Compulsory insurance for renting a car?

Question

I have no car (a choice of mine, I go to school by bike).
But I rent a car at times (week-end, short getaways).
The insurance costs *always* MORE than the car rental itself!?
What are my options:
What is the minimum insurance I must have according to the Law?
I have heard of non-owner car insurance? Which insurance companies would you recommend? Is ti worth it? I rent only like 5 to 6 times a year, for a total period of time amounting to 25 days max.
Thanks

in the State of California, in the Sillicon Valley.

Answer 1

The rental company is required by law to provide liability coverage in the base rental rates. In most cases you are on the hook for damange to the vehicle, regardless of cause or fault.

You can either take the waiver at the absurdly high price OR use a credit card that provides that coverage. Most gold and platinum credit cards provide free damage waiver coverage as a cardholder benefit. There are exceptions and restrictions -- usually for high-cost vehicles and trucks -- so read your cardholder agreement carefully.

While a few insurance companies offer non-owner auto insurance it's usually limited to liability only. A much better bet (and often actually cheaper) is a blanket liability policy. That covers all liability claims, not just when driving a car. Homeowners and renters insurance policies usually include blanket liability coverage and you can just bump up the limit for a modest charge. I've got $1 million public liability on my homeowners policy for just over $100 a year and it does supplement my auto policy's liability coverage.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

What state are you in? Most states require bodily injury insurance and property damage. They are the basic liability insurances.

The limits on this and whether or not non-owner's insurance is available would depend on what state you are in. That is the only way you would be able to buy insurance w/o owning your own vehicle.

Insurance, whether it be from a separate vendor or from the rental car place is definitely worth it. If you cause an accident, you will want something to protect your assets.

Answer 4

Talk to a regular insurance agent. There may be short-term rental policies available. We sell them. I can sell one that is good for full coverage on a rental anywhere in Canada or the US. Mind you, you have to have a Manitoba driver licence to buy it from me, but I can't believe out of all the provinces and states we are the only jurisdiction offering it. Credit card options usually only cover CDW, not extended liability, or loss-of-use coverage. If you have no external policy options available, be very aware of what you sign. You really don't want to be facing an instant bill for the retail value of the car.

Answer 5

I would instead seek out another car rental service. Yu must live in a high risk area or close to Mexico.
Usually the insurance is 8 to 12 a day bucks a day or was the last tiems I rented.

I would call geico or someone like that. you can contact them 7 days aweek, 24 hours a day.if they don't handle it check elswhere. ut th e 8 to 12 bucks a day may be your best shot.

check this site for car rental insurance.
http://www.carrentals.com/order.jsp;jsessionid=KOFIFENKHLJP?

http://www.carrentals.com/?ref=ovcarrentalinsurance