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Where did you both grow up?

We both grew up on farms in Minnesota—Brian near Bemidji, and Peggy near Worthington. We moved to Iowa in 1994.

Tell us a little about your family.

We have a son who works as a project engineer in Des Moines. Our daughter is a business owner/bookkeeper, is married and resides near Spearfish, SD. Our youngest daughter will graduate in May from college with a degree in Music Performance for violin.

The two of you run a family-owned business. Tell our readers about that.

Owning our own business became a reality in September 2014. For three years prior to our opening, Brian was doing repairs from our home garage in West Des Moines and working for Principal Financial Group’s aviation department. Because of the number of people requesting his services, we researched and financially prepared to see if we could open a real repair shop.

Peggy went from managing the family of five to being the Willard Garage owner/office manager. Brian is the owner/technician. We aim to treat people the way we want to be treated. It’s been good to add more technicians and office assistants as we grow.

What do you enjoy most about working in the Waukee community?

Waukee is a great community of “Iowa nice” people. It has a small-town feel, but it’s growing! Meeting locals and new residents is one part of our job that is so enjoyable.

Summer travel season is fast approaching. Do you have any tips for folks gearing up to hit the road for summer travel?

Make sure your spare tire has adequate air in it. Also, every oil change at Willard Garage includes a good safety inspection to make sure you’re good to roll down the road. This includes checking all fluids, tires, battery, hoses/belts and brakes.

Everyone has a different tolerance for risk and should make their own decision, but we can help you be aware of the risks you will assume if you decline the waiver. Please take time to consider the following.

Most auto policies do provide liability coverage for your use of a rented or borrowed car, just as they do when you’re driving your own vehicle – assuming it’s a passenger car, SUV, etc., and not a truck used for business.

Coverage for damage to the rented vehicle is less certain. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on at least one of your vehicles, that same coverage will apply to a rented vehicle if you are responsible for repairs.

Certain expenses may not be covered by your personal insurance, and because of this risk, some choose to purchase the waiver from the rental company. These expenses include:

Loss of Rental Income. If the car rental company claims they are losing rental income while the car is being repaired, they may hold you responsible for the lost income. The rental company may charge their maximum daily rent amount, which can really add up if the repairs take an extended period of time.

Diminished Value. The rental company may claim that, because of the damage and subsequent repair, the vehicle is worth less when it comes to resale. Your policy may not pay for a loss like that, nor will it pay for other indirect costs, such as towing.

Operation by Unauthorized Drivers. Your policy will not pay for loss caused by someone driving the vehicle if that person is not covered by your rental policy. This includes a valet attendant parking the rented vehicle. (A similar restriction may be in the damage waiver.)

Risk of Impairing the Use of Your Credit Card. It is possible that, if the rental company holds you responsible for any or all of these obligations, the company may immediately place a charge on your credit card pending final resolution of the claim.

We hope this information will relieve some uncertainty and help you enjoy your upcoming vacation or business trip.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact your local INSPRO Insurance office today.

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Faces of Waukee: Brian & Peggy Willard

Should I Buy the Damage Waiver When Renting a Car?