Whats with the 3rd degree?

So you go up to the counter of your local car rental agency to rent a much needed Corolla because your car is in the shop and you have a business meeting to get to in an hour. You hand over your license and credit card and the guy at the counter  has the NERVE to  ask you for more information, and alternate phone number or proof of residence, another credit card, or some other ID with your name and address on it. So whats with all the questions?

Well, the answer is simple. Any car rental agency is just trying to protect their assets. If some random stranger came to your front door to rent your brand new shiny 2012 Corolla that you paid $35,000 for, you would probably ask for their first born child and the deed to their house!

Car Rental Agencies pay large premiums to insurance companies to offer this service to you and they are taking a risk too. They are trusting you with their car and ALSO trusting that you will pay for all services when it is returned. They want to make sure that if damage is done, that you will be accountable for that damage. That if you travel on the 407 ETR with a Cube Truck that you will pay for that extra large expense.

So to avoid the delay and 3rd and 5th degrees, here are a few tips that will get you on the road faster:
1. Bring your valid Drivers licence and a back up piece of Picture ID
2. Make sure you are over the age of 25. NO rental car agency allows drivers under 25 to rent a car.
3. Have a VALID Credit card with you that has at LEAST a minimum of $500- $1000 available credit on it. They WILL check this for a security deposit.
4. Try reserving in advance. Showing up on the 30th  of the long weekend to rent a snazzy mustang convertible, is a NO NO. Chances are they will be out of stock and YOU will be out of LUCK!

Auto Insurance and YOU

Insurance companies can be fickle. They can tie you up in bureaucratic red tape and become intimidating and frustrating to deal with. By Ontario Law, a vehicle owner is required to have insurance on their vehicle. But you as a consumer, have rights as well. When it comes to vehicle damage you want to ensure that you have some piece of mind when it comes to your coverage.

Here are some highlights when it comes to your rights with your Auto Insurance Policy especially if you or your vehicle are in serious need of repair:

1) You have the right to be treated fairly by your insurance company.
2)You have the right to keep you policy in place if you pay your premiums and  meet the responsibilities.
3) You have the right to prompt and fair handling of claims.
4) You have the right to reasonable and  repair of your damaged vehicle.
5) You have the right to receive information about accident benefits.
6) You have the right to choose a repair shop, tow operator or vehicle rental company.
7) You have the right to dispute your company's refusal to pay benefits.
8) You have the right to choose a health care provider.

The full list of rights, along with the responsibilities as a  Consumer are available online at www.fsco.gov.on.ca.

Let us know your thoughts on this!