08:39 AM CST on Monday, March 6, 2006

By Alexis Christoforous / KHOU-TV

Click to watch video

Most of us have rented a car at one time or another and wondered if we should take out that insurance coverage they always try to push.

Many people decline the extra coverage, but now that may not be such a good idea.

It's a case of renter beware.

KHOU-TV

Car rental companies want you to be responsible for damage caused by bad weather, including hurricanes.

Most rental car companies like Hertz, Budget and Avis are now holding drivers responsible for damage caused by bad weather.

That includes everything from hurricanes to hail.

"I don't think it's fair because you pay enough for rentals anyway," said one renter.

"How are you gonna tell from what could happen with the weather?" said another renter.

"The rental car companies are taking advantage of what happened with Hurricane Katrina and Wilma to pass these costs on to consumers," said Clarence Ditlow, Center for Auto Safety.

The companies say the changes were underway before last year's devastating hurricanes.

Car rental giant Hertz said that oftentimes there are warning signs before a bid storm strikes and they want drivers to get out of harm's way and take Hertz's cars with them.

Critics say it's just a way to scare you into paying for what's called a "Loss Damage Waiver".

"Now you're afraid of having to pay $20,000 or $25,000 for a vehicle should it get damaged through no fault of your own," said Ditlow.

For about $9 a day, you can switch the responsibility for any damage back to the rental company.

California and Wisconsin have laws that prohibit drivers from being stuck with storm damage

The Center for Auto Safety wants that protection in every state.

"We're gonna suggest that every attorney general adopt the language of the California code and prohibit this egregious unfair conduct by the car rental companies," Ditlow said.

Meanwhile, do your homework because your own insurance policy may cover damage to rentals and most credit cards also offer protection.