Yes yes. Sort of. Automobile rental firms do make significant profits by charging elevated prices for insurance, also it's likely to waive the insurance policy when picking your car up (although some companies have ceased this practice), but that I just suggest doing it in certain conditions. Vehicles leased in the USA should fall beneath your private insurance plan. Check with your own insurance carrier prior to booking, and if you are insured, then, by all means, decrease the insurance provided by the rental car company. If you do not you will just be wasting money on futile policy. Many credit cards also provide primary insurance (in case the card has been used to reserve the automobile ) on automobiles leased in the USA. Your regular insurance won't cover you outside the USA so don't waive that the CDW (collision damage waiver) if you've got no other kind of insurance. Many credit cards provide just secondary insurance (covering what is left once you submit a claim to the key coverage holder), although some are currently offering primary coverage for the excess charge (American Express). Discover provides all its cardholders main coverage but you definitely have to read the fine print. Personal harm, personal accountability, and damage to other vehicles or home (among other items ) aren't covered. You waived your policy and relied upon your own card company to offer insurance. Do you require a tow truck? Can you speak French well enough to describe the policeman exactly occurred? Was the other motorist hurt? I can guarantee you your credit card business in the countries will be not able to offer any immediate assistance whatsoever and also the probable hassle of filing a claim isn't going to be easy. On the flip side, when you have coverage with your car rental firm you just make a telephone call, they bring you yet another car, and you drive off. My advice: Purchase the insurance.