What are Florida's rental car insurance requirements?

Florida law does not require rental car companies to provide insurance, but it does require you to carry liability coverage. When you rent a car in Florida, you're responsible for any damage or injuries you cause while driving it. Your personal auto insurance policy typically covers rental vehicles if you have comprehensive and collision coverage, so check your policy first before buying the rental company's insurance. If you don't have personal auto insurance or your policy doesn't cover rentals, you'll need to purchase the rental company's damage waiver (CDW) or decline it and accept liability yourself, which is risky. Most credit card companies offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, though it varies by card type and issuer. This coverage often covers collision and theft but typically doesn't cover liability. If you're financing or leasing a vehicle through a lender, your loan documents will require comprehensive and collision coverage on that specific car, but this doesn't automatically extend to rentals. The safest approach is to verify your personal policy covers rentals before you need one, or purchase the rental company's protection plan. If you're buying a car soon and worried about insurance costs or approval, Elite Edge can help you find financing options that work with your situation. Start with the free 60-second Pre-Qualify at eliteedgeautobroker.com/PreQualify or text (954) 907-2386 to explore your options.

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