What is rental car insurance in Canada?

Updated May 8, 2026
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Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
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To the point In this guide, we explain what rental car insurance in Canada is, and give you tips on how to save money.

During your vacation, you’ll often need to rent a car to get around, to visit unusual places or simply to do your shopping. But what about rental car insurance? Rental agencies offer their own insurance, such as third-party liability, collision and theft coverage. However, before taking out such insurance, check whether you’re already covered by your current car insurance, travel insurance and credit card insurance.

What is rental car insurance?

Rental car insurance enables you to obtain insurance coverage for the car you rent, for example, during a trip. Several forms of insurance are generally available, starting with third-party liability. Then you have the option of adding supplementary insurance, such as collision, theft, personal accident and personal effects insurance. In the event of an accident, call the car rental company to find out how to proceed.

What are the rental car insurance options?

Here are the rental car insurance options available to you in Canada.

Current car insurance

For a car rental in Canada, you may be covered under your current auto insurance policy. Alternatively, you could call your insurer to add additional rental car insurance to your policy. In short, before taking out insurance with a car rental company, contact your insurer.

If need be, you could take the opportunity to store around for car insurance, either with an insurance broker like YouSet or with the help of a car insurance comparator.

Travel insurance

If you have purchased travel insurance, through a platform such as soNomad or an insurance company, it is possible that your insurance policy includes rental car insurance. If in doubt, check your insurance contract or contact your supplier.

Credit card insurance

Many travel credit cards offer rental car insurance. Most of the time, you have to pay the full rental amount with your card to obtain the insurance.

However, be sure to check the coverage offered, the amount covered and the coverage period. Also, note that credit card rental car insurance does not cover third-party liability, so you’ll need to take out liability insurance with the car rental company.

Buying rental car insurance

Finally, if your car, travel and credit card insurance don’t provide coverage, you’ll need to take out rental car insurance. Car rental companies in Canada offer their own insurance, ranging from third-party liability coverage to the supplementary insurances explained shortly.

What does rental car insurance cover?

In Canada, car rental companies offer their own insurance, generally grouped into 4 types of coverage. Take the time to understand them to make sure you have adequate protection for your next car rental.

Liability insurance

Third-party liability coverage is a minimum requirement for driving a car in Canada. It covers damage caused to other people or their property while you’re driving. Insurance companies often include this coverage in the rental price of a vehicle. However, check the deductibles, as they can be quite high.

Collision and Loss Damage Insurance

Collision Damage Waiver and Loss Damage Waiver cover the rental car itself in the event of damage. Such damage includes theft, an accident with another vehicle or fire.

Personal accident insurance

Personal accident insurance covers medical expenses for injuries caused to you or passengers in the rental car, in the event of an accident.

Personal Effects Insurance

Personal effects insurance covers your personal belongings in the rental vehicle in the event of theft or loss. Insurance companies often include this coverage in the rental price of a vehicle.

The best credit cards with car rental insurance

Here are the 5 best credit cards for car rental insurance. These cards stand out in 4 respects: the coverage offered, the amount covered, the coverage period (up to 48 days) and the rental conditions.

Bottom Line

In short, rental car companies in Canada offer their own rental car insurance: third-party liability and supplementary insurance. However, there are other options, such as your current car insurance, travel insurance and credit card insurance. In short, before taking out additional insurance, check whether you’re already covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine is the President and Founder of Milesopedia and a leading expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel across Canada, France, and the U.S.A. Now 40 years old and a father of two, he has explored more than 100 countries—many of them alongside his wife Audrey and their children. Specializing in loyalty programs such as Aeroplan, Flying Blue, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, Jean-Maximilien helps travellers unlock the full potential of their points and benefits. His mission: empower others to travel better and smarter across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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