When you rent a car, you usually don’t need the insurance that you’re offered. Your own auto insurance policy probably will provide the coverage you need. However, there are exceptions.
For example, long-term rentals might not be covered. If you’re renting the car for a week or longer, check with your agent. If your current policy won’t provide coverage, see if a rider can be added for a smaller fee than you’d pay at the car rental counter.
What’s more, some people have an old car with no comprehensive and collision insurance. If you’re in that situation, you won’t be covered if your rental car is stolen or damaged in an accident. You should check with your credit card company to see if it will provide that coverage.
Without coverage from either your own policy or your credit card, your best choice might be to purchase “collision damage waiver” (CDW) insurance from the car rental company. Expect to pay $10-$20 a day for this coverage.
