Do I Have to Get Insurance Through Avis to Rent a Car?

You can choose to rent a car without buying any protections or coverages through Avis. Just keep in mind that while you are renting, you will be responsible for anything that happens to the car, such as a collision, vandalism, tire damage, or a rollover.

In some cases, your rental vehicle may be covered by your personal insurance or your credit card. If you plan to rely on these forms of insurance during your rental period, Avis recommends that you check with your insurance company or credit card company before you rent.

To avoid getting stuck with damage charges, make sure you have some type of insurance coverage. Avis offers several great options that you can request when making your reservation, when you pick up your rental, or at any time in between. For more information about rental insurance policies, which vary by location, contact customer service.

Does Avis Have Insurance on its Rental Cars?

Avis provides liability coverage for all our vehicles as required by local laws. However, in some states, the coverage provided by Avis is only applied after the renter’s personal insurance has been used to cover all that it can. Check with your insurance company and with the Avis office where you rent your vehicle to make sure you know exactly what will be covered and what you may be responsible for in the event of an accident.

Exceptions 

CALIFORNIA: Automobile Liability and Property Damage Protection is not included in the rental rate. The customer may provide automobile liability insurance through a personal insurance policy or may purchase Additional Liability Insurance.

MISSOURI: Avis does not provide Automobile Liability Insurance and Property Damage Protection unless the renter/authorized driver does not carry a personal automobile liability insurance policy. In that case, Avis will provide coverage up to the Financial Responsibility Limits (FRL) at no additional charge.

NEW YORK: Avis provides liability coverage for its vehicles as required by applicable law. In most instances, this will include coverage for the renter or authorized driver up to the Financial Responsibility Limits of the applicable jurisdiction at no additional charge.

TEXAS: Automobile Liability and Property Damage Protection is not included in the rental rate. The customer may provide automobile liability insurance through a personal insurance policy or may purchase Texas Automobile Rental Liability Insurance.

UTAH: Avis does not provide Automobile Liability Insurance and Property Damage Protection unless the renter or authorized driver does not carry a personal automobile liability insurance policy. In that case, Avis will provide this coverage up to the Financial Responsibility Limits (FRL) at no additional charge.

What Are My Rental Car Insurance Options?

Sometimes renters ask, “I don’t have car insurance—can I still rent a car?” Yes, there are liability insurance options available through Avis for an additional daily charge. These options provide supplemental coverage for anyone who wants a little extra protection and temporary coverage for those who don’t have personal auto insurance. 

Learn more about your Avis insurance options below.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

A loss damage waiver reduces the amount you pay for any damages to the car. Your personal insurance may charge you a deductible if your rental car gets damaged, but with an LDW, you have no extra expenses. As long as you follow the terms of the rental agreement, Avis will handle the rest. The cost of an LDW varies by location, vehicle type, and rate.

Personal Effects Protection (PEP)

Personal Effects Protection provides insurance coverage for loss or damage to personal belongings in the vehicle. This applies to the renter and immediate family members who are traveling together. This policy will cover up to $600 per person and a maximum of $1,800.

Exceptions

NEW YORK: Personal Effects Protection insures the personal belongings of the renter and the immediate family members who are traveling with the renter. The maximum coverage is $500 per claim, with a maximum coverage for individuals of $1,500.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) provides accidental death benefits and emergency medical expense benefits to the renter and all passengers in the Avis car.

The renter is covered 24 hours a day during the rental for the following:

• Up to $175,000 for accidental death

• Up to $2,500 in medical coverage for injuries due to an accident

• Up to $250 for ambulance expenses

The passengers are covered while in the car for the following:

• Up to $175,000 for accidental death

• Up to $2,500 in medical coverage for injuries due to an accident

• Up to $250 for ambulance expenses

Exceptions

NEW YORK: The renter is covered 24 hours a day during the rental for the following: 

• Up to $175,000 for accidental death

• Up to $3,500 in medical coverage for injuries due to an accident 

• Up to $250 for ambulance expenses

PAI-Plus

PAI-Plus is designed to meet the needs of renters who require extended amounts of insurance coverage (such as visitors from non-U.S. countries).

The renter is covered 24 hours a day during the rental for:

• Up to $250,000 for accidental death

• Up to $2,500 for medical coverage for injuries due to an accident

• Up to $250 for ambulance expenses

The passengers are covered while in the car for:

• Up to $125,000 for accidental death

• Up to $2,500 for medical coverage for injuries due to accident

• Up to $250 for ambulance expenses

*Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), PAI-Plus, and Personal Effects Protection (PEP) are optional coverages available at the time of rental. PAI and PEP are sold together as an optional protection package. PAI-Plus may be purchased individually.

Additional Liability Insurance (ALI)

You also have the option to purchase Additional Liability Insurance to protect you against claims from others, such as passengers in other vehicles. Depending on your rental location, ALI increases the amount insurance pays for these claims to $1 million or $2 million. If you opt for this coverage, you will be provided with the Financial Responsibility Limits (FRL). This policy covers bodily injury, property damage, and death.

Is Group Liability Insurance Available from Avis?

If you are traveling with a team or other group, you will be required to provide your own Group Liability Insurance.