My wife and I are going to Germany in March and plan on renting a car for about 2 weeks. Since we will be driving through the Alps in winter a scratch or dent is more likely.

From everything I have read, all German rental car companies are big sticklers about the car coming back with any scratches or dings. And rental counter does a very hard sell on getting additional insurance coverage for $$$ per day.

My concern is that while I have rented cars all around the world, I have always just used my Visa Signature credit card coverage to cover any possible rental damage. And we have never done significant damage to a rental car.

How does Flyertalk recommend I protect myself from the aggressive rental car return policies? Should I just buy their insurance (expensive), should I use my Visa Signature (some coverage), should I pick up a Amex Premium policy ($25 for entire rental), or is there a different and better option?

Thanks,
Nissan