which car rental company has the best insurance

[Matilda]

No single car rental company has definitively the "best" insurance for every customer. The best option depends heavily on your existing personal auto insurance policy, the coverage provided by your credit card, and your personal tolerance for risk. However, based on the comprehensiveness of its standard offerings and customer service reputation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car often ranks highly for providing a straightforward and robust insurance package.

Rental car insurance isn't a single product but a bundle of several coverages. The most critical one is the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), also called a Collision Damage Waiver. This isn't technically insurance but a waiver that means the rental company won't hold you financially responsible if the car is damaged or stolen. Enterprise's LDW is generally clear and inclusive.

To make an informed decision, you must understand what you already have. Your personal auto policy may extend similar coverage to rental cars, but it often comes with your regular deductible. Many premium credit cards (like those from Chase, American Express, and Citi) offer primary or secondary CDW coverage if you use that card to pay for the rental and decline the company's LDW. This can be a huge money-saver.

The table below compares the primary insurance products offered by major US rental companies. The costs are approximate daily rates, as they vary by state and rental location.

Coverage Type	Enterprise	Hertz	Avis	Budget	What It Covers
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)	$25-$35	$28-$38	$26-$36	$25-$35	Covers damage to or theft of the rental vehicle.
Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS)	$12-$16	$11-$15	$10-$14	$11-$15	Increases your third-party liability coverage beyond state minimums.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)	$6-$9	$5-$8	$5-$8	$6-$9	Covers medical expenses for you and passengers in an accident.
Personal Effects Protection (PEP)	$5-$7	$4-$6	$5-$7	$5-$7	Covers theft of personal items from the rental car.

Ultimately, the best strategy is to call your insurance agent and credit card benefits line before you rent. Confirm your existing coverage details so you can confidently decline the expensive add-ons you don't need. If you are uncomfortable with any potential risk or have minimal personal coverage, purchasing the rental company's LDW is the safest bet for peace of mind.

[LaLorenzo]

For me, "best" means simplest. I don't want to dig through my own insurance paperwork. I go with Enterprise. Their staff explains the options without pressure, and their Loss Damage Waiver is all-inclusive. I pay the daily fee and know I'm fully covered for any dings or scratches. It’s a bit more expensive, but the zero-hassle experience is worth every penny. I can just get the keys and go without worrying about a surprise bill later.

[JocelynDella]

I always check my credit card benefits first. My Chase Sapphire card provides primary rental car insurance, which is huge. So, the "best" company insurance is the one I decline. I only consider the supplemental liability insurance from the rental company, as that's not covered by my card. Hertz and Avis have similar SLI pricing. I choose based on who has the better car deal that day, since the insurance part is mostly handled for me.

[LaCollin]

It really depends on the trip. Renting a minivan for a family vacation? I'm buying the full coverage from Enterprise or Hertz—peace of mind with the kids and luggage is priceless. Just a quick business trip in a compact car? I'll rely on my personal insurance and credit card. I’ve found the staff at national airports are better at explaining the nuances than the off-airport locations, regardless of the brand. Always ask for a total cost with and without insurance before deciding.

[ParkerAnn]

The best insurance is the one you understand. Before you rent, do two things: call your auto insurer to ask about rental coverage and your deductible, and then call your credit card company to understand their policy. With that info, you can avoid being sold something you already have. All the major companies offer nearly identical packages; the difference is in the sales pitch. Go in prepared, and you'll make the right choice for your budget and risk level.