How necessary is additional rental car insurance?

Question

I've read a lot about break ins in Honolulu and on the beaches around Oahu. If you don't have items on display in your car, are there still breaks ins just to investigate? I'm generally good about leaving no visible bait, but I'm not sure what the car theft culture is like there. Additional theft/damage coverage beyond private insurance looks like about $12/day. Thoughts on this?

Answer

When it comes to renting a car in Honolulu or on Oahu, it's understandable to have concerns about theft or damage, especially when reading about break-ins or car theft incidents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about the necessity of additional rental car insurance and the car theft situation in Honolulu:

Car Break-ins in Honolulu:

Yes, car break-ins can occur in Honolulu, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Waikiki and popular beach spots. Thefts generally happen when valuable items are visible or left in the car. However, while it's always best to remove anything that might attract attention (even if it's not of high value), break-ins can sometimes occur even if there are no visible valuables. Some opportunistic thieves may still target vehicles just to check for anything of value, but thefts generally happen more frequently when people leave items like bags, cameras, or electronics in sight.

Keep Valuables Hidden: Even if you’re cautious about leaving valuables in the open, always store them in the trunk or take them with you. Avoid leaving things like phones, wallets, or cameras in the car, as these are often targets.
Park Wisely: Whenever possible, park in well-lit areas or in monitored parking lots. Some areas of Honolulu, particularly around busy tourist spots, can be riskier than others.

Additional Rental Car Insurance:

The question of whether to purchase additional insurance depends on your personal coverage and comfort level. Rental car companies typically offer a range of coverage options, including collision damage waivers (CDW), theft protection, and liability insurance. Here are a few considerations to help you decide whether the $12 per day for additional coverage is worth it:

Existing Insurance: Check with your personal auto insurance company to see if your current policy extends to rental cars. Many insurance policies cover rental cars, especially for damage or theft. If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy may already protect you against theft and damage (though this varies by provider).
Credit Card Coverage: Many credit cards (especially premium ones) offer rental car insurance as a benefit when you use the card to pay for the rental. It’s worth checking with your credit card company to see if this applies to you. However, coverage through credit cards often excludes things like personal belongings or certain kinds of damage (such as undercarriage damage). Always read the fine print of your credit card’s policy.
Rental Car Insurance Options: The $12/day for theft and damage coverage is typically a collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW). It’s worth considering if you're not comfortable with the risks, or if you don’t have comprehensive auto insurance or credit card coverage. Keep in mind that this insurance typically covers damage to the car itself but may not include theft of personal items inside the car.
Peace of Mind: If you're especially concerned about the possibility of break-ins or damage to the rental car, purchasing the additional coverage can give you peace of mind. This is particularly helpful if you're unfamiliar with the area or don’t want to deal with the hassle of filing claims if something happens.

General Tips for Protecting Your Rental Car:

Remove All Valuables: As mentioned, always take your valuables with you or lock them in the trunk. Even small things like sunglasses, clothing, or a GPS can tempt opportunistic thieves.
Park in Safe Locations: If possible, park in well-lit, secure areas. If you’re heading to a popular beach or tourist spot, try to find a designated parking lot with surveillance cameras or a guard.
Lock the Car: Always lock the car when you leave it, even for a short time. It might seem obvious, but it’s an easy thing to forget, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while car break-ins are something to be aware of in Honolulu, they can be minimized with caution. If you have adequate coverage through your personal auto insurance or credit card, you may not need to purchase additional rental car insurance. However, if you feel more comfortable with the added security, the $12 per day for additional coverage can provide peace of mind, especially if you're concerned about the risks of theft or damage during your trip. Ultimately, it depends on your personal insurance situation and how much risk you're willing to take on during your stay in Hawaii.

How necessary is additional rental car insurance?

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