A lot of people ask me whether they should buy insurance at the car-rental counter. The answer varies—after all, you might be covered by your existing car insurance or credit card. But there are also other options you may not know about.

If you don’t like paying for liability and collision insurance every time you rent a car, you may want to look into a non-owners insurance policy.

That covers you regardless of what car you’re driving, just as long as you don’t own it.

The price, of course, varies. But if you rent frequently or long term, it may be worth it. If it saves time at the rental counter, even better.

Coverage plans also vary, so make sure your plan covers liability—which is damage to other drivers’ cars—and collision—which is damage to your own car.

Another type of insurance is personal effects coverage, or PEC, which covers items that are stolen out of your rental car.

Don’t fall for it. In general, the restrictions prohibitive—it may only apply if your car is locked and there are signs of forcible entry, and if you file a police report.

In most cases, you’re much better off filing a claim with your renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance.

Learn more in our Travel Insurance section.

Looking for more advice? Click here for more Daily Travel Tips.