It's Still the Same Old Story

Your own car insurance may include some coverage for rental cars -- but what exactly? If you own an Escort and you demolish a rented Mercedes, will it cover you for the cost of your old Escort, or the cost of the new Mercedes?

Before prepaying for a rental, make sure there aren't hidden charges for insurance you don't need. When renting overseas, ask if there are extra, mandatory insurance charges, or any other quirks. Italy, for example, requires you to buy theft insurance. And if you have an accident in Mexico and aren't carrying proof of insurance, you'll likely sit in jail until officials work out who's responsible.

10. Missing luggage.

Example: I arrived in Aspen for a three-day ski trip, but the bag with all my ski clothes and camera didn't show up. Shouldn't they reimburse me since I had to replace those items in order to enjoy my vacation? And what will happen if they never find the bag?

The second question is easier because there are consistent rules: By federal law, airline liability is capped at $2,800 per ticketed person on domestic flights. But that doesn't mean you'll get $2,800. In fact, the camera is a loss -- electronic items are not covered. Second, liability is based on the depreciated value of lost items, not replacement value. Finally, the airline will want receipts for items you claim. Only the most anal-retentive among us is going to have receipts, especially for things like clothing, and airlines are sometimes flexible on that point.

The cap for liability on international flights, set by international treaty, is much lower -- about $600, depending on exchange rates.

Policies differ tremendously when it comes to reimbursing you for missing items you desperately need if you arrive without your bag and not in your home city. Northwest and Southwest offer an amenity kit and $50 the first day. On the second day, Northwest's cap is $150. Continental may approve up to $250 if a bag is lost for more than a day. US Airways has a limit of $25 for three days. American doesn't specify a limit. "We take every circumstance individually," says spokesman Tim Wagner.

JetBlue offers $25 per day after 24 hours, but more can be approved and the time frame reduced on a case-by-case basis. United "may consider up to 50 percent reimbursement of necessities." Delta provides a $25 emergency stipend after 24 hours.

In all cases, if you're hoping to be reimbursed for the purchase of replacement items, you'll need to get the airline's prior authorization. To avoid a misunderstanding, try to get the authorization in writing. Also be aware that even if an airline agrees to reimburse you for clothing in a delayed bag, it may cover only half the purchase price. (The thinking is that you'll enjoy permanent use of the items even if your bag eventually shows up.)

Consider wearing, or packing in a carry-on, any essential, expensive, unrentable items. That way, if you're headed to Aspen and your clothes head to Cancun, or vice versa, at least you can have fun while you await a resolution.