Hire Cars

A plea for help from any US people who hire cars. I'm flying out to MSP in April (my son is marrying a lovely girl from there). We need to hire a car for our second week to go nosy round the area. Usual options expected, yes sir, the basic hire cost is 10cents, then we have option X at $50 per day, Y at $40 per day etc ad nauseum. Statement, I'm ignorant of US insurance requirements; what's actually needed and what's left off to keep the apparent price down. Since it's not a corporate hire, I'm a little more wary of ignoring the optional extras, so I'm asking for advice from any well travelled drivers? What's essential, what's worthwhile, and what's a waste of money? Any suggestions appreciated.

The error of our ways

Couple of days ago I commented enthusiastically on a Sharpening Steel that I'd bought. I (tried to ) name it using a word on the box. My slightly more European son pointed out that the word, Wetzstahl, is more than likely the German for Sharpening Steel. Isn't it easy to look silly! What has me curious now is who is making this tool and is insufficiently proud to want their name on it! Seemingly the UK importer is Burton McCall in Leicester. I'll let you know if I find out the maker!