# Authentication

This page explains how to authenticate requests to the RentalCover API. Every request must include a valid API key. Requests without one, or with an invalid key, return 'HTTP 401 Unauthorized'.

## Getting your API key

Your API key is provisioned by your Cover Genius CSE. You receive separate keys for staging and production. Do not use your production key while testing.

Your API key is sent in the `X_API_KEY` header of your request.

cURL example:

```
curl --location 'https://api-staging.rentalcover.com/insurances/quote' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--header 'x-api-key: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX' \
--data-raw '
{
    "FromDate": "2027-08-01 23:59:59",
    "ToDate": "2027-08-01 23:59:59",
    "DestinationCountry": "GB",
    "CustomerAge": 52,
    "FirstName": "John",
    "LastName": "Doe",
    "Email": "andy.t+testbooking@covergenius.com",
    "Country": "FR",
    "LanguageCode": "fr",
    "Currency": "GBP"
}
```

## Security requirements

* Use HTTPS for all requests. HTTP calls fail in production.
* Store your API key in an environment variable or secrets manager. Never hard-code it.
* Do not expose your API key in client-side JavaScript, public repositories, or logs.
* Contact your CSE immediately if you believe your key has been compromised.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://partner-docs.covergenius.com/rentalcover/authentication.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.