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What does a rental car company cover in an accident if I only have a collision damage waiver?

I was in a three-car accident in my rental car, and I was at fault. I have a collision damage waiver through my credit card, but I declined all the other coverage from the rental company. I don't have car insurance, as I don't own a car. What will the rental company cover?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“A collision damage waiver through your credit card can get you off the hook for damage to your rental vehicle. However, it’s unlikely to cover bodily injuries caused by an accident.
Since you declined the rental company’s liability coverage, and since you don’t have your own liability car insurance, you’ll unfortunately have to pay out of pocket for the other drivers’ medical expenses and property damage.
In the future, if you don’t have your own auto policy, you should buy the insurance options offered by the rental car company or look into
non-owner car insurance
, which is a type of liability insurance that can cover you if you drive but don’t own a car. “
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