Do I need insurance to Rent a Car?

Obviously, you do need insurance to rent a car. You may have adequate coverage under you own personal insurance company. Your own insurance probably covers a rental car if you have comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance coverage. Of course, before you rent a car, you should call your insurance company to verify your coverage!

Many credit card companies also provide car rental insurance, so when you decide which credit card you want to use to rent your car, call them to see what coverage they provide.

Of course, if you do not own a car, you may not have insurance. Every US state requires proof of financial responsibility to drive a car. This usually means you need to have, at least liability insurance. Of course, since you don't own the car, you would be responsible for damages as well. If you don't rent a car very often, you may be able to purchase this type of insurance at the counter when you rent. Make sure you verify that this meets, at least, the state minimum requirement.

If you rent a car very often for business or pleasure, then you can purchase a non owner policy. This policy covers you, as a driver, rather than a specific car. These types of policy usually only cost a few hundred dollars, and they will give you peace of mind, as well as meet legal requirements for driving.

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