Let's go over the basics. If you have an automobile with collision damage insurance, you normally do not need to purchase additional insurance from the car rental company. If you are renting with a Gold Visa, Gold MasterCard, American Express or Diners Club, you do not need to pay for additional insurance here in the United States.

Here in the good old U.S.A., the only people who really need to pay for collision damage waiver when renting cars are those with no collision insurance on their personal car and no credit card with collision damage waiver included. Unless you are in those categories, just say, "No!"

If you have any questions, take the time to call the 800 number on the back of your credit card. Each credit card company will verify that you have coverage. This may be important if you are renting an "exotic" car or a van, since different credit card companies have different rule when it comes to these cars.

Finally, after you have signed your contract and declined all insurance, make sure to take a careful look at your car to make sure that there is no damage to the automobile before you leave the lot. Once you go out the gate, you are responsible.

When you feel yourself being bullied, say, "No! No! No!" If you have any questions, call the 800 number on the back of the credit card to get some answers and when you get home give your insurance company a call so they can clarify their policy to you regarding rental cars.