Don’t Get Caught Without ACE Rent A Car Insurance

Renting a car can give you the freedom and flexibility to explore new places at your own pace. However, driving an unfamiliar vehicle also comes with risks. An accident or damage to the rental car can leave you with unexpectedly high out-of-pocket costs. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your rental car insurance options when booking with ACE Rent A Car.

ACE Rent A Car offers several car rental insurance and liability waiver products to protect renters from financial losses. While insurance is not mandatory, declining coverage means you would be fully responsible for all damages to the vehicle. This article will explain ACE’s rental car insurance options, key terms and conditions, and tips for ensuring you have adequate protection during your rental.

Overview of ACE Rent A Car Insurance Products

ACE Rent A Car offers renters three main rental car insurance products:

• Minimum Cover: This basic insurance is automatically included with all rentals. You pay a $200 security deposit and are responsible for up to $5,500 in damages.

• ACE Basic Cover: This option reduces your liability to $1,500 for an additional daily fee. You pay a $200 deposit.

• ACE PLUS: This premium coverage eliminates liability for all damages when chosen. You pay a $200 deposit only.

Review ACE’s terms and conditions carefully to understand what types of losses are covered or excluded by each product. Key details are highlighted below.

What’s Covered and What’s Not

All ACE rental car insurance plans provide protection beyond your personal car insurance and credit card coverage. However, important exclusions apply:

Covered by ACE insurance products:

• Damage to rental vehicle (e.g. collision, vandalism)

• Third-party liability claims if you cause damage to another vehicle or property

• Tire/windshield damage

• Theft or loss of rental vehicle

• Roadside assistance

Not covered (you are fully liable for):

• Lost, stolen or damaged keys or key fobs

• Damage to vehicle interior

• Towing charges, administrative fees

• Personal items stolen from vehicle

• Liability above selected coverage limit

• Damage from prohibited uses like racing

In addition, all ACE plans exclude coverage in certain situations like drunk driving, traffic violations or driving on restricted roads. Review ACE’s full terms and conditions for other important exclusions and eligibility requirements.

Key Things to Know About Liability and Deposits

ACE’s rental car insurance options differ primarily in how much financial liability you retain for vehicle damage or loss. Two key terms to understand are “liability” and “bond” or “deposit”:

• Liability is the maximum amount you could owe for vehicle damage before insurance coverage kicks in. This ranges from $0 liability with ACE PLUS to $5,500 liability with Minimum Cover.

• The bond or deposit is the amount ACE temporarily charges to your credit card while renting. This is refunded after the vehicle is returned undamaged. Deposits range from $200 for ACE PLUS to $5,700 for Minimum Cover.

The lower your liability, the more coverage ACE provides. With ACE PLUS there is no deductible or out-of-pocket cost for damages.

Tips for Getting Sufficient Rental Car Insurance

Follow these tips to make sure you have adequate insurance when renting from ACE:

• Consider ACE PLUS for maximum protection and zero liability. It’s the best option for peace of mind.

• Review your personal auto insurance and credit card rental coverage for gaps. These may not provide primary coverage for rentals depending on policy terms.

• Understand that Minimum Cover has high liability limits. Accidents or theft can result in thousands in out-of-pocket costs if you decline additional ACE options.

• Don’t rely solely on credit cards. Many don’t cover certain losses like tire/windshield damage or provide sufficient third-party liability protection.

• Read terms and conditions carefully before booking. Understand when you are financially responsible for damages.

• Inspect the vehicle at pickup and return. Document any prior damage to avoid incorrect liability.

• Purchase coverage for all authorized drivers, not just yourself.

What Types of Payment Does ACE Accept?

ACE only accepts credit and debit cards from providers like Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover for rental deposits. Cash or other payment types are not accepted.

Your card will be charged a “pre-authorization” hold for the deposit amount when you pick up the vehicle. The hold temporarily reduces your available credit or balance.

After the vehicle is returned in the same condition, the deposit is released per your card issuer’s standard policies. Expect up to 30 days for holds to clear in full once the rental ends.

The Bottom Line

Skimping on insurance when renting from ACE leaves you financially exposed. For maximum protection, consider ACE PLUS to eliminate liability entirely. Otherwise, opt for ACE Basic Cover over Minimum Cover to limit potential out-of-pocket damages. Carefully review ACE’s terms and conditions and inspect vehicles thoroughly before driving off the lot. With the right rental car insurance, you can hit the road with confidence and avoid financial surprises down the line.