First, it's important to understand the key types of car rental insurance that are typically offered and what each covers:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)/Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This is the most basic and essential coverage. It typically covers the cost of damages to the rental vehicle in the event of an accident, theft, or vandalism. It’s highly recommended to get this, but it's important to check the details, as it may not cover all scenarios (e.g., tire or windshield damage). Some rental companies may offer this as a mandatory add-on, so check the total price carefully.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): This provides additional coverage in case you're found responsible for damages to other people or property while driving the rental car. This is often an add-on you can purchase for extra peace of mind, especially in the U.S. where lawsuits are common in the event of an accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident. While this is not typically necessary if you have good health insurance or travel insurance, it can be worth considering for extra protection.
Roadside Assistance: Many rental companies offer this for an additional fee, which covers services like tire changes, battery jumps, and lock-out assistance. If you don't have this through your credit card or personal auto insurance, it’s a good idea to add it, especially for longer trips.
Credit Card Coverage: Some major credit cards (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, American Express) offer rental car insurance when you pay for the rental with the card. However, this coverage often comes with restrictions (e.g., no coverage for certain countries, or limited coverage for certain types of damage). Before renting, check with your credit card provider to verify the details and whether you need to decline CDW from the rental company in order for your card insurance to apply.

Here’s the best strategy to avoid surprises:

Decline the insurance that overlaps: If your credit card offers CDW or if you already have personal car insurance that covers rental cars, you may be able to decline the rental company’s CDW/LDW. However, make sure you have confirmation in writing from your credit card company or insurance provider about what is covered. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to accept the coverage offered by the rental company.
Get the full coverage package: If you want to avoid worrying about any potential surprises, opt for the full coverage package offered by the rental company. This will typically include CDW/LDW, SLI, and roadside assistance, covering almost all eventualities. It might cost a little more, but it can provide peace of mind.
Prepay for fuel if available: Some rental companies allow you to prepay for fuel, which can save time at the end of your rental. However, make sure the rate they charge is reasonable, as sometimes it's not the best deal compared to refueling the car yourself before returning it.

In summary, to ensure you're fully covered with no surprises, either purchase the comprehensive insurance package from the rental company or verify that your credit card or personal auto insurance covers rental cars. If you want to be completely certain, opt for the “all-in” package from the rental company that includes CDW/LDW, liability coverage, and roadside assistance. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid any hidden fees.