Alamo car hire in California (again - sorry)

Harold.Finch

I know that this has been discussed from various angles but I'm having a lot of trouble understanding the finer points.

We are going to California next month and have priced hiring a medium sized car from Alamo. We have used alamo.co.uk to ensure that the application comes from someone British.

The quote includes "Collision Damage Waver Full" and "Extended Protection" and there is no option to deselect these items. We understand that there are other insurance and protection options available (eg. roadside cover) and hopefully understand those.

Should we be buying CDW excess insurance before we leave the UK? The word "Full" seems to imply that the Alamo package would not demand payment of an excess in the event of any incident.

Quite happy to buy addition protection before leaving UK but still not fully understanding what we could be liable for.

EveryWhere

Nothing more necessary, as you have the minimum mandated cover.
I imagine that tyres, windscreen, lost keys, flat battery etc aren't covered, so you can decide for yourself if you'd like to have that supplementary cover.
I have an annual policy that covers everything, as I travel often.
https://www.bettersafe.com/Products/Car-Hire-Excess-Insurance-Protection with CDW & SLI
Covers you over and above what Alamo offer. Belt and braces as they say.

Extended Protection is the equivalent of SLI. So in effect, you have CDW and SLI.
So you can purchase the policy that does not include CDW and SLI to cover you for everything else.

Harold.Finch

@EveryWhere - Thank you, very helpful.

EveryWhere

https://www.bettersafe.com/Documents/CHWW_Insurance_Policy.pdf

Look at Section 5 for what is covered over and above.

pollypenny

We always use Alamo in regular travels to Philadelphia and New Jersey.

Roadside assistance included. We have an annual policy for excess.

photome

Before you book with Alamo try the almaobrits site https://www.alamo.co.uk/partners/members/brits/.. it may be cheaper for exactly the same thing.


you can also do pre check in online and walk straight to a car on arrival