Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance is crucial when renting a vehicle. It protects renters from financial responsibilities if they accidentally harm someone or damage the property of others while driving the rental car. However, TPL does not cover damages to the rental vehicle itself.
- Coverage: Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties (like other drivers, pedestrians, and property owners). It helps pay for costs if you injure someone or damage their property in an accident.
- Exclusions: Liability insurance does not cover damage to the rental car. Renters should consider additional coverage options like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) for protection against rental car damages.
- Mandatory? In many places, liability insurance is legally required. In Europe, it's usually included with the rental agreement, while in the US and South America, basic coverage may be minimal or not included at all, prompting the need for Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI).
- Coverage limits: Liability coverage limits vary by country. Many European countries offer high or unlimited limits, whereas the U.S. and South America may have lower limits, increasing your financial risk.
- Check before renting: You should confirm if liability insurance is included in your rental agreement and review your travel insurance policies. If liability coverage is insufficient, consider acquiring Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI).
- Driving without liability insurance: Driving without liability insurance is illegal in most countries. Without it, you may face significant personal liability for injuries and damages in an accident, so we strongly recommend that you ensure that you have adequate coverage.
To see if Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance is included in your booking with DiscoverCars.com, check the Rate Includes section of the Rental Conditions.
ℹ️ Note the following:
- Our Full Coverage does not include any liability insurance.
- Most US and Canadian credit cards only cover damage to the rental vehicle and do not provide liability protection.
- In the US and Canada, liability coverage for rental cars is often included in personal auto insurance policies, but we advise checking with your insurer to confirm.