The rental counter will push expensive add-ons, but you may already be covered. Check these three sources first.
1. Your own car insurance
If you carry liability, collision, and comprehensive, that coverage usually extends to a rental car in the U.S. Your deductibles still apply.
2. Your credit card
Many cards include rental-car coverage when you pay with the card and decline the rental company's collision waiver. It is often secondary (after your own insurance), though some premium cards offer primary coverage.
3. The rental company
Their products fill gaps:
- Loss damage waiver (LDW): voids your responsibility for damage to the rental.
- Supplemental liability: extra liability protection.
How to decide
If you have full coverage plus a card with primary rental coverage, you may safely decline most add-ons. If you carry liability-only or are traveling abroad, the rental company's coverage may be worth it.