Do you want to make sure you are protected from having to pay any damage fees while you are renting a car? You will need to make sure you fully understand the rental vehicle insurance requirements in the US before you arrive to pick up your vehicle.
 | Use Your Existing Insurance | |
For US Residents Insurance for your rental car is often included by your personal car insurance policy for your own vehicle. Sometimes it is also covered by credit card providers, and existing travel insurance policies. You will need to find out if you are covered by any of these sources before you arrive to collect your vehicle. If you are not a US resident, you may need to look into purchasing a separate travel insurance policy.For Non-Residents It is illegal to drive in the US without insurance, so visitors to the country will need to check the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. If you purchase travel insurance before traveling to the US, you will need to take the time to read the fine print. Travel insurance usually refers to the excess amount of a rental car, and not the car insurance itself. This means you may need to purchase additional insurance to make sure you are only liable to pay an excess amount, or your travel insurance will be worthless. Car rental insurance works differently in the United States than it does in other countries. | ||
 | Purchase Protection Products | |||||||||||
| The most important product to purchase at the car rental counter is Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver. This relieves you of any financial responsibility for a rental vehicle damaged while it is in your possession. You can also choose to purchase Supplemental Liability Insurance to protect your excess liability up to $1 million. Other options include Personal Accident Insurance (covering you and all renters for any medical expenses), and Personal Effects Coverage (covering the theft or damage to any personal items inside the rental car).
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