Lets say the car you are renting develops a mechanical problem and suffers major damage.Who is responsible?Or  a broken windshield?

Mechanical problems that you don't causeusually aren't your problem.

Broken windshields are. So are accidents.

Get the extra coverage if you are going to be driving it much.

Anything they notice. Try parking it under a tree in the shade. Use silicone to reconnect the mirrors ect.

you normal automobile insurance should cover a rental car to the same limits as your other vehicle. rental insurance is usually not worthwhile.

read the limits & exclusions clause in the rental agency's contract if you want to know what you're liable for.

I broke so many rental cars when I was younger. I was told if I was to slam the car into a pole like the one across the street I would get a new car. Insurance was that good.

I had lots of cars that week. (Never totaled them).. Jumps anyone? Curbs? Crashing into the ocean?

Most credit cards will cover the insurance deductible on a rental car.  So your regular auto insurance covers the damage and your credit card fills in the deductible.  Should be no money out of pocket.

Quoted: Most credit cards will cover the insurance deductible on a rental car.

Nope... very, very few do actually.

I wouldn't think you would pay if it was mechanical...I'd want some credit if their broken down car cost me part of my vacation.  Never had one break down.

Windshield, body damage, etc. is going to be on your dime.  Your ins. company should cover it, so you'd be out the deduct and higher rates.  Or you could pay, pay, pay for the rental ins.

I've rented several times in Alaska and every place went over the windshield very carefully looking for chips.  They find a chip and a new windshield goes in.  

Quoted: Lets say the car you are renting develops a mechanical problem and suffers major damage.Who is responsible?Or  a broken windshield?

Mechanical problem not caused by driver error would not be considered driver fault.

Broken windshield that occurred while in the possession of the renter... renters fault.

See how that works?

The vehicle is treated like your own while in your possession.  If something (damage, non-mechanical) happens to the vehicle while in your possession as a renter, it is the renter's fault.

Pretty easy concept, really.

Car gets hailed on while on rent, renter's responsibility.  Car gets keyed while on rent at renter's place of employment, renter's responsibility.

The car is completely out of control of the rental company when not on their lot or in their control.  Therefore, renter is responsible.

If someone borrowed your car and the car was keyed/destroyed/damaged/blown away in a tornado while in their possession, who would be responsible for the damages?