Can you get (cheaper) car insurance for a rental car? I.E. Not from the rental company?

If you own a car, ask your insurance company if your insurance covers rentals.

Nope, I don’t. I’ve been out of the country for a few years.

Most assuredly! Make sure your regular auto insurance coverage includes rentals. : )

Again, I do not have insurance, thus the question.

Do you own a vehicle?

Nope, I don’t. I’ve been out of the country for a few years.

Sorry. Should have read the other responses. : (

Then you don’t have any choice but to take the insurance the auto rental company offers.

No prob.

OK, thanks, thats what I wanted to know. I guess that’s how you get away with charging nearly $300 in insurance for one week…

Hang on a second!

Do you have a gold or platinum credit card? If so, these cards provide insurance if you decline the insurance waiver.

It works, too, I think. It provides first dollar coverage (no out of pocket). I was just making a claim yesterday for that. A lot of paperwork. But worth it since I have $500 deductible for my auto insurance.

Of course, if you don’t have a card with this benefit, you’re back to paying it from them.

Yes, check what your credit card company provides in rental car insurance. It often will provide for comp and collision on rental cars.

As others have said, check with your credit card company.

Regardless, do get insurance. It’s expensive, but cheaper than the alternative should the worst occur.

Just don’t get the insurance. Odds are you won’t be in an accident. Drive very very carefully.

Some insurance companies offer something called “driver’s insurance” – you can become an insured driver even if you don’t own your own vehicle. This covers you if you rent a car, drive a friend’s car, etc. It is relatively inexpensive – I believe about $25 per month. I know USAA offers it but you need to be a member of USAA. You can call some car insurance companies and buy it for one month – it would save you a lot of money. However, this may not cover damage to the car – so that is the kind of thing you should find out if your credit card would cover.