euges116

I am a Canadian driver who just rented a car in California, San Diego to be specific. I'm renting a car from Advantage car rental. I do not drive at home, so I have no personal insurance. But I have the American Express Gold Card (Canadian version).

When I checked the car out, the Advantage agent said that I *must* buy the Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS) since I am not American and I don't have my own insurance. I accepted without budging.

But is this true? Or was this just a sales tactic? I understand that in California, car rental companies are not obligated to provide insurance with their base rate.

But if anyone can tell me whether the LIS was indeed mandatory or optional, I would greatly appreciate that. I'm expecting to either to go back to Advantage to complain, or just complain through American Express. But I would like to know before I do.

Thanks!