Expat Community > Ecuador

ameridorian1961
Joined 2010
Posts: 121

Rental cars

11 years ago

Hate to see folks have problems on their ventures. I see lots of information on the site from folks that dont rent or own cars. Most of it well intentioned. Some of it out there in left field
This is how I handle the rental cars in Ecuador which I have rented for several years @ several weeks at a time. Without incident.
When you rent a car you are entering into a contract..in a foreign country. Insist on a copy of the contract which is usually provided.
The contract they do not readily provide is the insurance policy if you choose to purchase the agencies insurance.There are usually a couple of options with different fee schedules. Insist on a copy which they have & sometimes don't readily provide you without pushing for it. I dont leave the office without it in case I might need it after an accident . Read & understand your contract(s) inclusions & exclusions.
If you have one of those trendy credit cards that provide insurance if you pay for the rental with it understand the terms of your policy & bring a copy with you.
Example: My Presidential United card insurance is not valid if I buy any of the extra insurance the rental Co. offers.Additionaly United has zero coverage if I go off road in the jungles or beaches.Each card will have unique terms & conditions for the insurance including renting out of country.
Because I go off road, go 4 wheeling in the jungle and drive miles of coastline on the beach, I buy the 100% full coverage the rental Co. offers. I lost both running boards & had a couple of fender issues on a new Prado 5 years ago in the jungle. Cost zero dollars & a smile saying I was lucky I purchased the full coverage.
If I did not go off road the free insurance 2 my cards provide would do just fine.
Ive been lucky but understand that I can be in a fender bender in Ecuador at any minute. The previous post that suggested that it's not a big deal is a bit misleading. I am a fearless driver and adapt and drive like the locals...and driving in Ecuador still stresses me out. There is nothing relaxing about it but for us its the only way to go.
Look at the maps and then double the time you think it would take and you will be close. I've made the mistakes of covering too much ground in 1 day.
Only to find I have missed some beautiful stop overs or passed by places I should have stopped but was in too much of a hurry to get to my destination....exhuasted.... and then waste 1/2 a day sleeping in.

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SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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Expat Community > Ecuador

Rental cars

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