Can I Rent a Car Without Having personal Automobile Insurance?

I do not own a car currently, so I have no personal automobile insurance. I am planning to rent a car next weekend. Am I allowed to rent a car and will I have to buy the liability insurance?

When you search throught different car rental company rental requirements, age, credit ID and drivers license are the basic requirements. As long as you have a valid drivers license and meet the age and credit card requirements, you can rent a car.


Car rental companies are required to provide basic public liability and property damage coverage, in their rates, up to the minimum limits required by law for that particular state.

When you see optional coverages listed, like ALI or SLI (Additional or Supplemental Liability Insurance), keep in mind that those only INCREASE liability coverage beyond state minimums... they are not mandatory!

Keep in mind that the liability does not cover the rental car itself, that would be a seperate optional waiver that you would be offered by the car rental company. If you do not take it, that's fine, but know that you would be fully financially responsible for any loss (theft) or damage to the rental car.

Hope this helps!