As far as I know, there isnt an insurance requirement for ANY avis rent a car vehicle anywhere. This means that Avis should not, under any circumstances, be forcing you to purchase insurance. If this happens anywhere, CALL THE MANAGER. If the manager insists, ask for the number of the state statue that requires it. Take that information and call the 800 Avis number immediately upon leaving the avis location and get clarification, or go to a local police station and ask for an interpretation.
to my knowledge, any state that requires insurance purchases MUST HAVE IT BUILT INTO THE PRICE and selling of additional insurance is illegal.
Avis provides coverage on all vehicles up to the state minimums as required by law. Meaning if you drove off the lot, if that state requires....liability of x number of dollars...that avis car has it. Whenever you purchase insurance, your purchasing for the excess of what the state minimums require. most states that require insurance will only insist on bare bones liability insurance, usually like 10-20k. The avis website explains this
here.
there are exceptions. I will transalate each exception so you understand what it means. But as you can see, Arizona is not on this list.
CALIFORNIA: Automobile Liability and Property Damage Protection is not included in the rental rate. The customer may provide automobile liability insurance through their personal insurance policy or may purchase Additional Liability Insurance.
Transalation: California does not require any insurance proof on rental cars, therefore there is no basic insurance at all. You may purchase additional or use your personal policy in the state if your policy allows for it.
MISSOURI: Avis does not provide Automobile Liability Insurance and Property Damage Protection unless the renter /authorized driver does not carry a personal automobile liability insurance policy. If the renter or authorized driver does not carry a personal automobile liability insurance policy, Avis will provide this coverage up to the financial Responsibility Limits (FRL) at no additional charge.
Transalation: Under Missouri law, avis does not provide any insurance if you have your own insurance policy. If you do not have any insurance, then avis will provide it free of charge to the state minimums. you can purchase additional if you desire. This law basically means that avis will never be primary on insurance if the renter has a policy in their own name. Even if you lie to avis, avis can do an insured search (post accident) and if your name comes up with a policy anywhere, your responsible for all liability. Essentially, Avis is a non entity in this state under any lawsuit for damage you incurr if you have your own personal insurance. so no sense in purchasing any insurance at all here unless you are from out of country.
NEW YORK: Avis provides
liability coverage for its vehicles as required by applicable law. In most instances, this will include coverage for the renter or authorized driver up to the Financial Responsibility Limits of the applicable jurisdiction at no additional charge.
Transalation: New York used to not allow the sale of insurance to its customers and required LDW and State minimum ALI to be included in price, which is why new york prices tend to be more expensive. The following changes to the law, effective February 24, 2003:
* In accordance with the provisions of the statute, car rental companies may hold authorized car rental drivers liable for actual damage to, or loss of, a rental vehicle, up to the full value of the vehicle. (Previously, authorized drivers were only held liable for damage up to $100, except in certain limited circumstances)
* Car rental companies will be permitted by the NY state law to offer for a daily fee OPTIONAL Collision Damage Waiver (also known as Loss Damage Waiver) vehicle protection. (Previously, car rental companies were not permitted to offer these optional products.)
What this means is avis, in new york, provides liability coverage up to the state minimums, where before it used to include everything.
In some states the liability coverage that is provided is excess to any other applicable coverage. This means the renters personal automobile liability insurance is used first and the Avis protection will not apply until the renters/authorized drivers insurance, if any, has been exhausted. Please check with the rental agent or nearest Avis reservation center regarding the applicability of automobile liability coverage to specific locations.
transalation: Your personal insurance may be primary depending upon the state in liability issues. HOWEVER, LDW is "loss damage waiver", not "loss damage insurance" which means that the wavier is not an insurance, therefore there is no damages that should be reported to your insurance company, rendering the damage to rented vehicle question moot. But damage to other person and property would go according to state law. In some states, your personal insurance is ALWAYS primary. In others, credit card and purchased additional insurance is primary. ask each state you visit for the difference.
TEXAS: Automobile Liability and Property Damage Protection is not included in the rental rate. The customer may provide automobile liability insurance through their personal insurance policy or may purchase Texas Automobile Rental Liability Insurance.
Transalation: The state of texas regulates the insurance of car rentals in the state. they fix the price and coverages for liability and from what I see may even administer it. It does say that avis cannot force you to buy liability insurance and it warns you that avis does not provide any coverage whatsoever unless you purchase it directly from them. Liability is through your own insurnace if allowed by your company, and through their TARLI program. Vehicle damage is still your responsibility and LDW can be purchased. In state residents are required to show proof of insurance at the time of rental (I have been told, and many texas renters tend to bring their proof of insurance with them when they travel).
UTAH: Avis does not provide Automobile Liability Insurance and Property Damage Protection unless the renter or authorized driver does not carry a personal automobile liability insurance policy. If the renter or authorized driver does not carry a personal automobile liability insurance policy, Avis will provide this coverage up to the Financial Responsibility Limits (FRL) at no additional charge.
Transalation: Under Utah law, avis does not provide any insurance if you have your own insurance policy. If you do not have any insurance, then avis will provide it free of charge to the state minimums. you can purchase additional if you desire. This law basically means that avis will never be primary on insurance if the renter has a policy in their own name. Even if you lie to avis, avis can do an insured search (post accident) and if your name comes up with a policy anywhere, your responsible for all liability. Essentially, Avis is a non entity in this state under any lawsuit for damage you incurr if you have your own personal insurance. so no sense in purchasing any insurance at all here unless you are from out of country