Auto Rental in France

You should check with the credit card company you rented the car with. Mine (Chase Visa) covers all of it (including a couple of things that the rental policies don't, such as damage to someone else's property) and I don't have to purchase any additional insurance.

Thanks Lisa. You are correct. My credit card (AMEX) will cover me when I use it to pay for rental. I've rented before in Europe, and waived the additional insurance. I was just never really sure... Thanks again.

If you are staying in France or Europe in general, more than 17 days, a lease might be a better option. Google lease cars in Europe for some pages to look at.

Thanks John, I'll remember that for next time. This trip is only 2 weeks and the first week is in Paris, so I will only have a car for the second week. Thanks!

"Mine (Chase Visa) covers all of it (including a couple of things that the rental policies don't, such as damage to someone else's property)" >>>> Not correct. Third party liability insurance (covering damage or injury to people or property outside the car) is mandatory in France and is included in all rentals.

My advice, as always, is to purchase all the insurance and insurance upgrades tossed your way. I wouldn't count on so-called credit card "insurance" to properly cover you in a hassle-free manner, and in case of an accident, you want to be able to hand them the keys (after paying your deductible) and walk away. Better safe than sorry.

We just rented a car in Paris and drove to Normandy & Brittany. We used our Visa and waived the extra CDW ins. My husband was the only driver and we had to use his credit card for deposit, & payment. You can't use another card or cash which would invalidate your coverage. We used AutoEurope and I was disappointed that the quote I got was incomplete. We got charged extra taxes and a fee for picking up at a railroad station when we returned the car.