Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
The more I hear about these horror stories the more I wonder how Dominicans can drive around. I mean if they have an accident they are accountable as well arent they? This definitely explains why everyone drives away when they have any type of accident especially when it involves injuries.
As one of the previous posts stated having to pay up to $3000 for a damaged vehicle and even more if there are injuries just isn't possible for a lot of travelers. So now someone who has a credit card with maybe a $5000 credit line and the $2000 they brought for their vacation just won't be able to pay that much.
Theres also quite a few people who can't simply call back home and say hey I need $5000 cash to get out of jail. Its not like you can get that from an ATM even if you had that in your checking account.
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Beads
The more I hear about these horror stories the more I wonder how Dominicans can drive around. I mean if they have an accident they are accountable as well arent they? This definitely explains why everyone drives away when they have any type of accident especially when it involves injuries.
As one of the previous posts stated having to pay up to $3000 for a damaged vehicle and even more if there are injuries just isn't possible for a lot of travelers. So now someone who has a credit card with maybe a $5000 credit line and the $2000 they brought for their vacation just won't be able to pay that much.
Theres also quite a few people who can't simply call back home and say hey I need $5000 cash to get out of jail. Its not like you can get that from an ATM even if you had that in your checking account.
EXACTLY :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
After reading what has been said here, I was starting to consider to rent a car, now its not going to happen, it would be cheaper to try to find a good local driver and let them deal with the headache
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
It's not just about finding the immediate money, I had an "impediamenta de salida" imposed on me, which means that one cannot leave the island until the fiscal, the court and the other party are settled with and satisfied.
This process took me 2 months.
Explain that to your significant other when you are supposed to be fishing in the Florida Keys.
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WickedWillie
It's not just about finding the immediate money, I had an "impediamenta de salida" imposed on me, which means that one cannot leave the island until the fiscal, the court and the other party are settled with and satisfied.
This process took me 2 months.
Explain that to your significant other when you are supposed to be fishing in the Florida Keys.
Mine delayed me about an hour.
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
At the big companies like Budget and Avis you can buy liability insurance though and on top of that you can buy off the deductible. It will make the rental cost about twice as high as it is without the additional insurance, but I always take it.
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
you can have all the insurance in the world, but it appears according to DR law it does not mean shit while there, all it may do is get you re-imbursed when you get back, IF YOU GET BACK :eek:
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WickedWillie
It's not just about finding the immediate money, I had an "impediamenta de salida" imposed on me, which means that one cannot leave the island until the fiscal, the court and the other party are settled with and satisfied.
This process took me 2 months.
Explain that to your significant other when you are supposed to be fishing in the Florida Keys.
Ya hear that MOSHY??:eek:
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
psriches
Ya hear that MOSHY??:eek:
OUCH! :bash:
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Well, the most important thing is that dijinn and the other passengers were not seriously hurt. What if the passengers tried to take advantage of Dijinn? Dijinn is very fortunate that it was not worse.
Dijinn loss some money. But that is all he lost--money. Because he can still commute to work and home, walk, fuck women, see, and hear so he is actually a very very very lucky guy.
Money can always be made again but not one’s health condition.
I understand that some of you are reluctant to rent a car. But I will continue to rent one.
Of course there are pro’s and con’s between renting a car and using public transportation such as a taxi.
If I were to travel from Santo Domingo to Santiago or Sosua, then I would take the Metro or Caribe. It is cheap, has A/C, comfortable seats, and you can chat with chicas. :smile:
I rent a car from Alamo around 30 times in the DR and I enjoy the flexibility and freedom. I buy a Presidente, turn on the A/C, and hunt for chicas.
I actually got into a small accident while in a taxi (Toni you fucking asshole). Toni suddenly tried to squeeze between two cars and scratched both of them. Both drivers are cursing at him. Toni is cursing at the two. A police came and took Toni’s info. I sat there for around 30 minutes.
I had a few taxis just stop (battery died). I paid the driver, got out of the car, and walked.
