JamesHQ

Do I need some sort of insurance on a road trip in case of an accident or something or is it unnecessary? I want the expenses to be a minimum and don't want to get fooled to buy something I don't really need.

Melnq8

Are we talking rental car insurance? Medical insurance? Are you driving your own car? Traveling in your own country?

I always waive rental car insurance as my Visa card covers rentals in the US and countries outside of the US (there are exceptions). There is often some insurance already included in rental cars too, the amount of coverage varies by state.

There might also be coverage for rental cars under the insurance for the car you own in your home country.

My medical insurance covers me at home and throughout the world (although at a higher cost as out of network).

I suggest you look at the coverage you already have and then go from there.

J62

Tell us more about your trip and we can give you more info...

Are you talking about driving your own personal car, or renting one?
If you are renting a car, do you have your own vehicle registered and insured in the US?

Generally speaking, any insurance you need for driving around town will be sufficient for a road trip.

While the minimum amount of coverage varies from state to state, all drivers and all vehicles need to have some level of insurance.
The purpose of insurance is to protect others as well as yourself. There may be some states that insurance isn't required if you can demonstrate enough $$ of your own, but I don't know of any off hand...

The question to ask yourself is "what happens if there is an accident...."
a) if you damage your vehicle, or other property.
b) you injure someone (or worse)...

Anyone suffering a loss will seek compensation from you the driver and/or the owner of the car. If the loss is big, and you have money (even if hidden away), you may need to pay out of your own pocket if you do not have sufficient insurance to cover the loss.

jamie99

Be sure and check if your personal car insurance covers rental cars in case of an accident, my sister just had to put hers in the shop, and her insurance (Allstate) did not cover rental cars so she borrowed mine for two weeks.
In California, liability is mandatory, CDW/LDW it depends. If your car is paid for, some folks opt for liability only (I don't), if financing or leasing, CDW is mandatory as well.
I agree though, you need to clarify what TYPE of insurance. Please provide more info.

Gretchen

I think Jamie is talking about personal car insurance for the owner driving the car--not a rental agreement from a car rental agency.

But liability insurance from somewherer--credit card/insurance company/rental company-- IS required in every state on all cars, personal or rental.

jamie99

Right, Gretchen, I was talking about driving your own car on a trip If I rent a car, they normally will try and sell you insurance offered by the rental car company. This is why it is important to know what your personal car insurance does and does not cover.
Hopefully the OP will return and clarify their original post.

mlgb

It doesn't sound like he owns a car. I'm not even sure what country he is from.

Yes you need some kind of car insurance. Sometimes credit cards cover that (maybe Visa Platinum or Amex). Or you can look for a separate travel insurance cover including car rentals.

If you live overseas often there are packages that include insurance as part of the rate. Buying it at the counter tends to be expensive.