You'll obviously never dealt with a rental car agency on an insurance claim. Trust me you don't want to. 1/2" hole in plastic rear bumper, $1000.
The additional insurance on a rental car is the only way to fly. For about $30 per day you can beat the living fuck out of the car.
When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it--always.