The Caribbean - Car rental insurance in Jamaica

A lot of credit cards seem to exclude Jamaica when offering insurance for renting a car. Do all of them do this? or should I look to any specific companies if I want to be covered?

What do most people do about insurance when renting in Jamaica? We were thinking about renting from this place: http://www.islandcruiserjamaica.com/

Thanks in advance...

Don't know if there is a credit card that provides rental car coverage in Jamaica--just know that none of mine do. When I've rented from Hertz in Jamaica I've simply paid for their insurance.

If you do find a card that doesn't exclude Jamaica make sure that its policies don't exclude Island Cruisers, which they may categorize as novelty or unorthodox vehicles. A few years ago a family member had an incident with a moke on Barbados that was not covered by cc insurance due to this clause. If they'd been driving around in a regular car they would have enjoyed normal coverage.

The Island Cruiser looks fun, but I'd be cautious about slowing down. You may collect additional passengers. :)

Don't know if there is a credit card that provides rental car coverage in Jamaica--just know that none of mine do. When I've rented from Hertz in Jamaica I've simply paid for their insurance.

If you do find a card that doesn't exclude Jamaica make sure that its policies don't exclude Island Cruisers, which they may categorize as novelty or unorthodox vehicles. A few years ago a family member had an incident with a moke on Barbados that was not covered by cc insurance due to this clause. If they'd been driving around in a regular car they would have enjoyed normal coverage.

The Island Cruiser looks fun, but I'd be cautious about slowing down. You may collect additional passengers. :)

Thanks for the advice. So, you mean the brakes don't work well on them?

No, I don't have any reason to think that the Island Cruiser might have a brake problem. But if you slow down, in an open vehicle, some folks might see that as an invitation to hop in. :cool:

No, I don't have any reason to think that the Island Cruiser might have a brake problem. But if you slow down, in an open vehicle, some folks might see that as an invitation to hop in. :cool:

hop in, in a friendly or non-friendly way?

In a friendly way, of course. A car is a huge luxury in Jamaica, and there is an assumption--by some tourists as well as by some locals--that those who have a car will share. If an open-top car slows down or comes to a stop nearby, that might just seem like destiny. ;)

As of a year of so ago, I believe no credit card company will provide insurance coverage in Jamaica. I've only rented from Hertz on the island and you are now required to purchase the insurance coverage -- there's no way out of it.

I wouldn't recommend the moke-type vehicles in Jamaica. In fact, we usually upgrade to a larger vehicle when we go (my husband is Jamaican and we go frequently). The roads are littered with potholes (although I've heard that they're much better thanks to the Cricket World Cup) and the natives drive at very high speeds on very narrow roads. It's pretty much a death wish to drive on the island unless you're familiar with the roads and driving on the left. Many cars don't have airbags and most people don't wear seatbelts.

It's probably best to find a good taxi driver who will take you around the island for a set fee for the day, hour, etc. Be sure to negotiate the rate in advance. Only cars with red license plates should be used as taxis, otherwise, it's just regular Joe trying to make a few extra bucks.

Have fun and be careful!!