Core Insights - Understanding rental car insurance options can help consumers avoid unnecessary costs and ensure adequate coverage when renting a vehicle Group 1: Credit Card Rental Car Insurance - Many credit cards offer rental car coverage, typically for damage to the rental vehicle but excluding liability or medical coverage [2][10] - Coverage requirements may vary; for example, MasterCard limits rental agreements to 15 days and vehicle value to $50,000, while Visa coverage lasts up to 31 days [2] - Credit card rental car insurance can be classified as primary or secondary, affecting how claims are filed [7][11] Group 2: Personal Auto Insurance and Rental Cars - Most standard auto insurance policies extend coverage to rental cars for personal use, but liability coverage may not apply if only liability insurance is held [4][5] - Collision and comprehensive coverage from personal auto policies typically extend to rental cars, but business use may be excluded [5] - If personal auto insurance is not held, secondary credit card coverage may become primary [11] Group 3: Rental Car Company Insurance Options - Rental car companies offer various insurance add-ons, including supplemental liability insurance and collision damage waivers (CDW) [16][20] - The cost of supplemental liability coverage can range from $8 to nearly $43 per day, depending on location and rental company [19] - CDW or loss damage waiver costs typically range from $10 to $45 per day, with potential for higher amounts [21] Group 4: Benefits of Credit Card Rental Car Insurance - Utilizing credit card rental car insurance can save money as it may be a built-in benefit at no additional cost [28] - Credit card secondary coverage can reimburse deductibles paid under personal auto insurance [29] - Credit card coverage can provide additional protection if primary coverage fails or is not available [30] Group 5: Steps to Ensure Coverage - Consumers should verify credit card rental car insurance coverage before renting, especially for international rentals [32] - Opting into primary rental car protection through credit cards may offer higher limits and extended coverage [33] - Declining the rental car company's damage waiver is necessary to activate credit card insurance benefits [34]