I live in Manhattan and (this may sound strange outside of NYC) but have never owned a car (Budget is across the street--5 others within 4 blocks). So I do not have any other policies of car insurance.

Is it worth it to get supplemental liability insurance @ $7.00/day. I know that Hertz/Avis/whatever would be primarily responsible, but is this extra $7 just throwing away money or actually a valid "peace of mind" investment?

I saw this subject raised on another recent post but wanted to start my own since the other post was really an advertisement which I didn't want to promote.

I, personally, would never consider renting a car without knowing I had some coverage even if only for the "peace of mind" as you say.

However, if you are a member of some association such as AARP or AAA and rent from "certain" car companies contracted with them, in addition to the rental discounts, you do get certain amounts of enhanced primary liability coverage and also a specified maximum amount of personal responsibility for rental car damage. If you are a member, you might want to call them for more information on their coverage and what it requires you to do when you rent.

If you rent using a major credit card, many include rental car insurance coverage which would eliminate the need for you to buy the LDW (loss damage waiver) the rental company offers.

Contact MC or VISA to make sure your card covers this. Actually, $7/day isn't bad; most I've seen are $11-$15 day additional!

Bottom line? YES, you should have some kind of insurance for a car rental. If you don't and something happens, you are 100% liable for any repairs, etc., and the hassle would be considerable. Like any insurance, it's a "just in case" thing, but IMO, the risk of not having it isn't worth the little you'd save.

Thank you...

Actually, I am more concerned about liability (personal) than I am worried about the car. Everyone seems to be suing everyone over a fender bender. I don't think that any credit cards cover this yet.

Understand the liability angle, but you still should have property damage coverage. As for liability, if you have homeowners or renters insurance, you might check with your agent; possible there is already *some* liability coverage in there, or you may be able to purchase a short-term rider for the time you will be renting a car. good luck.

Jeff, you are quite correct to be concerned about the liability angle. If you wreck the car, that's bad, but your liability is (pretty much) limited to the value of the car. Plow into a pedestrian, however, and the sky's the limit on your liability. Plus, if you cause an accident far from home, you'd have to defend the suit far away, and that would be expensive and difficult. So I'd make it a priority to call an insurance agent and find out what they can sell you, particularly if they offer something that wraps in liability, collision on your car, and property damage on things you might hit. If you go the credit card route, read the fine print because there are probably lots of exclusions.

Here's a question though: most states require minimum insurance. If you drove a rental car without liability coverage, would you be violating the law? Just wondering.

Thank you all---

Maggie--> the car has minimum coverage allowed by law so you are not driving without insurance. It usually is not enough, though. I guess in Montana you may take a chance but in NY it won't be (no insult to Montana but a same injury would be 10 times less than in NY or Ca.)