Back in the late eighties I was renting an airplane two or three times a week while taking flying lessons. I had always
assumed the plane AND I were insured. Eventually, I joined AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and discovered that as a aircraft
Renter, I could buy liability and property damage insurance for myself for about $150 a year through the association. My flight instructor had never mentioned it.
So I asked the rental company if I needed this and they told me... WE don't require it but It's a
REAL Good Idea, because their insurance only covers the plane & rental company and not the pilot.
A few days later I had the renters insurance.
NB