We have an umbrella policy also (got it when we had multiple teenage drivers). Son isn’t really established enough to need one.
Thank you. One of his trips is 15 days, so he wants to find the cheapest way to get the insurance he needs, and avoid the 30+ bucks at the counter if possible.
I’m going to read the various insurance policy coverage we have. I remember in the “old days,” AMEX actually had coverage you could buy for something like $20 a trip, but neither of us currently have AMEX. That may change soon if it’s the best option.
You didn’t say how old son is, but we found that if our young son joined a certain AAA, he could rent at a younger age without the young driver surcharge, from a certain rental agency. It had to be a specific AAA, not just any AAA, and I think that the company was Hertz. How AAA Members Under 25 Avoid the Young Renter Fee - AutoSlash
As for auto insurance, it might be cheaper for him to just get his own policy for a few months, to cover himself and the rental car. Call your agent, and see if you can add him to your policy for a few months, or get him his own. And of course a good credit card, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve (but it’s expensive) will have car rental coverage, but I don’t know if it covers liability.
Amex platinum has it for rentals. I think Amex Gold does too but haven’t had one in years. Many Credit cards have it as a perk. Check though. Don’t want to get stuck.
It is unlikely that an insurer would allow the son to be added to the OP’s policy if he does not reside with them and isn’t just temporarily living elsewhere. Some insurance companies in some states do issue operator’s policies for people who do not own/lease their own vehicles but want insurance for when they do drive someone else’s vehicle. It is worth a call to an agent to see if that is an option. It might be possible to get a short term policy or to cancel it when it is no longer needed.
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We cannot put him on our insurance. We do have Chase Sapphire Preferred, but not sure what the benefits are. I am going to check.
Does HE have Chase Sapphire Preferred? I’m not sure you having it is going to help him.
If he has renters insurance, he should call his insurance agent and ask if the company offers any short term “non-owner” policies, like those linked above. Here is the link again:
This link also links to minimal liability coverage requirements by state. Do not ignore that part. Penalties can be stiff. Any officer making a traffic stop will ask for driver’s license, registration, and insurance.
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I can easily add him to my card.
He has Capital One Venture X, which seems to have good benefits including acting as primary for car rental insurance. He still has to worry about liability though.
Thanks. He has called his agent (who is also my agent). He may call others also.
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I’m from NYC and don’t own a car. The only way to be sure you have personal injury insurance pursuant to a rental car is to ask for it at the desk.
Actually, they do sell car insurance policies for people who don’t own cars. But, for as infrequently as he needs a rental he will likely buy the liability insurance at the counter, and use the primary insurance offered by credit card too.
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