American auto insurance is valid in Canada so Canadian insurance should be valid in the United States but double-check with your agent. While you're checking, make sure your policy covers you "driving a non-owned auto with the permission of the owner." And of course, this assumes your Canadian policy not only has liability coverage (to protect you) but also Collision coverage, which protects your personal car as well as the non-owned autos you are driving; i.e. the rental car.
If all this checks out, then simply decline the insurance they try to sell you. Actually what they try to sell you is not insurance, but Collision Damage Waiver. If you buy their coverage then you're not responsible for any damage to the rental car. If you waive it then you're either responsible for the value of the entire rental car or some specified amount. Either way, if the rental car gets damaged while you're renting it then you're responsible and you'd need to report the claim to your insurance company. Your insurance would pay to fix the rental car, subject to your normal deductible which you would have to pay. Most gold or platinum Visa and Master Cards have a free benefit that says if you rent a vehicle and charge the entire transaction to their credit card and decline the damage waiver, you're covered for rental car damage through them too. In the U.S. and Canada your own insurance would be primary and the credit card coverage excess. So if you have such a credit card then your insurance would pay to fix the rental car less your deductible and then instead of you having to pay your deductible, the credit card would pay that. Refer to the booklet that came with your card to see if it has that benefit...or call your credit card issuer. This is a great free bonus from gold and platinum cards. Make sure you follow all rental contract terms; i.e. if you are the only authorized driver don't let anyone else drive.
As for liability coverage, Florida law allows rental car companies to shift primary insurance responsibility from the owner (them) to the renter (you). This shiftiing must be in bold face type on the rental contract and everyone has this. If you're in an accident and are at fault, your insurance would pay first for injuries and damage to others followed by the rental company insurance.
Bring your proof of insurance or even a copy of your insurance dec sheet and that should be all you need. The smaller rental companies strong arm you to buy their insurance and try to scare you. If you've verified things with your agent and are thus armed with knowledge, you keep saying NO and proceed with renting the car. The larger companies are less apt to try to force you.
BobK/Orlando
