Consider non-owner car insurance if you don’t plan to own a car but will be renting frequently. This provides liability coverage when driving a vehicle you don’t own, such as a rental. It doesn’t cover damage to the rental car but can provide bodily injury and property damage coverage.

If you live in Florida for part of the year, be aware that Florida requires drivers to have PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). 

However, you may not need to worry about this if you’re renting cars, as the rental company’s insurance typically covers these requirements if you book the entire rental on that credit card – check with your card issuer prior to booking.

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Written by:
Shivani Gite
Contributing Writer
Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.
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Reviewed by:
Laura Longero
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Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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Does a non-owner policy cover damage to the rental car?

No. Non-owner insurance covers liability to other people and their property. You can purchase the rental agency’s Collision Damage Waiver for damage to the rental vehicle or see if your credit card offers primary or secondary collision coverage.

How credit card car rental insurance works

Many credit cards offer some form of rental car insurance as a complimentary benefit, typically referred to as auto rental collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage. This coverage can help pay for damages due to collision or theft, saving you from having to purchase the rental company’s insurance. However, it’s important to note that the specifics can vary greatly depending on the card provider and the type of card you have.

Some cards provide primary coverage, meaning they pay out before your personal insurance, while others offer secondary coverage, which kicks in after your personal policy has been exhausted.

Does my personal car insurance cover me when renting a car in Florida or Hawaii?

Yes, your personal car insurance can often extend to cover rental cars, but it depends on your specific policy. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal vehicle, that coverage might also apply to the rental car. This typically includes damage to a rental car caused by accidents, theft or vandalism.

However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to confirm the details, as some policies might have exclusions. For example, if you’re renting a car for an extended period, your personal auto insurance may not fully cover the rental. Additionally, liability coverage for injuries and property damage to others may be limited, so you should purchase supplemental liability coverage from the rental company.

Final thoughts

Renting a car while living in Florida and Hawaii for extended periods is a convenient way to get around. Still, it’s essential to understand the insurance coverage options available to you. 

Whether you rely on your personal car insurance, credit card benefits, or rental company coverage, each option has pros and cons. To avoid unexpected costs, it’s important to verify your coverage details before renting and ensure that you’re adequately protected from both damage to the vehicle and liability for accidents.

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Contributing Writer

Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.