Do I Need Rental Car Insurance?
Whether to buy the rental company's coverage depends on what you already have. Answer a few questions to see what likely covers a rental car and where the gaps are.
Rental Car Insurance Checker
How this works
Rental car coverage is really a question of what already applies. If you carry collision and comprehensive on your own auto policy, that coverage typically extends to a rental car in the United States, subject to your deductible. Liability coverage also generally follows the driver in that situation.
Credit cards are the second common source of coverage. Many cards provide collision damage coverage when the rental is paid with the card and the renter declines the rental company's damage waiver. That benefit usually covers damage to the rental car, not liability or injuries, and it often excludes certain vehicle types, countries and rental lengths.
The rental company's damage waiver is not insurance in the usual sense. It is an agreement that the company will not charge you for damage to the vehicle. It can be worth buying when you have no other coverage, when you are renting abroad, or when the rental is for business use that your own policy excludes. This tool applies general rules to your answers; it does not read your policy or card terms.
Frequently asked questions
Does my auto insurance cover a rental car?
In most cases, collision and comprehensive coverage on your own policy extends to a rental car in the United States, subject to your deductible. Liability coverage generally follows the driver as well. Confirm the details with your insurer before you travel.
Is the rental company's damage waiver worth it?
It can be worth buying when you have no collision coverage of your own, when a credit card benefit does not apply, when you are renting abroad, or when the rental is for business use. If you already have coverage, it is often optional.
Does my credit card really cover rental cars?
Many cards provide collision damage coverage when you pay with the card and decline the rental company's waiver. The benefit usually covers damage to the rental car only, and it comes with limits and exclusions that vary by card.
What does rental car insurance not cover?
Depending on the source, it may not cover liability, injuries, personal belongings, or rentals outside the country, and business use is often excluded. Read the policy or card benefit guide for the specific exclusions.
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