What if you have an accident without car insurance in a rental car?

Answer 1

you can't get a car from a rental agency without first purchasing rentals insurance.

That's not true.

You have the option to deny insurance coverage provided by the rental company (that YOU pay extra for) when you get a rental, if you so choose.

There is no policy (at least in the US) that states you have to provide insurance or accept the insurance they offer.

However, the specific company may have a policy rider that states you must PROVE that you HAVE FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE in order to rent their cars if you deny their extra-cost insurance coverage. But there is no "law" that says you have to have buy their insurance in order to rent from a car rental agency.

You can look at rental-car insurance in one of two ways: as a rip-off, or, as a hassle free way to wash your hands of ANY damage responsibility to the vehicle, if you have extra money to throw away.

Rental insurance is really offered to renters as an extra, in order to make money for the company. And most companies push the counter agents to sell all the add-ons, insurance, etc. by giving them commission for what and how much of it they sell to their customers. Don't let them push you into anything you don't want. And if they do, walk-away and find another rental agency.

** Always check with your insurance company and be certain that your current auto insurance DOES cover you completely, while you're in a rental car. You may not be covered if your personal auto policy only has the minimum coverage required by law in your state. In that case, you might want to consider the additional coverage. But talk to your agent FIRST.

If you have a car and you have full coverage, your own insurance will usually cover you in ANY car that you drive. A rental, a friends, etc.

If you have a wreck in a rental that is covered under your personal coverage, you would have to pay deductible and that's all.

If you wreck a rental and you have no insurance of your own, and you didn't take the car rental company's insurance, then you're screwed and totally responsible for ALL of the damage to that rental vehicle.

Also - some credit cards will cover insurance or damage if you rent a car with their card, but again, you need to check with the credit card issuer FIRST before you make the assumption.