Avoid Costly Mistakes at the Rental Counter: Expert Guidance from Dr. Chatterjee

Dr. Patrali Chatterjee, Chair and Professor in the Department of Marketing, shared key insights on when it makes sense to purchase rental car insurance in a recent Wallet Hub article. She explained that while most U.S. drivers are covered through personal auto insurance or credit card benefits, gaps and uncertainty often push travelers toward buying costly and sometimes redundant coverage at the rental counter. Dr. Chatterjee emphasized common mistakes, such as not checking existing policies, overlooking fine print, or failing to document a car’s condition, and highlighted the pressure tactics rental agents use to upsell insurance. Her recommendation: the most cost-effective strategy is to plan ahead and layer coverage from personal insurance, credit cards, unions, or third-party providers.