Advice on car rental--do i really need letter from CC?

Question

Hi everyone,

I see very cheap prices on certain websites.

But...they say that i need collision insurance (my AMEX does cover this)...They say to bring a letter stating that my cc does cover it. Is this true? Do i need that letter???

Also, do i need liability insurance? Is this usually built into the price or will they surprise me with it?

Thank you! Looks like Fox rental cars are better than Easirent and others, but maybe not best??

Answer

When renting a car in Miami (or anywhere in Florida), the rules around insurance and credit card coverage can be a bit confusing, but understanding them can save you both money and stress. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Most car rental companies offer CDW or LDW, which covers damage to the rental car. If your AMEX or another credit card provides primary or secondary coverage, you generally do not need to purchase CDW from the rental company. However, some rental agencies may still ask for proof, especially for cheap or third-party rentals. The “letter” they mention is typically just a statement from your credit card company confirming coverage, but in practice, showing your AMEX card at pickup is usually sufficient. To be safe, you can print the benefits guide from your AMEX account or call AMEX for a confirmation letter.

Liability Insurance: This covers damage or injury to other people or property if you’re at fault. In Florida, liability insurance is required by law. Most rental rates include the state-required minimum liability coverage. However, rental companies often try to upsell supplemental liability insurance (SLI) to increase coverage beyond the minimum. You do not have to buy this if your personal auto insurance covers you or if you’re comfortable with the minimum required by law. Check your own auto policy or AMEX coverage before declining.

Tips for car rental in Miami for cheaper third-party rentals:

Check if the rate you see already includes liability; often it’s included in Fox rental cars and major brands.
Bring your AMEX card and driver’s license; ask at the counter if any additional proof of coverage is required.
Read the fine print carefully: some “cheap” rates exclude certain insurance and may require you to purchase it onsite.
Consider well-known rental agencies (Fox, Hertz, Avis) for reliability and easier credit card coverage acceptance. Smaller agencies like Easirent can be cheaper but may have stricter rules or less flexible insurance acceptance.

In short, you usually don’t need a letter from your credit card for CDW if your card covers it, but having documentation can prevent confusion. Liability insurance is often included in the quoted rate, but confirm with the rental company so you’re not surprised at pickup. For your peace of mind, Fox Rental Cars is generally more reliable than smaller agencies like Easirent, though it may be slightly more expensive.

Finally, always call the rental company in advance to confirm exactly what documentation they require for your AMEX coverage and what insurance is included in your quoted rate. This ensures a smooth pickup and avoids unnecessary upsells.