When looking at the different options for car rental insurance in the United States, you will generally run into five options. These are Loss Damage Waivers (LDW) which are also commonly referred to as Collision Damage Waivers (CDW). There is also Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), and UMP, which is Un- and Underinsured Motorist Protection. The fifth option is to not take any rental insurance at all, but well get back to that one later.
LDW/CDW takes care of pretty much everything. It takes care of your own risks, plus if the car is stolen or damaged, then Loss Damage Waivers will cover the entire cost. This is by far and away the best insurance for car rentals as far as coverage goesbut the price reflects it. Many places charge $20-30 per day for this type of insurance, which means even a single week can cost you an additional $210. This insurance can be, and often is, even higher if you rent a full-sized or luxury vehicle.
Liability Insurance Supplement is often in addition to whatever other insurance you purchase. LIS covers you for the costs of any damage or injuries that are a direct result of an accident you are...