Car Rental Insurance

• When renting a car, you will be responsible for any damage that is done to the vehicle, so make sure you are covered either through your own insurance company or by purchasing the insurance offered at time of rental.
  
  

Personal Car Insurance

• Most personal insurance policies will provide you with protection when driving a rental car, but check with your rental agent. Only drivers covered by your personal insurance will be covered in a rental vehicle, so if anyone else does any damage to the car, you'll be responsible.
  
  

Maximum Payouts

• A personal car insurance policy will often have a maximum payout--regardless of how badly damaged the car is, you will only receive a payout up to this maximum amount. If you're driving a rental vehicle that is worth a lot more then your personal car, if anything happens, you'll be responsible for the difference between the maximum payout amount and the value of the rental car.
  
  

Credit Card Coverage

• The majority of credit card companies offer car insurance coverage if you use their card to rent a car. It is important to understand the coverage they provide, so read your credit card agreement carefully and call for clarification if you are unsure. Credit card companies often reimburse you for the damage cost, so verify how long it will take to get your money back from them--and what documentation you will have to provide.
  
  

Rental Agency Options

• If you are not covered by personal insurance or a credit card, it is best to accept the rental agency's coverage. They usually offer a collision damage waiver. which means that you are covered for any damage done to the vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. This covers only the damage done to the rental vehicle, however. Rental agencies usually offer liability coverage, too, and you can usually buy various levels of it depending on your needs.