Miami car Accident Lawyer serving Florida and Georgia, answers the question: Do You Need Insurance to Rent a Car in Florida or Georgia?

Yes, you need insurance to rent a car in both Florida and Georgia, but you don’t always have to purchase coverage directly from the rental company. Understanding how rental car insurance works can help you avoid serious financial and legal trouble after a crash, something an experienced car accident lawyer sees far too often.

How Rental Car Insurance Usually Works

When you rent a vehicle, the rental company requires liability coverage. This coverage may come from one of the following sources:

Your personal auto insurance policy
Most standard auto insurance policies extend liability coverage to rental cars. This is often the easiest and most cost-effective option.

Your credit card (limited coverage)
Many credit cards offer collision or damage coverage for the rental vehicle itself. However, credit cards usually do not provide liability coverage, meaning injuries to other people are not covered.

Insurance purchased from the rental company
Rental companies offer Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), which provides additional protection if you don’t have enough coverage through your own policy.

Florida vs. Georgia: Key Differences

Florida

• Florida law requires Property Damage Liability, but Bodily Injury Liability is not mandatory.
• Rental companies still require proof of coverage or will sell their own insurance.
• Liability gaps are common and can cause major problems after serious accidents.

Georgia

• Our Atlanta car accident lawyers know that Georgia law requires Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability.
• Rental companies are stricter about confirming valid coverage.
• Drivers who are underinsured may be held personally responsible after a crash.

The best car accident lawyer in Miami can quickly identify whether coverage gaps exist and who may be legally responsible.

Common Mistake Renters Make

Many drivers assume:

“My credit card covers everything.”

This is usually incorrect. Credit cards typically cover vehicle damage only, not injuries to others. If someone is hurt, liability insurance is what protects you.

Real-World Accident Example

You rent a car in Miami or Atlanta and rear-end another driver:

• Rental car damage? Possibly covered by your credit card.
• Injuries to the other driver? Covered only by liability insurance.
• Not enough coverage? The injured party may pursue you personally.

This is when insurance claims quickly turn into legal cases handled by a car accident lawyer.

Bottom Line

✔ Liability insurance is required to rent a car in Florida or Georgia
✔ Your personal auto insurance often applies
❌ Credit cards usually do not cover liability
⚠ Rental insurance may be worth considering if coverage is unclear

If you were injured in a rental car accident, or hit by someone driving a rental, speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer in Miami serving all Florida and Georgia can help determine fault, insurance coverage, and your legal options.

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