Hi Paul4Travel, Are you sure about this? See below. Am I missing something?

"New York State Law formerly prohibited a rental vehicle company from selling Collision Damage Waivers (CDWs) in New York on rentals of 30 days or less of motor vehicles. A rental vehicle company was not, in most circumstances, able to hold renters liable for more than $100 in the event the rental vehicle was stolen or damaged. However, recent changes in the law now make the option of purchasing a CDW, also known as Optional Vehicle Protection (OVP) from the rental vehicle company, and also permits the rental vehicle company to hold the renter liable for the full amount of damage to the rented vehicle."

Above is from webpage: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/auto/autorent.htm

And,

One More from: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/faqs/faqs_auto.htm

(In the middle of page)

"Am I protected by my insurance when I drive a rental car?

Answer: Your motor vehicle liability insurance policy covers you for bodily injury and property damage liability, as well as no-fault, when you drive a rental vehicle. However, this coverage is provided on an "excess" basis, which means that your policy will cover you if the amount of damage or loss exceeds the insurance coverage provided by the rental vehicle company. If the vehicle was rented in New York State, the rental vehicle company must provide the minimum required coverages (see above "How much insurance must I carry?").
A rental vehicle company may hold a renter responsible for damage to, or loss of, rental vehicles, including loss of use. However, your motor vehicle liability policy may provide this coverage, subject to certain exclusions in the policy and certain other exceptions (SeeCollision Damage Waivers (or Optional Vehicle Protection) and Rental Vehicle Coverage: Some Questions and Answers.). It is important to know that you as a renter may be held fully responsible for damage to a rental vehicle unless an "optional vehicle protection" is purchased from the rental vehicle company, or you have insurance coverage under your motor vehicle insurance policy or through your credit card."

Also, Car Rental Tip Sheet webpage from our Attorney General makes NO mention of this either.

http://www.ag.ny.gov/consumer-frauds...ntal-tip-sheet