I hate it when taxi’s drive through a red light late at night. Or if one of their headlights is not working. Serious safety concerns.
Taxi drivers are actually worse than the chicas. Taxi drivers will drive in circles to make it look like that your destination is farther than it actually is.
Lastly, they get a cut from the casas. For the chicas, this makes you look like a newbie which is not a good sign. And the chicas will be expecting a nice tip from you to make up for the loss cut that went to the taxi driver (1/3 of the price that you paid for the session).
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
psriches
Ya hear that MOSHY??:eek:
Fuck You Psriches LOL!!!!!!!! Don't hate the Master LOL. And where is Anyi DAMNIT!!!!!
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
My original post was not meant to deter people from renting cars. My sole intention was to explain exactly what happened to me so, others could learn from it and be prepared themselves.
Will I still rent cars? Absolutely. I enjoy the freedom a car gives you to travel all around the island without having to rely on anyone else or other means of transportation.
Will I drive more cautiously? Absolutely. No more trying to break my personal best record of 2 hours 20 minutes from Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo. I did learn that you cannot get a Honda CRV, going downhill, with the accelerator pinned to go over 125mph, during this reckless driving period. That is NOT kph... but mph. :corky:
I count myself lucky that noone got hurt and I got into an accident with a group of friendly Dominicans. I am dead serious about the lawyer showing up within 15 minutes of the accident and asking the OTHER party if they needed his services. Thankfully, they turned him down even after he stuck around for 10 more minutes trying to convince them, they needed him. I'm sure it could have been MUCH worse for me otherwise.
Like I said before... you live and learn.
- J.
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dijinn
I did learn that you cannot get a Honda CRV, going downhill, with the accelerator pinned to go over 125mph, during this reckless driving period. That is NOT kph... but mph. :corky:
Ok now this is what I define as fucking stupid. Hopefully, you have learned to appreciate life rather than gamble with death.
I hate when I see guys do this on the highway. They somehow survive the accident but kill 5 other people.
I remember when I brought my first car (sports car) and some idiot pulled up next to me gunning his engine at a red light. Then wanted to eyeball me. I eyeballed him back . when the light changed he floored it while I took off at my normal speed.
The next thing I knew the guy had to run on the sidewalk to avoid cars at the next light (blind hill) and tore up the side of his car on a sign. I got a good laugh as a cop witnessed the whole thing and pulled up next to him pissed.
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
moshy2k
Ok now this is what I define as fucking stupid. Hopefully, you have learned to appreciate life rather than gamble with death.
I hate when I see guys do this on the highway. They somehow survive the accident but kill 5 other people.
I remember when I brought my first car (sports car) and some idiot pulled up next to me gunning his engine at a red light. Then wanted to eyeball me. I eyeballed him back . when the light changed he floored it while I took off at my normal speed.
The next thing I knew the guy had to run on the sidewalk to avoid cars at the next light (blind hill) and tore up the side of his car on a sign. I got a good laugh as a cop witnessed the whole thing and pulled up next to him pissed.
There are a lot of idiots here in Boston who want to race me. Recently, a few assholes who drive an Infiniti G35 Coupe who think that they are driving an M5 or RS4. :icontd:
I ignore them and I also drive at a normal pace. They stay on the left lane and they stop because the car in front of him is trying to make a left turn. So I just pass him. :D
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jd_mine
At the big companies like Budget and Avis you can buy liability insurance though and on top of that you can buy off the deductible. It will make the rental cost about twice as high as it is without the additional insurance, but I always take it.
JD... a seasoned monger.. wise words!!!!!!! You can also buy this at Adventure as the basic FULL INSURANCE is with a 3,000 deductable
I strictly use Adventure Rent a Car and Jason and Gipsy have given me exceptional service....
I have had three accidents in the DR with their cars and NEVER had a horror story with them and actually they have gotten me out of a couple of jams.......
