proof of insurance, when renting a car....

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I have been away, helping my parents celebrate their 65th.

I rented a car.  For the first time ever, a car-rental agent told me that if I didn't buy their insurance, I needed to have proof of my regular car insurance with me, in the rental car, in case anything went wrong and I was asked for such proof.

It makes sense that it's a good idea to have that proof with you, but this was the first time anyone had ever told me I was supposed to have it.  (When I've called my insurance agent to see if I was covered for a rental car by my regular car insurance, no one has ever told me I'd better have proof with me, and no car-rental agent has ever told me this before....)

I called home and asked to have a photo of such proof emailed to me, which I then printed and put in the rented car.

I have rented lots of cars.  I've never had proof of insurance with me.  I've never needed it, but I can see how having it, just in case, would be smart.

I'm sharing this with you, so that if/when you rent cars, you'll carry your proof of insurance with you, so you'll have it if [heaven forfend] you need it.

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