You will need a policy here in Alberta that is based on full coverage and then there is an edorsement #27 that will transfer your coverage here to a rental vehicle. If you carry one way or liability coverage only then you are out of luck for this coverage and will need to buy through the rental company. It is only about $30 per year to have this coverage provided you have full coverage and if you rent vehicles more than once per year well worth it. Also you can't buy the sef #27 as a stand alone coverage.
Regarding credit cards they can be helpful in the sense that if you have an accident it won't follow you back to your home province and auto policy and will go on the credit card group insurance policy so it is a "free claim" Be careful though as they typically don't cover third party liability and will just cover for damage to the rented vehicle which is likely not as big of a concern as the potential liability is. Also if you look at RBC Visa as an example they don't allow you to go beyond 48 days so there are limitations. If you are going to the States make sure you are covered for third party liability and collision and comprehensive and to be on the safe side be covered by your auto insurance provider in Alberta and mix in a credit card that has substantial rental collision/loss damage insurance.
The last place you want to be underinsured is in the US.
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