Car rental confusion

Still can't get my head around it despite many threads here.

I have booked through Alamo. Co. UK site and I have cdw and slp.

Do I need anything else? Would it be wise to get anything else?

It sounds like you're almost there with your car rental booking, but I can understand how it can get confusing with all the insurance and rental options available. Here's a breakdown to help clarify things for you:

Since you've already booked through Alamo and have CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and SLP (Supplemental Liability Protection), you're covered for a few important things. Here's what those cover:

  • CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): This covers damage to the rental vehicle in the event of an accident. It typically eliminates the need for you to pay for damages to the car, but check the specific terms with Alamo for any excess or deductibles that may apply.
  • SLP (Supplemental Liability Protection): This provides liability coverage in the event you're responsible for injury or damage to others while driving the rental car. It typically covers you up to a certain limit, but again, confirm the exact coverage with Alamo to ensure it meets your needs.

Now, regarding whether you need anything else, here are some additional options that are often recommended or worth considering:

  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This provides coverage for medical expenses for you and your passengers if you're injured in an accident. It's not always included with CDW and SLP, so if you're worried about coverage for medical costs, you might want to consider adding this.
  • Roadside Assistance Coverage: This covers things like flat tires, lockouts, and running out of gas. If you don’t already have roadside assistance through your car insurance or credit card, it may be wise to add this for peace of mind.
  • GPS or Wi-Fi Device Rental: If you think you’ll need GPS navigation or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot during your trip, many car rental companies offer these as add-ons. They can be convenient if you're not familiar with the area, but they’re optional.
  • Fuel options: Alamo often offers "Prepaid Fuel" options, where you pay for a full tank upfront at a potentially lower rate, or "Full-to-Full" where you pick up the car full and return it full. It’s usually more economical to go with Full-to-Full, but it depends on your travel plans.

Some people also recommend checking with your credit card provider to see if they offer rental car insurance as a benefit (this can often cover CDW or even some aspects of liability). If your credit card already offers this, it could save you from purchasing extra insurance.

Ultimately, whether you need to add anything else depends on your comfort level and what’s already covered in your booking. As long as your rental includes the CDW and SLP, you're well-covered for most common scenarios. Just be sure to confirm all the details with Alamo when you pick up the car, including any deductible or excess charges, as these can vary.

Safe travels and enjoy your trip to Orlando!


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