Car Hire Top Up Insurance for the US

rob_schofield

Hi guys

Really hoping someone can help. I was listening to Radio 4 yesterday and a rather concerning topic came up on the BBC Radio 4 Programme You and Yours concerning car hire in Florida by a Brit and the tragic consequences thereafter. You can find it on the BBC i-player by searching for Florida Loophole first broadcast on 15/07/2010.

In summary, the Brit who hired a car in florida got bumped by a US drunk driver and is now tragically paralysed. Unlike in the UK where we have unlimited payout from third party cover, this appears not to be the case in the US and he stands to receive only $10,000 in Personal Accident Insurance.

I rang my travel insurance company today to see if I can top this limit up and have been told that this isn't possible. Equally if I apply for new PAI cover, it invalidates my travel insurance?

Any ideas or advice would be gratefully received!

owitemisermusa

I listened to that story in horror yesterday too! So tragic! Also concerned because I assumed my insurance would cover ALL eventualities while on holiday in the States.

I'm interested in any information/advice you good people can give the OP too.

vaio

It's not something I would worry about, do you have insurance that will pay out if you get knocked down crossing the road or if you fall down stairs and end up in a wheel chair?

If you are concerned enough to spend some money on it I guess the answer is to take out a standalone PAI policy but obviously double check it will cover you when in the US.

owitemisermusa

Good point vaio, sufficient for the day is the evil thereof etc...

I guess we sometimes put too much faith in travel insurance. I guess the solution is to opt for other products like Critical Illness insurance or Income protection that includes accidental injury.

C'est la vie..

Hadrian

Ask for ALL, repeat ALL, the insurance they can give you when you hire/collect the car. You have been warned by someone who's driven for years in the US!