Part of the rationale of me not owning a vehicle is:

I can always rent-a-car.

Recently I’ve started relying on the insurance provided by my credit card. Risky, I think.

I got the TD Gold Select Visa Card mainly for this feature:

Use your eligible TD Visa Card to charge the full cost of a car rental and the Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance program will cover you at no additional cost. This insurance coverage means you do not need to purchase the collision/loss damage insurance coverage offered by the car rental company. You’ll be protected against loss arising from damage to the rental car on most rentals in North America and many foreign countries. Some restrictions apply.

details

One problem is that I must pay any costs up front, then make a claim to VISA for reimbursement.

Risky. So far I’ve never had to do it.

Recently I woke up to find my rent-a-car looking like this:

I changed the tire myself, putting on the skinny temporary. Maximum 80km/hr, it says.

When I got back to Avis I learned that there will be no cost to me if the tire is patched. But that I am responsible to buy a new tire if it cannot be patched.

I’ll learn that decision by watching my credit card statement.

hmm