[rainyMammoth]

All car renters are full of dark patterns but in my experience Hertz was the best one amongst them.

After a while you realize how it works: Use some CDP code to rent for cheap on their website and refuse all the addons that are pushed onto you at pick up (where they are trained to scare you). That clears 99% of the dark patterns

[cglace]

Working in this industry I can tell you that it can be in your interest to buy either damage waivers or supplemental insurance. Especially when you are renting larger vehicles. People often don’t realize how much it costs to repair a panel truck. At the very least review your insurance policy to make sure it covers non owned autos. It really sucks when a customer finds out after the fact that their insurance is not going to cover their accident.

[cmckn]

Many (most?) credit cards have rental car coverage, it saved me a ~thousand dollars when a bird shattered a windshield. I always make sure the card I rent with has it.

[cglace]

I’ve seen customers get denied by their auto insurance and 2 credit cards. Just because a credit card provides coverages it doesn’t mean it covers everything. Insurance is complicated and you should never assume you are covered.

[cmckn]

For sure. In general, if it isn't your fault, it will be covered. If it's your fault, almost any policy will fight to not pay. Insurance sucks.

[danielfoster]

This is true, but often this only covers physical damage to the car only, not anything you hit. Claims for loss of use of the rental car while it's being repaired often aren't covered, either.