I even have totaled a Jeepeta (Overturned on the bridge going into the Casino) ... and thank the Lord no one has ever been hurt or i would still be in jail no matter how much insurance or what credit card you use until all is paid off
I have had the same with the Credit Card voucher being torn up when I pay cash and get a discount.
As far as Insurance I have been told it is a $3,000.00 deductable and that has been covered by my credit card.. every Credit Card has different requirements...
Jason has always told me NOT to pay the the other driver but let them go thru insurance and Adventure has handled this...
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
I have rented cars many times in the last 5 years in the DR. Mostly from Adventure when I want the Montero, also Thrifty and also National/Alamo.
National/Alamo (use Alamo site as it is better rate, us YQ for discount code). With Alamo I always select the full collision coverage with no deductible. I have had two minor accidents while using Alamo. All you need to do is go get a police report and turn it in when you bring the car back. If you have a police report there is no hassle and you are not out any money other than the ~$18 per day.
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dgaston87
I have rented cars many times in the last 5 years in the DR. Mostly from Adventure when I want the Montero, also Thrifty and also National/Alamo.
National/Alamo (use Alamo site as it is better rate, us YQ for discount code). With Alamo I always select the full collision coverage with no deductible. I have had two minor accidents while using Alamo. All you need to do is go get a police report and turn it in when you bring the car back. If you have a police report there is no hassle and you are not out any money other than the ~$18 per day.
What about the other car?
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
moshy2k
What about the other car?
EXACTLY!!!!
I usually decline all insurance and use the coverage on my MasterCard that includes everything(no deductible) EXCEPT liability.
I believe the previous poster would be covered if he purchased the additional coverage. So the issue for him would be, what time of day is it, who witnessed, who does he call, is the office open at that time, what the Policia report says, do you carry your rental agreement/insurance info around at 3am, is it in spanish, etc.
I, on the other hand, would be all fucked up if in an accident. My car would be covered but I would have to pay for the other cars damages on the spot if POLICIA says it was my fault!
So maybe we should start thinking about liability insurance and also find out from the rental agent or someone in the know, exactly what to do if in an accident at 3am!!:eek:
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
Quote:
Originally Posted by
psriches
EXACTLY!!!!
I usually decline all insurance and use the coverage on my MasterCard that includes everything(no deductible) EXCEPT liability.
I believe the previous poster would be covered if he purchased the additional coverage. So the issue for him would be, what time of day is it, who witnessed, who does he call, is the office open at that time, what the Policia report says, do you carry your rental agreement/insurance info around at 3am, is it in spanish, etc.
I, on the other hand, would be all fucked up if in an accident. My car would be covered but I would have to pay for the other cars damages on the spot if POLICIA says it was my fault!
So maybe we should start thinking about liability insurance and also find out from the rental agent or someone in the know, exactly what to do if in an accident at 3am!!:eek:
I don't think that will work too well.
The person who gets hit is not going to sign off just because you tell him you have insurance.
You will still need to pay and the insurance company, after they investigate for fraud, will repay you.
You may not have to pay for the rental car, if you have their insurance, but if it's through anyone other than them, you'll probably have to put it on your credit card.
The bottom line is, if you can't afford to spend a month there working it out, don't rent a car.
Re: Auto Accident Experience in the DR
The more research i do, the more i realize how crazy/lucky i've been these last 30 trips to DR. I've basically driven all around this 3rd world country on mountain roads, through the capital, campo, etc with no liability insurance. My Geico insurance which covers car rentals indicated to me that DR was an exception. They will not cover anything in DR! My mastercard just won't cover liability.
This quote was taken off the US State Department's Website in the DR section:
"Dominican law requires that a driver be taken into custody for driving under the influence or being involved in an accident that causes serious injury or death, even if the driver is insured and appears not to have been at fault. The minimum detention period is 48 hours; however, detentions frequently last until a judicial decision is reached (often weeks or months), or until a waiver is signed by the injured party (usually as the result of a cash settlement)."