Hi all. I need a little help with the LIS supplement insurance. I'm very torn on whether or not to add it to my rental, which I am picking up in New York. I already added LDW, which was a no-brainer. Little bumper things - especially when parked - are so common in NYC that I’d never take the chance. Having peace of mind is worth it, because I don’t trust people. I trust my self a bit more though, so I’m struggling to decide whether or not it’s worth it to add the LIS coverage. It would add around 100$ more to my rental - which is almost as much as the rental itself. That, plus the cost of the LDW, would make me reconsider renting a car in the first place.
Some background info:
I don’t have any insurance myself as, where I live, it follows the car. I don’t have one, and the one I occasionally drive is my grandparent’s (which is covered by their insurance). I’ve never been in an accident, whether at home or NYC (where I’m renting from). I’ve driven in NYC a handful of times and the most that’s happened is a taxi side swiping me while I was (legally) parked. Lesson learned on that.
Originally I was going to rent from jersey where I absolutely was going to purchase the LIS, but decided it made more sense to rent from the airport I’m flying into (LGA). The rental is considerably higher on it’s own.
That said, I noticed this clause in the terms:
“If renting in Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Virginia, or West Virginia:
Upon signing the Rental Agreement, Hertz provides primary liability protection. However, such protection is generally no more than the minimum limits required by individual state law. See Financial Responsibility Limits by State.”
And some other information I found elsewhere:
The minimum limits of third-party bodily injury liability coverage mandated by New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law are:
$25,000 for bodily injury (not resulting in death), or $50,000 for any injury resulting in death, sustained by any one person in any one accident;
$50,000 for bodily injury (not resulting in death) sustained by two or more persons in any one accident, or $100,000 for any injuries resulting in death sustained by two or more persons in any one accident (subject to the above per person limits).
Since the minimum limit of coverage required by law for property damage liability protection, for damage to another party’s car or property, is $10,000 per accident, these minimum liability limits in New York are sometimes together referred to as “$25,000/$50,000/$10,000” or “25/50/10”.
If I’m right, this means that the car DOES have primary liability insurance if rented within the state of New York. I realize that these are state minimum and, if I was going to be driving this car everyday, I definitely wouldn’t consider that enough. But for five days, two of which the car will be hardly used if at all, I think it should be sufficient. Especially because I’ll be driving in Manhattan mostly, and my track record is pretty good. I know accidents happen, but at the speed (or lack there of) that everyone is traveling, I really doubt damages or injuries will surpass that amount. I know it goes fast, but I’m mostly just worried about little bumper things.
After reading into it, my understanding is that if you get in an accident, Hertz will cover the other person (up to state minimums). I’m guessing they come after you for the rest, if it surpasses that, but for the sake of this question let’s assume it doesn’t.
Let’s say damages were 1000$. Also, keep in mind I did buy the LDW, so the rental car is 100% covered regardless!
This is mostly concerning the other car/person.
Would Hertz pay the 1000$ and then that’s it? Or will they pay the 1000$, then come after ME for 1000$? Or come after me with a deductible, such as 500$?
I called Hertz about this and talked to three different people. No one knew the answer. Some said it looked like there wasn’t a deductible at all… but why would anyone get the supplement if this was the case, especially if they have their own insurance or a credit card to supplement it? (Which I don't, by the way. Credit card won't cover anything unless I reject the LDW)
I was hoping someone maybe had a better understanding about this or past experience. Please no flame comments; if I find out that the car isn’t covered, then I’m definitely going to buy the LIS. I just don’t think I can justify paying 100$ if the car is already covered, with how little it’s probably going to be used. Thank you ahead of time
