Do I actually need rental car insurance?

Short answer: probably yes, but not necessarily from the rental counter.

Step 1: Check your credit card

Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X offer primary rental car coverage. If you charge the full rental to one of these, you may be fully covered for collision and theft — for free.

Secondary coverage cards (most cards) pay only after your personal auto insurance, meaning you'd still file with your own insurer first — which can raise your rates.

Step 2: Check your personal auto policy

Your personal auto policy typically extends to US rentals — but with your deductible, and a potential premium increase after a claim.

Step 3: What's not covered anywhere

Credit cards and personal policies rarely cover tire and glass damage, loss-of-use fees (days the car is in the shop), or admin fees. Third-party providers like RentalCover do.