When you rent a private passenger vehicle, you are liable for injuries and property damage you cause to others, and for damage to the rental vehicle, whether it was your fault or not. With some restrictions, your auto insurance policy will cover you in your territory ( United States, its possessions, territories, or Canada) if you injure someone, or their property; that is bodily injury and property damage liability. (A Canadian proof of insurance card is required from our office before you drive in Canada. It is usually requested for proof as you cross the border) In most cases, your auto policy will also cover the damage to the private passenger vehicle rental. If you carry comprehensive and collision coverage on at least one of your covered autos with us, that same coverage will carry over to the auto you rent. When you rent a vehicle, be sure to review and note any physical damage with the rental agent before you leave their location. Keep a copy of these notations for your return. Before you leave the parking lot, check your auto for fuel, brakes, lights and such. Also be sure you know how to operate things--light switches, radio, wipers, etc. It would be good to ask when the last services were done, as well to determine if the auto will perform properly for your travels.
If you plan to use your credit card for physical damage to your private passenger rental auto, read the fine print. Some credit card companies provide coverage only after you prove there is no coverage under your personal policy. Some credit card companies actually have a dollar limitation as well as very restrictive coverage.
Auto rental agencies will try to convince you that their damage waiver is required or leave you with a feeling that there is no coverage for physical damage from your auto policy. Call if you have questions on this, before you travel if possible, so that you can give the rental agency the best answer for you. Paying for coverage with the rental agency could double the cost of renting an auto. This is a coverage designed to save our clients money as they travel.