Car Rental Questions

Renting a car for a trip from Chicago to Denver for 5 days. I don't own a car right now, so I don't have insurance. I read that the major credit cards provide insurance if you pay for the rental with them. If I pay with my Visa, will that be enough to meet the legal minimums? If not, what do I need to buy from the rental place?

General tips & tricks?

Thank you

13 Comments
 

How old are you? You probably don't need fancy insurance, just liability coverage.

Check these pages: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/auto/insurance/do-i-need-insurance-… https://www.esurance.com/insurance-resources/rental-car-insurance-myth

Most rental car companies offer coverage at the window (usually with different levels based on your age, and you can choose which one you want). When I was renting cars in college (for weekend trips, etc.) I just got liability and LDW.

Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 
Best Response
chicandtoughness

How old are you? You probably don't need fancy insurance, just liability coverage.

Check these pages:
http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/auto/insurance...
https://www.esurance.com/insurance-resources/renta...

Most rental car companies offer coverage at the window (usually with different levels based on your age, and you can choose which one you want). When I was renting cars in college (for weekend trips, etc.) I just got liability and LDW.

I'm 22. I know Visa offers automatic LDW if you rent using them. How much am I looking at being 22?
heister: Look at all these wannabe richies hating on an expensive salad. https://arthuxtable.com/
 
GoldenCinderblock

I'm 22. I know Visa offers automatic LDW if you rent using them. How much am I looking at being 22?

I remember getting something in the $12-14 range per day (I'm also a female, so no idea if that has effect on the rate). I also didn't have automatic coverage from a CC company, so I'm not too sure how that works. Shouldn't be too bad either way.
Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 

There's typically a $25/day fee for renters under 25.

Pro tip: create a USAA account and reserve your rental car through their website. (You don't have to have any military affiliations for a basic account). If you reserve through them they waive the $25/day fee for 25 drivers and give a 5-20% discount depending on the rental company. Saved me a lot of money on car rentals when I was younger.

"I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
 

Visa cards often provide secondary coverage for rental cars, which can cover damages not included in your personal insurance, however, they usually do not satisfy state-required liability coverage. Rental companies typically require you to have at least the minimum liability insurance, which covers injuries or property damage to others. For a 5-day trip from Chicago to Denver without personal insurance, it’s safest to purchase the rental company’s liability coverage or a combined package that includes collision and liability. Some rentals also allow you to show proof of coverage through certain credit cards, but confirming the exact terms with the card issuer is important.

Peacock Rentals, for instance, outlines clear insurance requirements on their Los Angeles rentals, emphasizing that renters must meet state liability minimums even when using credit card coverage. Following similar guidance can help avoid surprises when picking up a car. Additionally, consider roadside assistance coverage if you’ll be on a long interstate route, as it adds extra peace of mind.

This approach ensures compliance with legal requirements and protects against unexpected expenses during the trip.

 

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