Originally Posted by threeoh

Depends on the state...in most states, yes; but in a few like California and Texas it's not. You have to have your own insurance, or buy it from the rental company.

https://www.avis.com/en/customer-ser...ions-coverages

I rented a car in California for two weeks when I didn't own a car / didn't have car insurance...turned out to be way cheaper for me to sign up for a non-owner auto policy from a normal insurance company, and then cancel after two weeks, rather than opt for the daily charge from the rental company.

Additionally, in the states where it is included, the state-mandated minimums may be much smaller than you'd be comfortable with.